Reviews (page 10 of 13)
Solid. Nice bass work. Smooth operator is a great opener and the tone stays consistent but nothing matches that song
Nice
smoooooooooooth operator too damage
SO SMOOOOOTH!!
Could be better
Some nice slow r&b but it also kinda feels like the melodies are a little repetitive. Smooth Operator is a solid hit.
Meah. Not bad. Just not my thing. Apparently I pronounced the name wrong.
Smooth operator is a GOAT, the album is pretty good.
A good album. But I won't come back to this.
It’s a vibe- the same vibe- from start to finish. I remember when Smooth Operator was first released. It sounded like nothing else out there. So smooth!! But when you listen to song after song after song with the same groove and tone, it gets dull.
Nice 80s pop, just not my thing.
Liked it more than I thought I would. That's not to say I really liked it but it was OK. As per the first track, it was smooth. Really not too much more I can say than that other than a low but definite 3.
So smooooth. Got so much soul, and some funky wah-wahs too. Had this album back in the day which was way out of my usual taste. A very high 3.
Smoother than a 1000 telephone operators. (If they still existed). A very accomplished debut album, which washes over you like waves on a beach. That's enough romantic twaddle for one day.
In case you were confused like I was for most of my life: Sade is both the name of the band and its frontwoman, Sade Adu. Formed by Paul Anthony Cook, Paul Denman, and Stuart Matthewman after leaving their previous group, they placed their bets on Sade’s undeniable vocal talent. That gamble paid off spectacularly with the release of their debut, Diamond Life. The music is smooth and clean—almost impossibly so—like hair conditioner. Every sound is deliberate, and each note is meticulously crafted to elevate the vocals, creating a refined, atmospheric blend of jazz, soul, and pop. Unlike many divas of the era, Sade’s delivery is subtle. Her lower register doesn’t overwhelm but seduces, drawing you in without ever needing to show off. The power lies in her restraint, letting the emotion simmer beneath the surface rather than explode. Today, the album’s polished production might sound a bit safe, but I remember hearing “Smooth Operator” as a child and instantly recognizing its standout quality. Amid the hits of the time, it exuded a cool sophistication that was hard to ignore. It’s no surprise Diamond Life became the best-selling debut by a British female artist for many decades, and remains a classic of the era. While I usually gravitate toward grittier, more unpredictable sounds, I found Diamond Life to be an album I could easily glide through—albeit one that feels slightly one-paced at times. It’s an album that can easily blend into the background if you’re not actively tuned in. Did/Do I own this release? No, although my mother probably did Does this release belong on the list? Yes Would this release make my personal list? Unlikely Will I be listening to it again? Occasionally, and only when in the exact right mood and place.
Smooth and cool album. Standout songs: your love is king Sally
It’s like Marvin Gaye met a girl with no talent and had a baby with some talent
Trevligt album med bra låtar och fint spelande. Stark 3
Bah, normal. Agradable. Electro-R&Balternative R&Belectronica.
Nice trip down memory lane in a miami vice kinda way, the hits are still great but the album didn’t hold my attention.
I dig it, completely a time and place album though. Only added one track to the 1001 Experience Playlist
Not bad listening, but it almost felt a bit like waiting room music.
I like this more than I expected I would! It’s still not necessarily my jam, but a good album nonetheless.
A very nice soul album with little substance, but a whole lot of style...and there's nothing wrong with that. 3 stars.
Enjoyable album as background during dinner. Would revisit in future!
Elevator music, well crafted 3.2
She has a great voice. Wasn't really turned on by the music. It's a decent listen.
"Ahhh! 'Sade'." "Yeah, but that's Liz's!" "Yeah, but she did dump you." Þetta var mjög fín plata sem ég mun reyna að setja aftur á við en ég býst samt ekki við að ég muni muna eftir henni þegar þar að kemur.
Solid popular album. Smooth Operator is a great song. Can't think of a ton to type but makes sense to be on the list and it was easy to listen to, even if I did feel like it was all blending a bit.
I can see how some love it just not my personal thing. Well executed tho Rating: 2.8
Smooooooth. Maybe too smooth. But rather nice still.
probably closer to a 3.5 for me. killer sax.
Not for me. Especially the last song.
Sade suffers from a peculular problem with fans like me. I REALLY like her music --- One song at a time. Ok, maybe two or three, but every time I have ever sat down to listen to all of any of her albums all the way through... frankly (?) I get kinda almost (but not quite) bored. Ok. Now. Some bands are kinda boring because they are one hit wonders or generally not interesting. Others are kinda boring because they have great music intermixed with fodder. Sade IS quite great all around and some of her stuff is sublime. It is to do with the similar sound and vibe. Great one song at a time or two, she needs (and ought BE) in a mix where she will be one of the loved.
