Album Reviews
If it's possible, Stronger Than Pride is even wispier than Sade's two previous albums; it's so thin and understated that it leaves a mist hanging over the turntable (or, more likely, the CD player). Her lyrics are mostly brief pillow notes, with their hooks chanted over and over.
Serving as producer for the first time, Sade curbs Stuart Matthewman's dramatic sax lines, the crucial ingredient of "Smooth Operator," in favor of an ensemble grace centered on the deft bump of Paul Denman's bass. Brisk urban tracks like the hit "Paradise" alternate with acoustic material inspired by Brazilian bossa nova, but the sensual ambiance is soon spoiled by the dearth of melodies; the album is so tasteful and restrained it's dull.
(Posted: Aug 11, 1988)
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- Portions of Album Content Provided by All Music Guide © 2009 All Media Guide, LLC.