SADE

Helen Folasade Adu

DIAMOND LIFE (1985) (U.S.) [Diamond Life] Portrait RK 39581

Sade launched herself onto the popular music scene in 1984 with the release of Diamond Life. Its lead single, "Smooth Operator," introduced the world to a wonderful new sound. Here was a song that seemed to have everything including an outstanding melody, smooth lyrics, sultry vocals, and emotive sax accents. Moreover, the timing of the CD could not have been more opportune for its success. At that time, rap music and heavy metal had not yet significantly degraded the pop music industry or its promotional channels (especially MTV). Consequently, "Smooth Operator" got significant airplay on both radio stations and television. This combined momentum launched the CD to widespread international success. The singles "Your Love is King", "I Will Be Your Friend", and "Hang on to Your Love" built upon that initial success.


PROMISE (1985) (U.S.) [Promise] Portrait RK 40263

With this much market exposure, Sade had no problem releasing a second album, Promise, in 1985. Leading singles like "Is it a Crime", "The Sweetest Taboo", and "Never As Good As The First Time" garnered critical acclaim and steady airplay. Sophisticated listeners also enjoyed the brilliance of the deeper songs on the CD... "War of the Hearts," "You're not the Man," and "Tar Baby." Promise is still regarded by most as Sade's best album, and it certainly solidified a worldwide market for her. Credit, however, must also go to her talented band. Keyboard player Andrew Hale and bassist Paul Denman are certainly outstanding musicians, but it is Stuart Matthewman who seems to be the other creative force behind Sade. It is evident in the song credits and one can certainly hear it in the music. Stuart is arguably the world's most sensual sax player. Yet, even though the range and emotion of his playing are unmatched, it is his passionate songwriting skill that I am most impressed by.


ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS SOUNDTRACK (1986) (U.S.)

STRONGER THAN PRIDE (1988) (U.S.) [Pride] Epic EK 44210

After some delay, Stronger Than Pride was released in 1988. The album contained several great songs including "Nothing can come between us", "Keep looking", and "Clean heart". In general, however, it seemed slightly more dilute than its predecessors. Part of this has to do with the lack of a hit single on the CD, but part of it also has to do with the melodic restraint on many of the tracks. Even the great songs listed above make generally subtle melodic statements and many fans were left hoping for more definitive songwriting on the next album.

LOVE DELUXE (1992) (U.S.) [Love Deluxe] Epic EK 53178

That CD finally came in 1992 under the title of Love Deluxe. Its lead single was "No ordinary love," a gritty guitar-based song that experienced market success even though it was not as strong as some of Sade's past singles. The best tracks on the CD are "Kiss of life " and "Bullet proof soul." These songs retain some of the magic that had brought her fame so many years ago. In general, however, Love Deluxe signaled a shift in Sade's musical style. It now seemed slightly devolved from the sophisticated, intelligent composition of the late Eighties to a more Hip-Hop influenced Nineties mix. Sadly, the focus previously devoted to evocative melodies and complex sax arrangements was instead placed on heavy R&B bass lines accented by rather ordinary guitar riffs.

THE REMIX DELUXE (1992) (Japan) Epic/Sony Records ESCA 5700

THE BEST OF SADE (1994) (U.S.) [The Best of Sade] Epic EK 66686

INTERVIEW DELUXE (1992) (U.S.) [Interview Deluxe] Epic ESK 4877

Soundtrack for Philadelphia (Epic Soundtrax EK 57624). However the song "Please Send Me Someone To Love" that appears in that movie was subsequently included in the release The Best of Sade.


This is the only book I have been able to find that has been written about The Lady and/or the band. It was published in July, 1986 so it is somewhat out-of-date. The publisher is Paperjacks. The author's name is Mark Bego and the ISBN is 0-7701-0470-3.

Diamond Life Video DIAMOND LIFE VIDEO

Hang On To Your Love
Smooth Operator
Your Love Is King
When Am I Going To Make A Living
(Note this is the only video that does not appear on the Life Promise Pride Love video compilation)

Life Promise Pride Love LIFE PROMISE PRIDE LOVE

Your Love Is King
Smooth Operator
Hang On To Your Love
Never As Good As The First Time
Sweetest Taboo
Is It A Crime
Paradise
Nothing Can Come Between Us
Turn My Back On You
Love Is Stronger Than Pride
No Ordinary Love
Cherish The Day
Kiss Of Life
Feel No Pain

Sade Live SADE LIVE

The Sweetest Taboo
Keep Looking
Your Love Is King
Love Is Stronger Than Pride
Smooth Operator
Red Eye
Haunt Me
Like A Tattoo
Kiss Of Life
Nothing Can Come Between Us
Cherry Pie
Pearls
No Ordinary Love
Is It A Crime
Cherish The Day
Paradise
Jezebel

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