Great voice, always been a fan of Smooth Operator but this album as a whole was a bit average for me. It didn’t really get off the ground past the opening track so a mid rating
She’s pretty good, just not my style, lounge music
Some really nice songs here lovely voice and good arrangement
Smooth Operator is another strong contender for best opening track off a debut album. She has a great voice, maybe the sexiest voice ever. Jazz, funk, R&B, this is a fusion of them all. She has one of those old school sultry voices, I’d listen to her order a sandwich. This has a very 80s sound…there’s a little bit of a porno music vibe to this, particularly all the saxophone. Early 80s Michael Jackson, Liberian Girl Michael Jackson shares a sound with this album. The 80s were truly a dark time for R&B. Giving this a more thorough listen at my desk, Hang On to Your Love is great and it blended in when I wasn't devoting my full attention to the album. When Am I Going to Make a Living, another one I missed when I wasn't paying attention.
smooth
The hits are better than expected, but the rest kind of dragged.
Groovy
At first I thought this would be a terrible album, but it actually has redeeming musicianship. All the songs are very smooth. I likely would've given this album a 2 if it weren't for Smooth Operator and Sally. Sally is definitely the best song on the album with incredible saxophone playing. As a debut album, this is incredible. Props to her, I can see why people enjoy listening.
Smooth as hell
Definitely got some smooth vocals, but this isn't my taste any more than it was in the 80s.
3/5
A very nice, easy listening album
Not bad.
I love "Smooth Operator". The rest of the album is okay - not overly inspiring but would be great background music for a candlelit dinner....
Smooth-Jazz-Chillout-Lounge-Music umschmeichelt meine Ohren, während ich nach einem freien Platz an der Bar suche. Heute Live-Musik lese ich auf einem Plakat. Ich drehe mich um und... Scheiß auf die Bar denn da steht Wow! Die Augen siegen über die Ohren und ich stürme nach vorne :)
Smooth Operator 3.4 Your Love Is King 3 Hang On to Your Love 3.1 Frankie's First Affair 3 When Am I Going to Make a Living 2.9 Cherry Pie 3.2 Sally 3.1 I Will Be Your Friend 2.8 Why Can't We Live Together 2.6 Score: 3.011111111
Yesterday was '80s jazz-rock and today we follow that up with '80s jazz-pop. This isn't bad or anything, but it kind of sounds like what you'd expect for the soundtrack at a dimly-lit hotel bar filled with out-of-town business execs. Sade has a nice enough voice and the mid-tempo jazzy beats are more or less enjoyable to listen to, but I don't think this is really going to stick with me at all. This does have a pretty different sound than a lot of what else was coming out at the time though, so credit to them for that. Favorite song: Your Love Is King Other: Smooth Operator, When Am I Going To Make a Living, Why Can’t We Live Together 7/7/24
Måske lige en anelse for smooth men godt nok lækker produktion ellers. En del gode numre. Jeg ville ikke have ofret den på en zombie (og jeg har faktisk pladen!)
Smooth Operator is a great opening track, but it didn’t really go anywhere from there. Nice and relaxing, but felt like I was listening to multiple versions of the same song over and over.
forgettable
Glad I liked Smooth Operator, because every song sounded just like it.
Gear: Hifiman Arya Artwork: 💎+ Mix: 💎+ Musik: 💎= Wertung: 💎💎💎/5
Unoffensive and well executed but does not sound groundbreaking today
A solid, groovy, funky LP
rich vocal performance. 💄🍬🤎☕👗 no highlights for me as this album gelled together so seamlessly. see also: tidal (fiona apple, 1996); kopiko coffee lollies; smooth 91.5fm.
This was a decent album. Very vibey. Sade's voice is great as always and there's some cool guitar work. It got a little too smooth jazz for me at times, and some of the songs started to run together. I prefer Love to this album. I wouldn't mind having this on as background music, but I don't know if I'd seek it out much for an active listen. 3/5 but would give a 3.5 if I could.
It’s very good 80’s smooth jazz record. I do like Sade’s sexy smooth voice and the sound of this record. But ultimately I don’t find it especially memorable.
Fine. Not sure i'd listen to it again.
STANDOUTS: Smooth Operator OVERALL: 3/5
Smooth operator was never my favorite. It’s nostalgic, so I’ll usually listen, and her voice is excellent. I just can’t reconcile that this album just sounds soooo 80s….Still the songs are catchy and inoffensive.
Very smooth listen, I dig.
3.5★ Sensuous, seductive, somber, sober, subtle—suave and sophisticated even its most emotional—but also a little humdrum, both with the somewhat repetitive lyrics and the sonic flatline. I wish it was just a little darker—it would go a long way.
feel like this is what the style council tried to be
A nice, vibey album. I could get down with this, and did. Another album I kinda wish I had on vinyl, as it would really set the mood. What mood you ask, I’ll let you decide that one. That said, Smooth Operator is clearly the front runner on this album. It shines the brightest, and the rest of the album doesn’t match that first song.
So this is the person who sings that “Smooth Operator” song! Ultimately, this was a really good album that got my Sunday morning started. It didn’t blow my mind or anything, but it was very relaxing, smooth, lush, and chill. I don’t really see myself going back to this album in the future, but I don’t regret listening to it either. So I guess I would say it was middle of the road.
A very relaxing listen. I'm not one for an entire album of love/longing songs, but I think the smoother tone of the album at least keeps it interesting enough. Decent, but probably not something I'd rush to come back to. Top tracks: Smooth Operator, Your Love is King, Why Can't We Live Together
Boppin bass lines.
Strong start but lags
Smooth music and sound.
