Diamond Life

It’s not all bangers. But it’s a solid album. You have interesting influences and the hits are great.

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.

Хороша чертовка..... 8/10

The Marquis de Sade. Smooth torture.

smoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooth

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%

This is some real NY fashion week music! I've heard her sound described as sophisti-pop, which in my head translates to the love child of new wave and smooth jazz. Not gonna admit how many years I had been listening before I realized it's pronounced "sha-day" but man am I glad to have been exposed to them at an early age. Sade Adu is an incredible vocalist, a master of restraint and and a sharp songwriter to boot, and her backing band is tight as hell. RE this album - I was surprised it was 84 cuz it feels late 90s to me, but it makes sense they were ahead of the curve when they debuted. I never get tired of any groove they lay down, I could easily listen to extended versions of most of these tracks. Was really pleased on this listen - the album barely loses any momentum after the #1 singles are out of the way. It's not until you hit Sally that the energy dips, and it feels deliberate - its also the track I paid the most attention to the lyrics on - only the bass plays consistently under her vocal. I love the bait and switch on where you think the beat is when the drums come in on Frankie's First Affair. 2nd half of When Am I Going to Make a Living is really fun. Thought the whole thing was sequenced really well, ends strong.

I can see why this is popular but not for me. A high 3.

This falls under the category of releases that defied current trends and were massively successful anyway. Tracy Chapman's debut falls into this group as well. Sade's debut was fully formed, a seamless listen of old soul and more recent smooth jazz., that is an all-time great slow burn. The production is exception, capturing Sade's smooth voice in the forefront of very solid instrumentation.

This album touches so many genres from smooth jazz, adult contemporary, soul, afro/caribbean all the way through to latin pop. It sounds beautiful. Not only her voice, but the instrumentation and production too. I feel like this is an album where everyone can find at least one thing (if not more) to like about it. Slinky, sexy, stylish and smooth. Plus a really good cover as the final song.

Diamond Life was unlike anything else we’ve listened to (with the exception of Anita Baker and the first track sounding like Steely Dan). This grew on me with each listen and I ultimately need to give it a 5. The Production was fantastic. The vocal layering, the resonant bass, and tight drumming all worked well together and was a great break from British rock of the 90s. This must have been influential on neo soul artists like D’angelo, Beyonce and others who make complex soul music.

Отличный альбом. Душевная музыка…

Subtle and subtly varied, full of restrained, cool movement with just enough emotion and intrigue to add texture. A "just so" masterpiece.

Cubic Zirconia life.

Talented singer whose music I thoroughly hate.

Me encantó.

Los temaikenes eternos del Geny. Cae un poquito hacia el final. Creo que nunca había escuchado esa versión de Smooth Operator.

Ihan jepaa, mut ei silleen mitään hirveen erikoista. Mutta smooooth operatoooor

Smoooooooooth operatorrrrrrrrr

Goed album, maar ook niet helemaal mijn ding.

Pretty nice sounding jazzy album.Very relaxing.Sade has a beautiful voice.Great instruments as well.

This was a welcome change from most of the generic pop of the early 80's. Sade's sound oozed feminine cool and was anthemic for many at the time. Very nice.

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

« Smooth jazz » est devenu synonyme de générique et cheesy; ceci prouve que ça peut être mélodieux et très travaillé. Interprétation vocale impeccable

Smooth, bit boring

Excellent

Avausraitansa mukaisesti smooth. Saksofoni ärsyttää, kun sitä on näin paljon. Why can't we live together on hienoa vaihtelua kuitenkin saman tyylin sisällä, saisi olla lopetuskappale. Plussaa eheydestä

Vajoaa jazzahtavuuden ja päämäärättömyyden yöhön liian kepeän biisintekoasenteen vuoksi. (Positiivinen huomio: vaikken pidäkään laulajan äänen käyttötavasta, pidän sen luontaisista taajuuksista.)

shreds

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.

