In times of turmoil, Sade has returned to us with a precious, time and space-transcending present.
It’s been seven long years since we last heard from the notoriously private Queen Sade Adu and company, following the release of their The Ultimate Collection in 2011.
As promised by director Ava DuVernay, Sade crafted a track for the soundtrack of A Wrinkle In Time.
“I never thought she’d say yes, but asked anyway. She was kind + giving. A goddess. We began a journey together that I’ll never forget. Proud to announce that Sade has created an original song for WRINKLE IN TIME. It’s entitled ‘Flower of the Universe.’ And it’s a dream come true,” she wrote.
The prolific No I.D. — the man behind Kanye West‘s “Heartless,” who’s also worked with Rihanna at least once per album since Talk That Talk, and helmed a bulk of Jhene Aiko‘s Souled Out among many other contributions to music — helmed the track, released as a surprise on Monday (March 5). And it’s gorgeous.
“A legend. Sade, it was an honor. #wrinkleintime,” he wrote.
“A late-night treat for all you Flowers of the Universe. My thanks to No I.D. And thank you to @SadeOfficial. You are a queen and a visionary and we love you. #WrinkleInTime,” added Ava.
The track stays entirely true to Sade’s signature quiet storm style – soul-soothing vocals, slightly melancholy melodies and seductive strings – but with a spooky distant knock and ominous electronica permeating throughout the production, giving it a moodier feel.
“They hear you when you cry / This love is far and wide / When you smile, the stars align / Flower of the universe / Child of mine,” Sade declares.
No I.D. also did a remix of the song for the upcoming soundtrack (due out on March 9), which appears alongside the original version. God, it’s just so nice to hear her voice on something new again.
Push play, and let the beauty blossom across the galaxies.
“Flower Of The Universe” was released on March 7. (iTunes)
This song is featured on the MuuTunes Spotify playlist. Subscribe!
Photo credit: Sophie Muller
