With Sade missing in action pretty much since her “Lover’s Rock” CD of 2000, it seems fitting that “Soldier of Love,” her new single, has a military vibe to it. The singer compares love turmoils with those from war. Putting aside the fact that that many years ago Pat Benatar made that similar lyrical point, the title track of Sade’s new album due out in February frames the singer’s smooth and silk vocals nicely with a spare rhythm track driven by a snare drum.

The question is has it taken Sade too long to come back? Or is this the right time for her to hit the charts once again?