Sade

Time Out New York
Preview

The Brit soul sensation returns, still sexy after all these years.

For so many pop acts associated with the 1980s, the link to that era is permanent and usually not altogether positiveSuggest: So many pop acts of the 1980s are permanently linked to the era—usually not in an altogether positive way. Most stars are doomed to a career of revival tours, or at least a lifetime of staying faithful to a certain haircut. You’d think the same might be true of British soul-pop sensation Sade, who typified a certain ’80s style: Fronted by uncommonly beautiful singer Sade Adu, the band (yes, band) scored hits like “Smooth Operator,” which namechecked exotic destinations (Chicago! Key Largo!) to the sound of a languorous sax riff.

In their day, Sade records had the same cachet as black lace underwear, red Porches and cappuccino machines. But for all its cool and sexiness, Sade was never flash. There is subtlety to the music, and a tantalizing air of mystery to the singer—who has never conducted her relationships in public, posted embarrassing tweets or shown off her beach body. Instead, she reappears with a new album, seemingly out of the blue, every decade or so, with both music and musicians existing outside such petty concerns as time and trends.

That kind of grace is timeless—and these days unique. Will it be sufficiently potent to transport 16,000 fans beyond these hulking stadiums for a few hours? If anyone can pull that feat off, it’s Sade.