Inoffensive adult contemporary with an R&B flair. Not really my thing but a nice change from classic rock and she has a nice voice.
Not for me
Not a musical style I'll actively listen to (too shmooove for me), but Sade does have a great soulful voice.
"Smooth Operator" es un clásico, esa canción por sí sola sostiene el disco casi es su totalidad.
Rach found it highly amusing that I pronounced this artist’s name as “sayd”. How was I supposed to know she is “shar-day”? Anyway, I can appreciate this smooth jazz pop for what it is, but it brings back too many memories of 17 year old me working in Pizza Hut where Smooth Operator seemed to play ten times per hour. I would probably enjoy this more if not for that, but here we are. It is a pleasant background album once getting past that song though.
good
When this came out it seemed so cool because it was different than the other music played on MTV. It’s still a nice, laid-back listen but it sounds very 80s,
Laid back pop jazz. Really deep and introspective themes with light smooth jazz movements throughout the album. Really easy listening, great for cooking or reading or maybe even baby making. But, not worth deep contemplation. Also, Smooth Operator a timeless banger became a fuckin' tik tok song and it was hard to enjoy. At least there was 8 other tracks to jam out to.
Nice
Sade is such a great artist, can't say I'd listen to this album on repeat (too unvaried and jazz-like), but still a beautiful collection of songs.
very nice soulful, smooth, and jazzy sounds. personally some songs felt that they went on too long but overall good production and stunning vocals.
Well this seems like a polarising album. I think it's OK. Very much does exactly what it sets out to do.
Beautiful voice and musical style. Lyrically stuck heavily on love songs which are good but not amazing.
Better than I thought it would be.
Smoooooth operatooooor 2/3***
This album has this weird sexiness to it. Maybe it's the tone in her vocals. Jazzy, loungey, easy listening. The brass in this record is great. But Sade is where this album shines. Her vocal performance is a solid 9/10. Overall, her vocals were great. But this album is definitely not for me. Happy to have listened. Don't need to revisit it though as it sits well as background music.
Smooth and has plenty of classics. Sade's singing is great and the production is consistent, but I wish it had a little more edge to it.
Is Sade a solo act? A Group? Whatever, she’s one smooth mechanic.
Geinige swanky muziek
Some classic 80s hits, not the whole album though
Not my typical kind of music, but Sade has a very unique/recognizable voice. It was relaxing and enjoying to listen to.
Smooth and easy listening to start of the week was much appreciated. Sade’s influence on future artists is very apparent and I’d even go so far as to say she opened the door for soulful British female singers that blew up in the 2000s. I enjoyed it, and there will be some tracks I’ll come back to.
How do you pronounce her name? Is it (Say-dee), or (Say-duh)? Is it just (Sad)? Easy to listen to and I knew a few songs.
very sufficient music. will provide ears with sufficiency
Incredibly well-produced - and the profuxtiin is fairly timeless, too, especially considering what decade we're in here. There's also more happening here musically/instrumental than I expected. Sonically, it's very much started its own genre, so it deserves to be on the list. And yet. It's very... Adult contemporary, content-sounding and sort of lacking in drive. And I know I'm being mean to Sade here, without wanting to.
A smooth operation…
Not exactly my thing, but does make me wanna give a relisten and maybe another of her albums
Here’s your eighties soft pop right here. THE example.
her voice is great, but felt the tracks blend in to each other. was ok as background music. lot of the songs hooks repeated too much for me. she does do a great job of blending voice with instruments. 3.5 stars
Cool, sophisticated but not memorable except for "Smooth Operator." I enjoyed this album but nothing stuck with me. 3.2 stars rounded down.
Overall a bit unmemorable. But "Sally" stood out. Old-school dramatic jazzy thing, very noir vibe.
Kind of boring but pleasant enough just the same. I didn't know Sade did Smooth Operator. That's about as much a bop as elevator music gets.
For me, this is one of those influential albums just blend into the era they were created in. Sounds like generic 80s to me. The only song I knew was Smooth Operator, and it is now stuck in my head.
Liked this far more than I thought I would. Easy smooth jazzy with Latin overtures. Hang On To Your Love was my favorite here. Nice album. Smooth Operator is almost a memeish song.
Love smooth operator. Great song to open an album. moving into your love is king which is equally great. It goes down hill from there and becomes very biege and safe. Slcik sounds with very little edge. I can see why people like Sade but she is not for me. Favourite song: Smooth operator Least favourite: from track 3 onwards all songs are a bit meh. Album artwork: Strong cover
Its Sade
Najbolje pjesme: 1. Smooth Operator 2. Cherry Pie 3. Hang On To Your Love
The lead singer has an enchanting, beautiful voice. On a few too many of the songs here, the hooks repeat themselves until the appeal is gone. The production is a bit dated to my ears as well. I didn't dislike my listen, but I wasn't moved by it. Highlights: Hang On to Your Love, Frankie's First Affair
I'm with Kev here on the 80s pop R&B vibe just not being what I'm into. Two songs in, I certainly can appreciate the quality of her voice and the backing vocals, but the instrumentals are drowning in cheese. Something about the over-produced silky bass mixed with saxophone and artificial keys just reminds me of growing up shopping with my mom at a department store (lol just re-read Kev's review; funny we are in the same spot mentally here). Instrumentals for Hang On to Your Love have an undeniable groove about them. This taps a similar energy to Beat It, but like more relaxed. Love the meaty bass here with the scratchy guitar licks. Sally is another standout to me. Describes Sally (if genius is to be trusted a personification for Salvation Army?) as someone who was there for a number of people fallen on hard times -- taking in people swallowed up by the streets in one way or another. This album isn't something I'll be back to anytime soon, but I'm actually glad to have listened to it. Sure, the instrumentals have plenty of cheese, but the production is clean and there were several points that actually pulled me in. This is a solid 3 for me.
