Oh, Manchester, So Much To Answer For

It's indicative of what a fine year this was for singles that what would've seemed a sure bet to make my top 10 only places at #29. After a decade's absence, Sade returned with this glorious single, based around a militaristic snare tattoo and some chunky guitar stabs - this was not your mother's Sade, certainly. "I'm at the hinterland of my devotion" should've been another tip-off. Probably the darkest Sade single ever by furlongs, this is also superb. Don't you just love it when a beloved artist's return doesn't disappoint? This sure as hell didn't. Ms. Adu's voice, too, has deepened and gotten richer over time.