Sade: 'Babyfather'

Sade turned 51 earlier this year - not that you'd know it to look at her. Still oh-so-smooth of skin, still absolutely stunning, it probably seems like she's chilling with her mum's friends when she's out with her poor mates. Listening to Soldier Of Love's fine title track, we quipped that it could well be the lack of hard graft from a one-album-a-decade act that's helped her stay so fresh-of-face. But perhaps it'd be better if more popstars saved up their energy like her - rather than chucking out sub-par efforts whenever the pool needs refilling with champers.

So what of 'Babyfather', then? Well, it's not as striking as its sultry predecessor, possessing a much friendlier, summery vibe. Twanging acoustic guitars combine with that still-rich voice, so-laidback-they're-horizontal drums and positive lyrics about fatherhood and family love. Words that could have come off a bit icky ("Smelling sweet and soapy like fresh air... Your daddy love come with a lifetime guarantee") actually manage to sound rather sweet. It's not the most exciting thing to hit our ears this year, but it's still nice enough stuff that should keep things ticking on for Sade fans until album #7 comes along - some time in 2020, we imagine.

> Click here to watch the video for 'Babyfather'