For bitter and cynical naysayers of love, Facebook stalking exes or watching a bloody Quentin Tarantino marathon might be your best bet this Valentine’s weekend. But for those mushy gushy oh-so-in-love couples, Sade’s latest album Soldier of Love is a necessity for a weekend of candlelit romance.

Her first album since 2000’s Lovers Rock, Sade reunited with her band for the first time in 10 years to record what has been called one of her most ambitious albums yet. Sade’s decade-long hiatus is nothing out of the ordinary, however, as she has released only six albums within her 25-yearlong career.

“I only make records when I feel like I have something to say,” Sade said in her online biography. “I am not interested in releasing music just for the sake of selling something.”

And the wait has definitely paid off. Soldier of Love is a graceful force of powerful lyrics, complex layering and an effortless energy that flows through each track. The album’s title track, “Soldier of Love,” will surprise listeners as Sade’s supple voice is supplemented with the intensity of tribal beats, electric guitars and powerful base rhythms. Her angelic voice carries equal strength as that of a soldier, while her intensity is impenetrable.

Another surprising track channels Sade’s Nigerian roots with an upbeat reggae sound in “Babyfather,” giving a fun twist to the album’s crooning ballads.

Soft and romantic tracks such as “The Moon and Sky” and “In Another Time” will provide the perfect soundtrack for the weekend with that special someone. The familiar sensuality of Sade’s crooning voice returns with romantic spirit, as the lyrics speak to her listeners, carrying them along a stream of consciousness that drips with sensuality and affection.

And with more than just emotion and beauty, there is intentionality behind Sade’s tracks exhibited through the deliberate use of instruments and lyrics. In the heart-wrenching track “Morning Bird,” Sade introduces a true love ballad filled with sadness, passion, pain and sorrow. Delicate piano keys and violins begin the deliberately slow track, while a chilling tambourine sets the tone for the remainder of the song. It is remorseful, enchanting, desperately sad and beautiful, with lyrics that speak to listeners with earnest. “How could you?/ You are the morning bird/ Who sang me into life every day, fly away/ You are the blood of me/ The harvest of my dreams/ There’s nowhere I can find peace/ And the silence won’t cease.”

And yet Sade is often associated with the music that you find in your parents’ CD collection. With a career that began before most of us were born, it’s easy to see how her talent might slip by younger listeners who might see it as “outdated.” However, Sade’s voice is genuine and her intentions clear. Although she may be over 50 years old, her beauty and wisdom are relatable to all ages, and in her latest CD especially, her songs will leave you haunted and checking out Sade’s iTunes essentials… just you wait.

4 1/2 stars out of 5.