Smooth, jazz-lite, syrupy, sweet... awful elevator music. My first one star review - and well-deserved as there's literally nothing redeeming here. Awful music that makes me feel the world would be a better place if this album didn't exist. Sounds like someone with no soul, singing with a backing band of B-rated session musicians. This is radio 2 music, the sort of music that is so bland and meaningless that it can only offend by being so incredibly cheesy and dull to listen to. This is what sad hotel bands play to fill in the time between Chris de Burgh and other lobby music that give people indigestion. I spent 45 minutes feeling that I was in a telephone queue and someone had put this hold music on to try and discourage people from waiting for their turn.

Not a huge fan. She’s an alright singer, but the songs don’t resonate with me.

Good, weird tone shift after ramones

i guess it’s probably very well produced or something but this is really not for me

Yup

Sounds like a soundtrack to a late night "film" on Cinemax. Veers too much into easy listening and pop. One review I heard stated it's Steely Dan with a female singer. I don't like Steely Dan so this album is a meh to me.

Rolling stone sucks. This singer isn’t in the top 50 but bob dylan is. Shame.

Vocals are interesting and music is smooth. But it's dated and it's kind of cheesy "Shaft" sounding. No for me

This is the smoothest smooth jazz I've ever heard. She is the definition of this genre. So beautiful, but I do feel like I'm walking around a Macy's when I hear this style. But I like it

Love deluxe>>>

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)

Absolutely fantastic album. I am a sucker for incredibly smooth, relaxed, and clean production, which this album has in abundance. It has a fantastic groove while maintaining a layer of stripped-back instrumentation, not needing to rely on insane musicianship to keep the listener engaged but just genuinely catchy melodies and bass lines. It's like a more R&B and cleaned-up version of 70s Steely Dan without the admitted cheesiness and extra bells and whistles, which works in its favor. Sade herself is just an incredible vocalist, floating over every single song, creating a chilly atmosphere while also filling your brain with dopamine. Highlights include Smooth Operator, Hang Onto Your Love, Why Can't We Live Together, really the whole album, its so consistently great. Must Listen.

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

Ook een erg lekker plaatje, en wat een openings nummer. Ik heb hem op vinyl en hij staat regelen aardig op.

Gewoon lekker. In het zonnetje in de auto rustig naar huis gereden

Dit was echt 3 keer niets, paar bekende oke-ish nummers maar kon haar stem echt niet uitstaan 😮‍💨

Deze versie van smooth operator klinkt alsof die 1 octaaf naar beneden is gepitcht, heel raar. Verder nou niet zo’n lekker album, ben aardig teleurgesteld

Pretty chill jazz. A few tracks were pretty cool, but nothing significantly awesome for me to want to listen to again

Sex

отличный альбом. 4++ прям, до 5 не хватило немножко разнообразия и динамики отдельно порадовал оригинал Smooth Operator

вокал и электронщина - это суперкрутое сочетание, которое может многих зацепить

Женская версия Maxwell. Ну может здесь поменьше драм-машинки. Такое всё лёгкое, воздушное, чилловое, спокойное... Под такую музыку приятно круизить на кабриолете где-нибудь по тихим дорожкам. Любителям соула рекомендуется. У Аду очень классный вокал, с лёгкой сипотцой, которая делает его ещё более "релаксирующим"

jazzy pop

I knew Smooth Operator. A couple of other songs sounded familiar. It was OK album. It wasn't bad but not particularly good.

|Great album

Feels like a 3*; some good tunes and a good vibe but nothing outstanding.

One of her bests including the underrated "Why Can't We Live Together"

I love Sade - this album sounds so fucking effortless and cool, like their natural state is pure vibes.

Beautifully done album here. Favorite track: Sally

Buena voz para un estilo definido, con toques de blues y de jazz. Pop ochentero.

Fine.

God damn, Sade is good shit.

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

Some good tunes on here. Groovy. Soulful. Nice sounds. Great voice. Sot Smooth operator Hang on to your love I will be your friend Why can’t we live together 4/5

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

otappa metaforinen CHILLI, PILLI ja kuunteleppa... sataa sataa ropisee...pili pili pom, varpaitakin palelee, pili pili, pom pom pom...helppoa kuunneltavaa. laulun lurvotus vähän turhaa.. mielummin olisi pelkkää instrumentaalismia. korvat olisi HÖRÖMMÄLLÄ.. noh pitää niille LISTOILLE PÄÄSTÄ... bilboard top 239320 songs of all time... saatana...liian lähellä 'merikkalaista 80luku pop r ja b esquetta... cherry pie

Great album! I could only listen to it once though, because I can only get so aroused, even while working from home.

