Music Review: Sheila E. "Sister Fate"

Sheila E.

Sister Fate

Album: Romance 1600

Year: 1985

            Sheila E. has to clear obstacles before she can be with her crush in the  cold  “Sister Fate.”

             A rowdy saxophone opens the single, pushing the the hyper synths aside. It sets a uncontrollable tone. People have noticed. She was sitting him at lunch. Their chairs were close, their shoulders touched. She hears their names whispered together. People already think they are dating. The speculation has made her wonder what will happen. (“There's a nasty rumor that's goin' 'round /People think that  you and, you and I are goin' down /They insist that we're more, more than just friends /So I'm gonna stick around until this movie ends.”)

          In the chorus, the right moment will occur and then they will be an official couple. But they have different schedules and the chances are running into each other are slim. She has to be patient. (“I'm gonna leave it up to Sister Fate, destiny /She's the only thing that's standin' in the way of you and me/Sister Fate, destiny/One day we're gonna be together, wait and see, wait and see.”)

         He asks her if she just saw that. Two women were giggling and gossping. She nods yes. Apparently, he says to her, you are in love with me. However, they only know what they see. She would go with him anywhere to be with him. (“There's an awful story that's in the news /People say that I'm, I'm in love with you/If they knew the real truth, they'd probably die/I could never do nothin' to live up to those lies.”)

           The chorus is sung again.

           The first verse doubles as  the bridge. 

            The chorus is sung again.

             A variation of the chorus is sung again to end the single. (“Wait and see /Sister Fate, Sister Fate, Sister Fate/Sister Fate, destiny /She's the only thing standin' in the way of you and me /Sister Fate, destiny/One day we're gonna be together, wait and see.”)

              Sheila E.’s gaunt vocals blend in with the saxophone, which seems to be determined to take over every aspect of the single. She does have a moment in the bridge where she does a campy reading of the first verse. Then, she returns to her normal voice and gets forgotten again.  Why is that saxophone still going? Where’s a producer when you need one.

             The permissive  “Sister Fate” needs to discipline the incorrigible saxophone.