Sade and John Legend are ready to make you fall in love with their music all over again. The crowd at Sade’s first U.S. concert in 10 years, which included Legend as the opener, couldn’t have greeted the two performers more warmly as evidenced by the cheers that seemed to go on almost forever, according to critics.
Both Sade and Legend were ready to show off their music and they did so with such a fresh air of enthusiasm them that it made all of the songs they performed seem as vibrant as when they were first released. When Sade began the night with the title track from her 2010 album “Soldier of Love” and then veered all the way back to her first albums, the crowd responded with childlike enthusiasm. “It’s a beautiful thing — the best thing — to be here with you,” Sade said, once the crowd’s cheers softened a bit, according to Rolling Stone. “You kept the torch burning for all this time.”
| Onstage |
| Sade with John Legend |
| When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday |
| Where: Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW |
| Details: $29.03 to $152.50; 202-397-SEAT; ticketmaster.com |
Indeed, the torch was burning so brightly for Sade, whom some liken to a female version of the late Barry White, and romantic soul man Legend, reviewers noted it seemed at times as if there were two headliners instead of just one.
Although Sade was clearly the person the crowd came to see — the audience gave her an ovation when she appeared onstage — it’s not surprising that Legend’s smooth baritone and sophisticated looks again enraptured so many fans. He’s always been thought of as a sex symbol, and his music has underscored that moniker.
“I think some of the songs are for the clubs,” said Legend, who has won nine Grammy Awards. “Some are a bit more for the bedroom.”
But Legend isn’t afraid to musically stray a bit, as evidenced by his collaboration with the Roots that resulted in the 2010 album “Wake Up,” featuring guest appearances by Melanie Fiona and the rapper Common. He makes clear that he’s a fan of pop, rap and everything in between and is always looking to gather his influences and bring out the best possible sound at the time.
“Everything, to me, revolves around my tours,” he said. “I want to get out there and make the most of it and have some fun.”