I knew Smooth Operator. Common theme of knowing like one song. I'm not familiar with Sade. Sounds like an 80s drama fill soundtrack with some jazz vibe. 3 stars for me
Enjoyable listen that had me going in and out of paying attention while working. A nice jazzy number is always welcome in my headphones. Definitely caught some 4 star moments in here, but ultimately I was tuned out for too much of it to really warrant a 4. Definitely a high 3 though.
Pretty solid jazz-pop that was really cool at times but at other times a bit boring. Smooth Operator is obviously a jam, but I have to give it a knock because Carlos Sainz Jr chose it as his theme song and fuck that guy. I'd say the highs outweigh the lows and this turned out to be a pretty high 3
I almost like Smooth Operator, Hang on to Your Love, Cherry Pie (instrumental parts, especially intro), Why Can’t We Live Together (especially intro)
2.75
The loveliest taboo. 3 stars.
I have very vivid memories from when I was a kid of smashing my head against a wall waiting for my mom to finish up shopping in the Lord and Taylor in the mall a few towns away. I am convinced this is the album they were playing in the store. I associate this type of music with that stale department store smell and the cinnamon from an Aunt Annie's pretzel. That's all to say that as oddly nostalgic as this album feels, it's so safe. I can't speak to whether or not this was 'revolutionary' when it came out, but nowadays it sounds pretty unremarkable. Pretty standard commercial music coming out for the decade.
While I really enjoy Sade's voice and smooth operator is a banger, the rest of the album didn't wow me. Definitely great for more relaxed listening.
A little groovy here and there. Not my genre so doubt I'll give it another go. Good for a one time listen from me. Will I listen to again: 0.1%
Sade should team up with Slade from Teen Titans
Super smooth. I liked the similar songs that Spotify found as well.
I like this artist more than I thought I would.
Es tönt alles easy guet, aber au sehr ähnlich und für mich irgendwie z langwilig
Feels like if you told ChatGPT to make a jazz album with Nico’s vocals. This album confuses me. Sometimes I really enjoy the unique vocals, then sometimes I find them abrasive. This can change even mid song. Instrumentals are solid though.
Good I guess? Kind of a blur
This album felt like elevator music, which made me wonder if elevator music in the 2060s will be Beyoncé, Cardi B, SZA, etc. I never wanted to turn this off, but probably won’t listen again.
A fun thought experiment here is, what would this album sound like if it came out today and someone was like, “hey maybe cool it with the sax?”
Me ha gustado... lo justo
It's OK. She's obviously very talented and has a great, smooth voice. But the songs sound quite dated to me. I'm actually a little disappointed, to be honest, because I've always known Sade to put out masterpieces - but apparently they haven't aged well to my ear.
How the heck did I not know that Sade was the artist behind Smooth Operator?! Also that Smooth Operator is now a 40 year old song (!) as is this album. What a wild time when I hit play on Diamond Life. I was also shocked to note that on Spotify Smooth Operator was not the most listened to song on the album! At the end of the day, who can resist the smooth sounds of Sade with her stellar debut, whilst it wouldn't be on my regular rotation, it is lovely to hear every now and then. Best: Smooth Operator Worst: Cherry Pie
It's very pleasant and chilled. Smooth songs, sung very nicely. I wouldn't usually go along with this level of sensual 80's sax, but you know what? It's working. 3.5 rounded down.
Unexpectedly good. It makes you wonder if you’ve already hear it somewhere else. I won’t put it more than three-stars because those qualifications are reserved only for albums that I would listen by my own and that I would REMEMBER to play. I doubt this would ever happen with this…
Sexy and engaging
Very much the silk sheets of 80s music
I expected to enjoy this more than I did. Smooth sounding with decent melodies, but ultimately a little too boring for my taste.
Bah, normal. Agradable. Electro-R&Balternative R&Belectronica.
Smooth, jazzy, repetitive
Nice and smooth. Despite is not my main music style I really liked listening.
Smooth Operator bangs, naturally.
Always thought Sade would be neo soul Erykah Badu-esque but this had an older soul sound to it. Good voice and made me want to listen to more
Sade is cool
Love her voice, the smooth bass and jazzy saxophone are great. I've hear Smooth Operator countless times, but never with the spoken word intro, they must cut it out for a radio edit. I also liked "I will be your friend " off this album. It was pretty good, definitely different from what was being played on the radio at the time. Best track Smooth Operator
B- Smooth Operator 4 Your Love Is King 3 Hang On To Your Love 3 Frankie's First Affair 3 When Am I Going To Make A Living 3 Cherry Pie 3 Sally 4 I Will Be Your Friend 3 Why Can't We Live Together 3 To quote Tom Hardy in the timeless film This Means War, "Sade is not exclusive, my friend."
