Return of the Tender Lover
Babyface
(Def Jam)
Three and a half stars
Babyface's new album title suggests that it is a loose sequel to 1989's Tender Lover. In his first original album in a decade, the 56-year-old proves he hasn't lost his touch, with yet another strong batch of R& B tracks lovingly composed and immaculately produced.
The record finds him in celebratory mode as he heralds the power of love and appreciating the strength of the opposite gender. The opener, We've Got Love, is aural honey. Everything is in the right places — from the funk guitar riffs and cascades of synth lines to the warm, approachable vocals.
The blissed-out vibe continues on Exceptional, which rides on a smooth summery groove. Walking on Air's sun-kissed Motown rhythm sounds like an updated version of Marvin Gaye's How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You), while the affectionate Standing Ovation is destined to soundtrack plenty of Mother's Day promotions next year. At times — such as on Love & Devotion and Something About You — the album becomes cloyingly sentimental. However, Babyface keeps the collection down to a tight nine songs that are a welcome return of an R& B master-craftsman.
sasaeed@thenational.ae
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
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The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now