Phillip Damien - Pearls

The original song is from Sade's 1992 album Love Deluxe. It's a haunting, almost acapella song about a poor Somalian mother trying to gather rice to feed her child. While an unlikely choice for remixing into a dance song, Phillip Damien produced several amazing bootleg mixes using the album version that circulated on a white label 12". The remixes were never officially released, spawning a number of cover versions based on Phillip's bootleg mixes. Two new versions by Phillip with Michael Moog and Junior Sanchez have been released recently. Both have a current yet classic feel to them.

-Listen to clips and purchase here (Beatport)

Grade: A

Fader Lima - Ghost In The Machine

Newcomer Fader Lima is set to unleash her brand of music known as "Intuitive Pop". It is really hard to describe this genre as it draws upon so many styles. "Ghost In The Machine" immediately brings to mind the sound that has been characteristic of Sade's work throughout their illustrious career, however, this is a bit more uptempo. The Sade comparisons don't end there as Fader's vocals are just as smooth and beautiful as Sade Adu's. The divinely sung lyrics are so captivating.

Listen to the song here:
Ghost in the Machine by Fader Lima

Check out Fader's other songs on her SoundCloud. "J'Attends" and "Emergency" call to mind the work of Everything But The Girl and The Ananda Project.

Grade: A

Sade - Love Is Found

This is one of the other new songs on Sade's recently released The Ultimate Collection. The midtempo R&B track starts off slowly with a sparse production and some vocals and then funk-laden beats come in. Sade's velvet vocals soar beautifully over the production. There are some remixes for this by Alex Metric and Gareth Wynn. Alex Metric's 80's synthpop/electro/house mix is hard and aggressive, while Gareth Wyn's is a ligher funky house one. The latter fits the vocals better. Some of the harder production elements surprisingly work. The vocals at the higher tempo do take some getting used to.

-Listen to the original here (YouTube)

Grade: A

Sade - Still In Love With You

New material from the velvet-voiced singer is always welcome. This song is actually a cover of a song by Thin Lizzy. Sade's interpretation is simply sublime. It is simply spectacular. Do check out the original as well. This song is one of three new additions to their upcoming second retrospective Ultimate Collection due for a release on May 3.

Listen to the song here (YouTube)

Grade: A+

Sade - Soldier Of Love

It has been nearly 10 years since Lovers Rock was released. It was announced late last year that Sade would release a new album this year, however, the album entitled Soldier Of Love will be released on February 8, 2010. The much-awaited single of the same name was absolutely worth the wait. Stylistically, this isn't different from the Sade that many have loved and cherished for so many years. It almost feels like they picked up where they left off. The midtempo track is a joy to listen to from start to finish. Sade Adu's vocals are silky smooth. The production is crisp and rousing.

Listen to the song here (YouTube)

Grade: A