In 2008, while promoting the sprawling LotusFlow3r album, Prince told The Los Angeles Times part of the album was inspired by being “sick of waiting for Sade to make a new album.” Less than a year after that record’s release, it’s safe to say that Prince can shut up.

A new record by Sade. The first in a decade. The longest spell between Sade records ever. Ten years went by since the excellent Lover’s Rock, since the unforgettable “By Your Side,” since lead vocalist Sade Adu opened her mouth and rekindled the world’s passion with her gorgeous voice crashing like a wave over listeners.

In some ways, nothing has changed. That voice is strong as it ever was. And the ultra-hip production, with its mix of coffeehouse acoustics and strong, beat-driven melodies, is still there, making the decade-long gap between this and Lover’s Rock feel more like 10 minutes.

But that’s not to say the record is more of the same. When Lover’s Rock came out in 2000, the biggest concern in America was the bursting of the dot-com bubble or the recount of the presidential election. Times are obviously much tougher today; consequently, Soldier of Love makes you consider how Sade’s message has changed with the times - and how it may affect your enjoyment of the record?”

Luckily, Sade herself acknowledges that sea change on the stomping title track. “Trying my hardest/doing my best to stay alive,” she croons, “I am love’s soldier.” The band isn’t satisfied to deliver an LP of smoky bedroom jams as though nothing ever changed since they left. Other tracks like “Long Hard Road,” “Bring Me Home” and “The Moon and the Sky” have a surprisingly somber lyrical bent – an interesting contrast to the sensuous arrangements that slink through your speakers.

But it wouldn’t be fair to listeners – or themselves – if Sade threw up their hands in defeat without throwing a few punches in the name of love. To that end, Soldier of Love delivers nicely. Besides the title track, there’s the gentle “Morning Bird,” the reggae-flavored “Babyfather” and uplifting slow jam “In Another Time,” all packing lyrics as romantic as the melodies they’re paired with.

The surprisingly weathered lyrical content may come as a shock to listeners ready to cue up Soldier of Love for their Valentine’s Day celebrations. But Sade has produced a solid message of love for the new decade. With any luck, they won’t stay away for too long.