When you are feeling cold and alone, when you want to indulge in the ambiance of melancholy, when you are down with a case of insomnia -- just put Sade's Lovers Rock in the player and give it a whirl.

This album reminds me of pink roses, people holding hands, cool fall days, candlelight and slow walks along the beach.

Produced by Epic Records in 2000, Sade has continued her tradition of making good lover's rock. The title is ingenious, isn't it?

Born in Nigeria and raised in London, Sade Abu makes music with a subtle British and Nigerian undercurrent. Present in her album is the element of an acoustic beat paired with the creative use of tropical instruments.

Her cool, seductive styling gives Barry White a run for his money. Through the years, she competes with the soft jazz of Kenny G in the '80s and the passionate R&B D'Angelo of the '90s.

Sade's songs are found as essential mood-setters during the melodramatic love scenes on Dawson's Creek, as well as during tear-jerking moments in sappy love films.

Sade is a hidden gem in the sea of mellow music. Most of the songs on her album are just as addicting as her popular single, "By Your Side," if not more.

Her soft yet controlled vocal ability lures the audience away from the words and transcends into the rhythm.

Songs like "King of Sorrow," "Every Word," and "Somebody Already Broke My Heart" stir a mood of profound introspection, while "Lovers Rock" and "Slave Song" rouse a whimsical softness. And judging by its popularity, "By Your Side" isn't too shabby either.

Often criticized for her lack of inventiveness, Sade's music tends to have similar underlying tones. Her first album, Diamond Life, was released in 1984. Since then, she's been playing poker with the same hand. The only difference is the ordering of the cards.

Some people expect new things from dynamic musicians, but uniformity is what people expect from this silky songstress. Well, I say if it's not broken, don't fix it.

Her lyrics are thoughtful and enigmatic. Lines from "Slave Song" -- "The tears run swift and hard and cold as pain/Even, even the comfort of a stone would be a gain" --demonstrate that her lyrical ability is as keen as that of any contemporary poet.

This is especially important, since finding meaningful lyrics is getting progressively more difficult as the prolific pop world keeps throwing out flat-liners.

Most people buy an album expecting to hear at least 12 to 18 tracks. When you buy Lovers Rock, you just get one. All the songs, even though distinct in some sort of way, sound strikingly similar. They might as well be merged into one. At least you know what you're getting yourself into.

To cure your life's woes, Lovers Rock won't be the miracle drug. But, for something good to listen to, download a few and call me in the morning.