Much too smooth pop/jazz for my taste overall. That said, the basslines are grooving!

meio jazzy demais pro meu gosto, mas achei a sonoridade sexy e envolvente, então curti o álbum num geral.

Nope

Very smooth and chill

love it, perfekt rolig men gøy

Wow, dette var som om noen injiserte fløyelsmyke trøfler inn i ørene mine! Hvis noen spør meg om definisjonen på sexy kvinnestemme så kommer jeg til å sende dem dette albumet :o

Another one I normally wouldn’t have listened to but I like it

This was fine. Very 80s. I did not mind listening to it, but I don't think it is anything amazing.

Honestly, didn’t start off with high hopes. Smooth Operator was always a fringe song in my mind that lived somewhere between a cheesy Jimmy Buffet song and Faith Hill. However, i really listened to it instead of passing it off and I was pleased with the song itself. What’s more is that as this album went on I really grew to enjoy Sade’s voice. The tracks are minimal and backed with simple drum tracks that appear to come from an electric piano, but are saved by some beautiful sax. Ultimately, her voice is what carries the album and conveys thoughtful lyrics and style. I enjoyed this album.

I'm always hesitant to use the phrase 'You just don't get it' to bash negative criticism of a work I enjoy, especially when the work is not exactly hard to 'get', but unfortunately I find myself in need of this argument when talking about Diamond Life. The reviews for this page are filled to the brim of complaints that this record is 'generic, 'uninspired' or 'artificial. 'Music for people that don't actually care about music' is a sentiment I see shared by people who will then give positive scores to the fucking Foo Fighters with no sense of irony. I have no issue with disliking this album of course, but if you think these descriptors apply to any part of this album you straight up don't know what makes good pop music and probably shouldn't act like an authority on the subject. This album simply epitomizes the word 'cool', everything about it is the smoothest of the smooth with its funky jazz instrumentals and Sade's sensual voice. Sade really is the perfect singer for this kind of music, she feels sort of like she's been designed in a lab to perfectly accompany this kind of easy listening jazz pop. Whilst this sounds on paper like it would create a nightmarishly bland LP the likes of which Michael Bolton and Bryan Adams could never hope to record, every track is full of soul and makes you feel like you're living an episode of Miami Vice (which is really what this kind of music should do). Rather than reveling in the artifice of many contemporary pop records, Diamond Life is a record that perfectly weaponizes subtlety to make the biggest impact on the listener it possibly can. It really makes you want to gaze across a neon cityscape, smoking a cigarette on an apartment balcony whilst reminiscing about a lost lover. Artificial is honestly the last word I would use to use to describe the music on this record, the emotion is oozing from every second of every track and quite frankly I would be surprised if anyone calling these tracks hollow was even attempting to meet them on their level. Its much more fun to sneer than give a chance to a work you happen to be apprehensive about. Therefore I have to assume the reason people attack this album is that they quite simply hear something that slightly resembles easy listening or Yacht Rock, and immediately assume it sucks without actually *listening* to how the music sounds. I hate easy listening too, but even I could tell this album rocks after just the first track! Its especially egregious to me with how obviously this genre of music crosses over with City Pop, which I can only imagine gets a free pass from people because of the perceived exoticism in listening to Japanese music (not shitting on City Pop for the record, check out Fly-day Chinatown when you get the chance) So ignore all of the screeching ignorance found in these 1 star reviews and go into this with an open mind, ideally at night and drift in Sade's world of sensuality and subtle melancholy. Then listen to everything else Sade has made. Its nothing but home runs for their entire discography, but Diamond Life is certainly a standout in that illustrious company. Highlights: Smooth Operator, Hang On To Your Love, Cherry Pie, Sally