The music here was alright, not bad. Biggest problem here is that the production is way to clean for my personal taste.
It’s unfair to be judgy about this album because Sade has a gorgeous voice and the musical choices completely work. Dinner by candle light? Put it on, open the wine, and let everything breathe. This album will deliver the right notes. Except.. just like the line in Your Love is King, “I’m crying out for more” here. I kept wanting stretch in this album. I wanted her to climb tougher hills instead of blending in with the admittedly lush sax notes. As I said, it’s not fair of me to judge, but I wanted it to take bigger steps.
5.5/10
Smooth soul and it doesn't get any smoother than this, especially "Smooth Operator" and "Your Love Is King".
3/5
I grew up listening to this album because my mother loved Sade. Not my cup of tea but there are a few songs that I enjoy.
Not bad, I like her sound a lot. Not many standout tunes, but I'd like to hear more
Nice but repetitive in melody
Some groovy 80's music. Really like Smooth Operator and Sally. Could use a few more upbeat tracks.
Sounds like 80's porn music. Not bad. Favourite songs: Smooth Operator, Hang On To Your Love, Cherry Pie Least favourite songs: Frankie's First Affair, Sally 3/5
One of my old favorites, reminds me of my younger youth. Still love the style of music and her smooth voice.
In the span of just 6 days, I've had albums by Mariah Carey, Madonna, and now Sade. My Spotify algorithm is going to think I'm a middle-aged mother going through a divorce. It's pretty good. Very smooth, as the name of the first song implies, but I'm very rarely in the mood for this kind of music and today was no different.
I remember liking the smooth operator song back in the day, and remember the video well, but listening to the whole album it really sounds the same after a bit. Extra point cuz she's cool
Nostalgia trip
Sade
Good. Definitely a relic of the time.
Someone sped up some vaourwave! On first listen I found the album to be bland. I have listened to it 3 times now to try to get a better understanding. I have managed to find some interest and have warmed to it somewhat. 2.5+/5
I don’t like this genre (quiet storm?) and Sade in general.
I thought this was pleasant but the band really carried Sade here. Her voice is smooth and all but I wouldn't say it blows me away. It almost sounds like that when she pushes her range, it kind of... falls flat and makes me want more? Anyway, Smooth Operator the biggest hit of her career, all other tracks are fine. 6/10.
Nice jazzy pop music
Bah, normal. Agradable. Electro-R&Balternative R&Belectronica.
Best Song: Hang On to Your Love. Really dug the groovy vocal rhythm. Worst Song: Cherry Pie. I like actual cherry pie as much as I like any of the myriad songs that reference it, which is to say not much at all. Sing about pumpkin pie if you want my interest. Overall: Liked it a lot more than I thought that I would. Soulful, poppy. Easy-listening that works well for cooking or lounging.
Tu peux le laisser en boucle sans enlever une seconde, très très smooth... Je comprends totalement Elrich Bachmann: "Just maintain eye contact, light some scented candles and throw in some Sade. The early stuff, though, before her arrangements got too baroque."
"See the people fussing and thieving, while the sharks are wheeling and dealing" It's the 'smooth operator' album, but it offers more than just a single hit. This is the type of female vocalist jazz that I can enjoy (looking at you, Ella Fitzgerald). I put this album on, and as soon as I knew it, it was over, not due to the run-time, but because it flows really nicely in the background T1- "Smooth Operator" is a really really nice track with an addictive chorus (playlist track). Tracks 2 and 3 "Your love is king" and "Hang onto your love" were also notably good tracks, but not close to the caliber of Smooth Operator. The rest of the album wasn't memorable, and didn't add (or take away) much. Another album with what seems to be a 1 hit wonder with other decent songs around it. 3/5
So smooth and sultry, some lovely bubbling bass and silky vocals. Not my usual cup of tea but a nice way to spend 44 minutes.
Next 5 Songs played by my Spotify playlist: Al Green - Let's Stay Together Bill Withers - Ain't No Sunshine Amy Winehouse - Love is a Losing Game Lenny Kravitz - It Ain't Over 'til it's Over Marvin Gaye - Keep on Dancin' Part 1
😎
Legendary classics
Groooooovy!
Very pleasant
Smooth af
Enjoyable 80s smooth jazz-pop that bears repeated listening.
Haven’t listened since it came out, but it was good at the time.
One hit wonder.
It's very much an album that defined that period of time, and I enjoyed listening to it having not done so for decades.
This album is a time capsule. It's like opening up a time capsule of early-to-mid-80's R&B/soul. You have the soft keyboards, the easy tempo and the excessive use of the saxophone. It makes me want to hop in the car with my parents and listen as they turn on the easy listening station as I play my Gameboy. This isn't a bad album at all. It's good for the 1980's and has a specific sound that was not really heard prior to this album.
A good album at what it's trying to do.
