I don’t usually bother to review compilations, but when they are as good and comprehensive as this one, then I’m happy to make an exception. Sade resurfaced last year after ten years away with their very good Soldier Of Love album, which enjoyed massive success – particularly in the US – and eventually led to the band’s first world tour in a decade.
To coincide with the tour, which is just reaching its conclusion here in Australia, the band’s label have released this set to remind us fanatics what a pure class act Sade is, and no doubt to initiate the new fans who were caught up in last year’s hype. The packaging is fantastic and spread over two CD’s is some of the greatest pop/soul/R&B music one is ever likely to hear in a single sitting.
All of the band’s finest moments, including “The Sweetest Taboo,” “Cherish The Day,” “Your Love Is King” and “No Ordinary Love,” are all here, untouched by the remix wizards in all of their original glory. Some lesser-known tracks like “Bullet Proof Soul” and “Immigrant” have been included, and they hold their own alongside the group’s massive hits such as “Smooth Operator” and “By Your Side.” 
Considering that this collection spans twenty-seven years, it amazes me how contemporary it all sounds and how the old and new songs blend together so easily. It’s also worth noting that Sade Adu herself not only remains stunning in person; her voice has barely aged either over the course of the journey.
The most pleasing aspect of this set, though, comes as the second disc nears its conclusion, and that is simply some new songs that were left over from the Soldier Of Love sessions. The most surprising of which is a smooth and soulful cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Still In Love With You,” which sounds beautiful and is more in line with the style of 2000’s Lovers Rock album. “I Would Never Have Guessed” is a stunning piano-led ballad that features some nice harmony vocals.
The best of the new songs though is the uber-cool “Love Is Found” which is how modern R&B/dance tracks should sound. The groove is infectious, and Adu’s delivery is wonderful as she channels a bit of Donna Summer’s classic “I Feel Love.” Jay-Z appears on the remix of “The Moon And The Sky,” and along with the Neptunes’ remix of “By Your Side,” they are the only touched-up songs here, although both original versions have also been included.
The DVD is just as satisfying as it features all of the band’s well scripted and expertly shot videos of all of their finest moments. A few standouts are “No Ordinary Love” (that features Adu as a mermaid), “Paradise,” and the sublime “Is It A Crime.”
So whilst I am still I awe of Sade’s incredible Melbourne concert (an audio and visual masterpiece), this set provides the soundtrack to those memories and it would make an equally satisfying Christmas present for even the most casual of fans.