”Diamond Life” by Sade is a masterpiece that effortlessly blends together elements of jazz, soul, and pop to create a smooth and seductive sound that is unmistakably her own. From the opening notes of "Smooth Operator," it's clear that Sade is a force to be reckoned with. Her sultry voice floats over a bed of lush instrumentation, drawing the listener in and never letting go. Tracks like "Your Love Is King" and "Cherry Pie" showcase her ability to deliver soulful, heartfelt performances that are both intimate and powerful. The album's production is equally impressive, with a seamless mix of live instrumentation and electronic elements that add depth and texture to each song. The arrangements are meticulously crafted, with each instrument given its moment to shine while still supporting the overall groove and mood of the track. This album is sure to leave you feeling captivated and transported thanks to its timeless sound and Sade's impeccable artistry.

This is the music that transitions a film scene from the beach to the dinner scene in a rom com. This isn't a compliment. If you like real jazz you will hate this. If I had never heard music before I would still think this sucks. Why do people like bad things? I don't understand it.

What a fantastic album. It is funky and smooth and it feels like I have to be doing some kind of physical activity while listening to it like dancing. Absolutely amazing to hear for the first time.

Huge album when in high school. I may know every word to every song. We were taking about her this weekend.

Pretty good

It was decent

There was a couple of solid songs on that and I enjoyed the vibe was nifty just got lost at times and wanted to get through it

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.

Amazing! Love Sade’s vocals.

Some really lovely classic R&B, would have liked a little more variety in style and tempo but I really enjoyed this listen

AAWESOME SAX

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.

Not awful, but really hard to get through. Jazzy but with no energy. Definitely sounds like the mid-80s; would fit right in on a Miami Vice soundtrack.

almost literally nothing interesting to me about this record. Total snoozer. "Smooth Operator" was a recognizable track and not bad actually. The rest of the record I don't have much to say about really.

Yeah, fine.

loved it- felt like i was in a nightclub i loved the rhythm beat and flow of the music. will definitely listen again

Listened to it while gently pottering around tidying the house on a Sunday afternoon. It was perfectly fine for that.

great album

Ziemlich Ruhig aber schön! Ich würde es aber eher als Hintergrund Musik hören

Etwas zu langweilig, repititiv. Songs sind gut aber fast keine stehen heraus. 7/10

enjoyed

Smooth, sexy, beautiful. A very easy listen. The perfect album to relax to. I am already familiar with Sade and have listened to this album many times before. It's not one that I frequent, but one that sometimes pops into my mind, and listening to it again always feels like sinking into a warm bath, or curling up all cozy in bed. Favorite tracks: "Smooth Operator," "Hang On to Your Love," "Frankie's First Affair," and "Why Can't We Live Together."

As is usual with smooth jazz, it's hard to think about it as more than "background music" with Sade's immediately recognizable voice being the most interesting part in the vast majority of the record. "Cherry Pie" and the obvious "Smooth Operator" are the standouts.

Nice and smooth (operator).

Would be rad playing in a party under conversation, but focusing on it revealed few secrets or rewards.

Wow! Now this is more like it! Beautiful!

Score: 80 Album art: 70 When am i going to make a living? This album is produced and mixed impeccably, and not in an annoying squeaky clean way either. It just sounds fantastic. Every single track is good with the exception being the last one. It's just a tad too slow but the lyrics are just not very well thought out or interesting and just come off as corny. I'm not disbelieving that Sade's feelings are genuine but they just don't seem to fit here on the album. Make a living is a much better seriously toned song. Was a very fast listen. Not sure how other people think this is worthy of a 1 or that her vocals aren't good. You're on crack bruh

This is sexy, saxy music! Patrick Bateman would love this shit. There is A LOT of hate on this album but I love me some smooth jazz because I grew up listening to it and I just love this sound. It's perfect background music, but with a little funk added in. Sade has such a pleasant voice and I think she adds enough soul to make this not so incredibly bland. I can agree it probably is too boring and clean for some people to enjoy, but it's a winner for me. Fave Tracks: Smooth Operator, Hang On to Your Love

This is so smooth. In addition to the more well-known favorites, "Cherry Pie" was great.