Smooth operator has a great chorus but the rest is pretty meh background music. Second listen I liked it a bit more but still only a 3/5
-Didn’t write a BL- AL: Sade is very good at what she does. I however find that she’s a bit of a one trick pony - atleast within the scope of this album. While it was by no means bad the album ended up dragging for me by the time the last 3 or so tracks occured. Smooth Operator is still a classic though FT: “Smooth Operator”, “Frankie’s First Affair” 3/5
Fun album, a little samey for my liking but I generally enjoyed the vibe
This sort of super smooth pop-soul is definitely of a certain era, and not that much my thing, but it has a certain charm.
It makes for pretty smooth listening
Soul.
Ganska soft och skön.
Sort of disappointed because I knew and liked Smooth Operator but the rest of it felt like background music; I spent most the time focusing on the bass which is interesting because it wasn’t exactly mind blowing. Album overall wasn’t too bad.
Not something I would think to listen to but I enjoyed it
Decent album, but Smooth Operator is the only song that really shines
A classic album. Very nostalgic and she has a lovely voice. I only wish I could have listened to it again. Originally I was thinking 4* but truly maybe it’s a high 3*
awe, my wife's favorite artist. I liked it, maybe 3 stars.
This was 1984?? That doesn’t seem right. And yet… yeah, I guess it does. While I could’ve sworn “Smooth Operator” was more of a 1988 or 1989 thing, much of this album feels more connected to sounds of the ‘70s than what I think of when I think of “‘80s music.” For example, if you say “Cherry Pie + ‘80s music,” I’m going to reply with “Warrant” every single time even though that technically came out in 1990. Just how my mind works. I’m not good with dates, guys. But speaking of, there are some songs on here like “Cherry Pie” that don’t much move the needle for me, but on the whole I liked the album more than I expected. And I think I may even like “Frankie’s First Affair” more than “Smooth Operator,” which has never been a song I’ve loved, per se. But there’s no denying it’s got a vine and an ability to stick in your head for (almost) four decades. And that’s gotta count for something. Good on ya, Sade.
I like Sade's voice and this album was smooth as. Smooth Operator is a classic. Fave tracks When Am I Going to Make a Living, and the 80's vibes on Why Can't We Live Together.
A weird amount of vitriol spewed at this album in the reviews! It's not quite my thing, but I appreciate the smooooveness and Sade has a lovely voice, so it's a perfectly pleasant background listen. No complaints! Fave track - "Smooth Operator" was the one I was familiar with going in - "Sally" I quite liked, too!
her first album smooth operator is here but the rest is forgettable
Enjoyed this a lot more than I expected. She's got a lot of interesting textures in her voice, and the storytelling is both nostalgic and vivid.
Have the vinyl, remember when Sade burst on to the scene like a breath of fresh air. Beautiful voice. Understated production. Doesn't really hold up as anything super special in the context of history, though.
2/9, 22%
I can see why this is popular but not for me. A high 3.
Ihan jepaa, mut ei silleen mitään hirveen erikoista. Mutta smooooth operatoooor
This album has most of the right ingredients for me: strong jazz influence, thoughtful lyrics, strong voice. The arrangements are nice, but it feels like there could have been more sophisticated uses of the instrumentation. Favorite track: Smooth Operator
jazzy pop ballades aren’t really my thing, but I can hear the direct influences on others artists and albums. I’m sure folks in the 80s were blown away by this record. It still holds up pretty well.
Good, weird tone shift after ramones
Not really a fan of this, but I knew 80% of the songs. Must have been playing on the radio during my tenure as a maintenance man at TJ Maxx circa late 90s.
Top 3 Songs: 1- Your Love is King (2) 2 - Cherry Pie (6) 3 - Smooth Operator (1)
Seductive, obviously. Not as dated as you might expect. 3/5
So good, had echt een kut album kunnen zijn maar het klopt allemaal vind ik qua flow. Vooral details kan ik van genieten zoals de beetje tropische beats, nice akkoorden en de saxofoon. MAAR: Wat een bad B-side.. Favoriete nr.: hang in to your love
Feels like a 3*; some good tunes and a good vibe but nothing outstanding.
Fine.
This is cocaine jazz, providing the perfect backdrop for conversations between lines following your eighties themed dinner party. It's so smooth you can listen to it front to back and still want more. Five hours later you realise you're not the smooth operator of the titletrack.
Smooooth operaaaaator Followed by inoffensive choons
мне кажется я слышала его один-два раза лет двадцать назад на домашнем сд-центре в полутьме, ну он милый) респект ей за такой популярный альбом
Listened Before? N Nice silky smooth 80s pop. Smooth Operator is a classic if you were alive in the mid 80s. I enjoyed the rest, too. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Smooth Operator
This was fine. Very 80s. I did not mind listening to it, but I don't think it is anything amazing.
It was decent
Frankly I liked the vibes but think it would hit much harder if I was cruising Route 66 or something on a road trip. Not great not terrible. 3/5
Smooth operator by carlos sainz, formula 1 racer for Ferarri, is my favorite song. Coast to coast la to chicago? I mean i guess lake michigan could count as a coast… But real talk this record is a vibe from the get-go. I feel like its hard to dislike this record, its got good vibes, great production, soothing vocals, what else would you want? However! Im not too sure if i feel like this is deserving of one of the greatest records of all time — i do get a little tired of it going through the record as it has the same problem as some other records we’ve listened to, its TOO consistent, most songs have the same general vibe and styling, but alas they are very well made and its hard to not enjoy it for what the music is.
