Recently Sade ended their seven-year hiatus with the fine year 2000 LOVER'S ROCK album, which is musically so-close-yet-so-far from their 1984-1993 recordings. SADE LIVE (recorded in San Diego, October 1993) closes the book on the first decade of their/her musical career, presenting live versions of eighteen songs culled from the first four albums. Obviously this is a must-have for fans, but anybody who wants to hear these memorable songs again periodically should be happy with either this collection and/or the simultaneously-issued videoclip compilation (LIFE PROMISE PRIDE LOVE).

All of the hits are here, plus a few choice album tracks. The remastered 5.1 sound is excellent on this DVD release, capturing their live sound with clarity and fullness. The DVD has a few minor extras besides the surround sound, such as chapter access, a discography, a brief biography (basically a press release for LOVER'S ROCK), and offering the option to display lyrics karaoke-style on the screen in several languages.

For the most part, the group sticks closely to the original studio versions in these performances, although occasionally the group's subtle jazz touches become more overt (particularly on SMOOTH OPERATOR). Mostly though, vocalist Sade Adu is in the forefront, singing with a quiet fire and at times physically moving within the flow of the music. Never demonstrative either vocally or in her stage mannerisms, she nonetheless is a captivating presence both to hear and to look at, and her voice is in top form throughout this concert.

Reading all of the claims that this was studio rerecorded made me pull out this DVD again to see for myself if this was true. Not that I needed an excuse to watch it... In any case, I seriously doubt this is the case with this concert. The background instruments (congas, tambourine, etc...) were all in sync with the songs and you could hear Sade's voice fade in and out at the exact spots she moved away from the mic. Perhaps there was a cut to an instrument or two that was a little off in the edits, but you would have to consciously be looking for mistakes as I was. I know in today's age of lip-synching pop stars, vocal harmonizers, and drum machines it's difficult to imagine a band that sounds as good live as they do in the studio, but this band is just that good.

Recorded live at the San Diego Open Air Theatre, this DVD gives you a great selection of Sade's classic hits. No flashy stages or explosions here. The subtle lighting combined with Sade's breathy voice invokes the intimate feel of a jazz nightclub. The director does a great job of showcasing the various band members, but keeps the focus primarily on Sade throughout the show. The sound quality is excellent (especially considering it was recorded ten years ago) and this DVD edition doesn't have the lighting problems and graininess the VHS owners were complaining about.

Even if you own all her albums, you'll want this live performance to add to your collection. Watch it with someone you love.

If you are a fan of Sade and her music, you will really enjoy this DVD. I actually purchased the video around 1993 but having on DVD really enhances the concert. The 5.1 Dolby Digital sound is wonderful to hear and the clarity in the DVD format is amazing. This is a wonderful concert because the song selection spans the depth of Sade's music career with the exception of her new release, "Lover's Rock". This DVD rivals her "Best of" CD released several years prior. However, just listening to this DVD performace surpasses the experience of her "Best of" CD because her band is wonderful. This concert features some wonderful extended versions of "Cherish the Day" and "Smooth Operator" as well as great concert versions of her other hit songs. Her vocal performace is fabulous and the energy of both her and her band trancend from the DVD into your living room. A great buy.

There are three Sade DVDs, I own them all, and this one is the best. One of the three is a collection of her videos and though they are well done, there is just nothing like watching an artist--especially someone as talented and emotive as Sade--perform her songs live; it adds another dimension to the experience. It is strange that her music is very different than the music that I like, but yet it still appeals to me. I can't even classify her music; there are a lot of musical genres but there is just one Sade.

For any SADE fan, this is a must for their collection. If you are deciding between the Live concert or the Life,Promise,Pride,Love, choose this one. The live show demonstrates her talents musicaly and on-stage presence. You are better off listening to the CD's if you pick the collection DVD, unless you want to listen to it in DD5.1. I was a bit disappointed with the DVD with regards to the transfer. I was fortunate to have seen this same concert on Laserdisc about four years ago, and I seem to recall it to be much brighter and more vibrant in color. Never the less, it is still a must to buy for a SADE fan. Also pick up her new release Lover's Rock, which is also fantastic.