Awesome album

A good mixture of funk, pop and soul. The lyrics could be abit repetitive but doesn’t stop it from being a top album. 9/10

Not entirely sure it’s for me. There are a few nice tracks on there but overall too bland.

Bardzo się ucieszyłam gdy trafił mi się ten album bo od dawna planowałam przesłuchać go w całości. Uwielbiam i mam ogromny sentyment do Smooth Operator - kojarzy mi się z moim chłopakiem, który słucha Sade i nocami spędzonymi w Zezie z przyjaciółmi gdy leciał tam ten utwór. Płyta jest bardzo klimatyczna, chillowa. Czuć w niej też lata 80 co jest dla mnie plusem. Myślę, że będę do niej wracać, szczególnie do When am I going to make a living, Frankie's first affair i Your love is king. No i oczywiście Smooth operator. Te utwory spodobały mi się najbardziej, ale album broni się w całości. Brzmi jak jesienny wieczór w jazzowym klubie w latach 80/90 i jak słoneczny poranek w kuchni która ma podłogę w czarno-białe kafelki i pachnie kawą i papierosami.

Diamond Life is basically Smooth Operator and then a bunch of forgettable soft pop songs. 2.

An odd one. Mostly, for me, it doesn't really work, it fades into the background far too easily, and when you do concentrate the lyrics aren't great. That said, I'd listen to Smooth Operator over and over again, great song. 2/5, Smooth Operator almost gets it to a 3 but not quite.

Funky

Bon album bonne ecoute, tres smooth , se mele bien a ma situation samedi soir feu 5 a 7 4.85

music for the soft and sensual sex

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

Good album, other great vocals other than Smooth Operator. Of my favorite 80’s pop singers, Anita Baker and Whitney still lead out, but Sade’s voice is also amazing

Decent.

Not bad

Absolute trash. The only thing saving this from 1 star is Sade’s vocal talent.

I enjoyed this quiet a lot. I'm pretty new to Sade and the only other album i've listened to is Love Deluxe. I much preferred how this album took the jazz rnb route as I think it fits Sade's voice really well. This album had some great sax playing and solos but some of the songs didn't go the jazz route and I would've preferred if it stayed consistent throughout the album 8/10

Nearly flawless.

Nice feel throughout the album. Overall quite smooth and soulful.

Cheesy 80’s hotel lounge muzak.

Kinda cool but somewhere around the halfway point I started finding it too much same same and was pretty keen on putting on some other music to have something different. 3.5/10

Smooth and very relaxing

Nice surprise. I had heard of Sade but never got into it. Well written, very smooth songs.

This album was so smooth

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.

Nothing stands out and not my favorite genre

one of the greatest albums ever

This album fucking slaps!

This is a great palate cleanser after the Kanye album and pairs well with the group project as far as fully-formed and fantastic debuts that stand the test of time. An 80s album that doesn't sound like the 80s. A birthing ground for neo-soul. Smooth without being saccharine. Beyond tasteful: it's delicious.

It was good but it all kinda sounded the same

I've got a hunch that the protagonist in American Psycho would have been a huge Sade fan. If AI was asked to produce a stereotypically 80's album they'd pop this out. Man it leaves me cold, everything about it is devoid of any feel, its detached air is in itself detached from the idea of music moving you. And where's my filofax when I need it? What time is Miami Vice? Hawkie still Prime Minister? And how's about those tenor sax solos? That said, Smooth Operator and Hang Onto Your Love, I'd think Grace Jones would have been slightly and rightly peeved as to what was going on there. Oh hang on, here comes the opening sax solo on Frankie's First Affair, it's got me rolling up the sleeves on my suit jacket. And I really despise what she did to Timmy Thomas's classic, ruined it. The only thing this is missing is a duet with Stephen Stills or a Brian May lyric. Minus 10 to the max. Now to go and turn on my Amstrad green screen.

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.