This one is nice! What a refreshingly pleasant album to listen to that didn’t drop any hard slurs! I don’t really have a ton to say as this album isn’t exactly the most memorable. It’s a pretty chalk album, but at this stage of the 1001 generator project I can’t be upset with chalk. I think this album is the pinnacle 3.5 rating, it’s something great to put on when you have the in-laws over (something I have no experience with unfortunately). P.S. for Chip: That first track was giving some real Steely Dan vibes.
Smooth is right, the album flows from one song to the next with no real bumps or distinguishing features for each track. The opener is certainly a standout track but the rest are pretty vanilla.
Yeah, fine.
Listened to it while gently pottering around tidying the house on a Sunday afternoon. It was perfectly fine for that.
Ziemlich Ruhig aber schön! Ich würde es aber eher als Hintergrund Musik hören
Nice and smooth (operator).
Would be rad playing in a party under conversation, but focusing on it revealed few secrets or rewards.
Well I normally hate 80s albums and Sade did get a bit of a reputation as coffee table/dinner party/wine bar music but you know its pretty fine. Her voice is great and the the production is not like s typical 80s album. 3.5
Decent.
Not bad
sade's diamond life was absolutely a pleasant and smooth listen. the jazz undertones, especially with that horn (!), is what made for such a smooth ride. there were no bad songs, because it was such easy listening. but at the same time it made for good background music, it was too uniform and it blended too much together. i wish there was something to make it stand out more. ultimately, an average album.
Another artist that I had heard OF, but not actually HEARD. This album was beautifully sung and recorded, but ultimately a bit uninspiring for me. It was pleasant enough to listen to, but was just very middle-of-the-road. I will say, "Your Love is King" is an exception to that statement -- this song really struck me and I couldn't wait to go back and listen to it again. The album closer, "Why Can't We Live Together", also had its own very unique vibe and passion that resonated with me, leading me to look at it as a standout song from the album. Really, all of this was easy enough and unoffensive to listen to, just also not particularly remarkable. This is probably a 2.5+ for me, so rounding it up to 3.
Pretty solid 80s pop album.
it's ok, sounds like something you would have sex to.
It was good but it all kinda sounded the same
Classy stuff. Not something I'd race to put on, but I was and would be happy to listen to it (and found I enjoyed it more if I really listened than as background music). It was starting to get a bit same-samey through most of the 2nd side, but then the last track was enjoyably different.
The best tracks on this are the opening 2 tracks, both killer singles in their day & still holding up very well, track 3 (Hang On To Your Love) & the last track, a cover of a song by American r’n’b singer Timmy Thomas, Why Can’t We Live Together. The other 5 tracks are not quite as good, but, put them all together & the album flows quite well. I was really only familiar with the first 3 tracks, but thought the LP was a pretty good listen.
ok but not great
Not my usual fare, but it's hard to go wrong with Sade. She's got a fantastic voice, and "Smooth Operator" is a classic.
Solid
Smoooooth (operator).
Sade y otro disco con Groove y buenas vibras. Las letras no me matan, pero no son malas, tiene una voz espectacular, las melodías son hermosas y el remate del disco se lo da la delivery de la artista que es excepcional. Por mas de que ninguna canción me cansó me precio bueno pero tirando a medio.
Now this is the 80s
Smooth and sexy is how I would describe Sade. Her voice is incredible and pretty unique. Mot for everyone and some of the songs seem to similar. The First three songs are best, Smooth Operator, Your Love is King and Hang on to your love. Pretty sure if you're going to get laid, you're already into it by the 3rd song. If not, no loving for you. Special shout out to the remake of Warrant's Cherry Pie. Sounded entirely different than the original. Haha. My wife really liked some Sade back in the college days. I encouraged her to be a special guest on our album review. She declined, but she's still awesome! First 3 songs are 3-4. Rest is a lot of, yea, this is OK. 2.5 for me. Will score a 3 because I thought of college and my beautiful Mindy
Smooth Operator, what a banger! Loving her voice so much! It sounds exactly like my Finnish musician friend. I never knowingly listened to Sade other than hearing Smooth Operator of course. Now I'm really enjoying the sax and her voice and passion, amazing. Very relaxing and sophisticated. I'm not so hooked after Smooth Operator though I'm a bit bored zoning out. Overall it's creating a good vibe and feeling but not exactly capturing my imagination.
Apparently, I should start 2023 with an extensive 80s vibe. Nothing so much special about this one. Good vibes, the first song is nice and memorable, but nothing else is a particular highlight for me.
Bien, mais pas vraiment marquant.
One of the, if not the most recognizable smooth pop, soul, funk female voices! Sade has a beautiful warm, tender voice. She pens down great catchy hooks and has a solid band supporting her. Key tracks: Smooth Operator, Your Love Is King, Hang On To Your Love, When Am I Going To Make A Living, Cherry Pie, Why Can't We Live Together 7.5 out of 10
Enjoyable enough. Not amazing.
