If there was ever a performer who came with the classic vibe right out the gate, it’s Sade: even from her debut, Diamond Life, she seemed to exude the best qualities of a past, idealized era. Everything she’s put out since has been quality – some great, some better than others, but consistent, and weirdly never boring.

Sade’s new single, “Soldier Of Love,” finds her reaching for new heights at a point in her career where she could comfortably cruise on her laurels, however. Even at this late juncture, this could be the single of the year. On the one hand, this is vintage Sade – all breathy, jazzy cadence, understated soul, and smoky ambience. On the other hand,  she’s pushing new boundaries: hard, martial hip-hop drums that could’ve burst right out of RZA’s sampler, Miles Davis-style “Sketches of Spain” horn flourishes, Rage Against The Machine-esque hard rock guitar crunch, and above all a pointed yet playful melancholy that rivals Nina Simone’s. The title, “Soldier of Love,” seems to tie in thematically with the title of Sade’s upcoming album, Warrior; all we know is, she’s still killing the competition after all these years. Respect!