Nice not too crazy tho
There is no question that Sade has an amazing voice, it is just a pity that she is backed by what sounds like lift music. The arrangements on this album have really dated, which is a shame really
A nice voice and some great tracks, bit as an album i found it kinda up and down.
helt bra men de klicka int helt me mig
Omg…. Såååååååå chillllll
Kool
Its starts off really nice, but drops off a bit badly
Nudne, 2.5/5
It ess OK
A pleasant background album but nothing extremely memorable here for me Saved tracks: Smooth Operator, When Am I Going to Make a Living, I Will Be Your Friend
Not as polished as I remember, she sounds so young!
Muito legal, me lembrou música nacional boa. 7/10
80's smooth contemporary music. Classic voice.
first listen kinda sleepy, not the worst 80s record i've heard
Smooth
Solid
This was nice and relaxing. One of those albums where nothing really stuck with me but the spotify radio that came on after the end was pretty good.
Pretty decent, starts out strong
Soul. Un megahit. Se me ha hecho bola. Un 3.
Bah, normal. Agradable. Electro-R&Balternative R&Belectronica.
Sade was a good singer. I like the songs "Smooth Operator" and "Your love is king".
1001 Albums is part of my morning drivetime routine. Would have loved to listen to Sade after dark. Mood would have been more intimate. Still lovely to listen.
Meh
Hasn’t track 1 come up on the show multiple times?
The first half is great, but then it tapers off. Overall still good. 3.5/5
Ok… i dont know
Love Deluxe is better
Pretty good
Good hang monday, cold and bad at work, cha cha real smooth
Decent
gostei mas as músicas são muito parecidas
good but tiring eu daria 3,5/5 se desse pra fazer isso
I should like this more than I do. Too much of it sounds the same.
A bit too smooth for me. ; doesn't really stick either. Good background music. Sooth operator is quite catchy though
really nice. will be going back to a couple of songs on here for sure. something id like even more if i was in the mood for it
On one hand, I wonder if this is elevator music that I'm listening to. On the other, it sort of works on me [but what does that imply about me?]. I guess I've been conditioned to like Smooth Operator. P.S. Not the most, how shall I put it, modern album in terms of lyrics, is it?
Such a beautiful voice, such a great singer. It's impossible not to be hooked when she sings the line, "Coast to coast, LA to Chicago..." The other songs on the album are solid, but nothing too outstanding. 3 stars.
Close between a 2 and 3 for me. I liked it on the first listen but was a little boring coming back the second time, might just be nostalgia for me from high school. Compositions are not super interesting but I do love the horn work on this album. Her voice is very relaxing and nice, good music to work to. Favourite songs: Smooth Operator, Cherry Pie
Chill album with some classics, all in all not something I would generally listen to but enjoyable none the less
First time listening to this album. One of a kind voice. Favorite track is ‘When Am I Going To Make A Living’.
it wasn’t bad, it just didn’t really catch my eye.
Well the singles are the singles, there's no denying the production (gets a star) it's is as good as it gets, it worked as background while I did dishes and tidied up the living room, but didn't inspire me to do it quickly, by the end I was happy when Ozzy osbournes voice kicked in on my regular spotify stream. wouldnt listen again, but wouldnt change the station if it cam e on the radio, would prefer to wear headphones if it was playing in the supermarket
Very smooth and very dated, with way too much saxophone for me. Good vocals, but not a lot else worth revisiting. Torn between 2 or 3, I will err on the side of generosity!
Diamond Life is the debut album by the band Sade. This soul/pop album contains elements of jazz, and can be classified in the sophisti-pop genre. This is a highly acclaimed album, because it won the 1985 Brit Award for Best British Album, has been certified 4 times platinum in the UK & US, and was the best-selling debut album by a lead British female vocalist. Diamond Life is an easy-listening album - perfect for a casual cocktail-lounge environment - as the soulful and jazzy, but poppy and funky beats will appeal to most listeners. This was a well produced album and I'm happy to have listened to it. If it wasn't for this site, I would've never heard this album.
I like Sade - but this record is basically Smooth Operator - and a few more A side tracks but not much more. It tapers quite a bit towards the end and from something special it turns into an easy listening 80a album.
Chill and nice, but beyond that it's just ok for me.
An enjoyable listen, mainly due to a strong melodic presence and powerful vocals from Sade. Some tracks (mainly those that lean heavily on the auto-wah) do feel a bit outdated, but most are still engaging and fresh enough to warrant a relisten.
huh. i mean. sure? i liked some of the music but i'll be honest, i think i'm lacking some of the language required for talking about it. like it's objectively good but i think my reaction to it warrants 3 stars? idk. actually it gets 3 stars for when am i going to make a living jumpscaring me.
Funky, really like the basslines, and keeps my attention, smooth operator is catchy as
Heerlijk relaxte muziek. Het nummer Smooth Operator is wel de knaller van het album, maar de rest is goed aan te hebben op de achtergrond.
Today I learned that "Sade" was/is the name of the group, not just the singer. Huh. I kinda hated this when it came out - then again i was a young teenager injecting non-stop Van Halen and Def Leppard into my veins so I didn't allow for this smooth neo-soul to enter into my consciousness. My loss - this is pretty excellent - I appreciate and actually like it way more than I used to and it's wonderfully produced. Personal favourite: "Cherry Pie" - that little echo guitar fill is gold. 7/10 3+ stars