So, usually, I don't like things that are too smooth and polished. I like a little bit of grit. But this album is an exception. I really love it. I love her voice; smooth and airy, no over-singing, just a little bit of breathiness. The lyrical content, I think, adds just that little bit of frisson. The romantic situations described a bit seedy, a bit gritty. I was interested to read that, because they were working at a relatively inexpensive studio without automation, they recorded live and with six people working the faders to mix, so I think there is a touch more human feel than something recorded to the grid, with samples and lots of synths and super smooth mixing. This sits right on the line between smooth jazz that becomes wallpaper lite and a laid back, mellow reverie. A quiet storm. I think this is on the right side of that line, and set a path for a whole range of British jazz-inflected music to come (Soul II Soul, trip hop, etc). Really, though, the reason I love this album is because my first girlfriend really liked it, and we listened to it a lot together. So, some fond memories there.

I am fairly certain that I or at least one of my siblings was conceived to this album so I haven't really listened to it before this 🌚

Nice vibes

Absolutely slaps this so smooth and just no skips

Smooooooth

Very smooth sound.

Reference for Jazz

5/10

ok but not great

„Smooth Operator“: Sure, it‘s smooth, and it‘s a known quantity, but I‘m not really feelin the vibe „Your Love Is King“: Continues the theme, not sure if it makes sense continuing a song by song rating „Frankie‘s First Affair“: liked this one! „When I am going“: Caught myself quietly sit-dancing to this Some other decent songs on this, but overall not that engaging tbh

Was für eine coole Music und dann diese sanfte Stimme dazu. Fast vergessen, aber immer noch großartig. Muss man sich wieder einmal öfters anhören. Diese Platte ist ebenfalls ein Meilenstein.

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.

Beautiful. I can & have listened to hours if Sade. Her voice is soft velvet.

It doesn't get much more smooth than this.

Solid

Smoooooth (operator).

it sounded nice to me

Lovely album. A little low key for me, but very smooth

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.

It was really boring.

The hit is good in it's own way, but in general this album is weak and some very bad sax going on here

What a great album. The saxophone in the first few songs goes so hard. My favorite so far for sure. The time signature stuff in Frankie’s Affair has me confused and I wanna get to the bottom of it lol. Favorite song is Love Is King.

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

Really cool and catchy album. Definitely will be listening again. 4

1 I’m sorry, this was sooooo boring. There’s nothing interesting going on musically, vocally, or lyrically, and it just comes off sounding like lame lounge music… or even elevator music at times. I feel like every 80s pop star attempted a song like one of these on at least one of their albums, and they were never good or memorable. This is like a compilation of those. I’m trying to think of more to write about, but I really feel like there’s nothing remarkable to comment on. This was a realllllly long 44 minutes.

Don't care what anyone says...this is great. Happy, chilled and smiling.

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.

I suppose this was quite a nice listen and I was surprised to recognise a few. Can't believe Will Young stole one of her songs and got the same from it being in the Bridget Jones soundtrack. I didn't think much of it as it's not my genre but it's not bad per se

Lovely, really enjoyed this on a Friday afternoon

Actually like this one a lot - 4 stars

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.

Trailblazing R&B sound. I definitely get lost in these songs and feel like they have been going on for much longer than they have. Such a nice smooth blend of jazz and pop.

I went into this with an open mind, I really tried but fuck is this boring. This is barely a step above elevator or hold music. Cherry pie isn’t even that sweet, it’s more tart that anything. I read that Drake had Sade tattooed on his torso which is odd but I can hear the influence bc he’s just as dull. I can appreciate that she has had a long career but I can’t give this more than 1.5 rounded up to 2 stars

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

Wow. Can't believe I've never thought to listen to this album considering how much of a staple Smooth Operator is in Ric's. What a masterpiece. So much big sax.

Flawless production front to back, lined up with Sade's vocals sounds very nostalgic. However, some of the hooks could've been executed better. PROBABLY DO COME BACK TO (A FEW SONGS)

Took 3 tries to finish. Not my favorite but I see its value.

Elevator music

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

Silky smooth soul. Most will of course gravitate to the big songs like ”Smooth Operator”, bit the others aren’t bad either! Very good debut, and she only got better coming out of the 80s

Kool

So smooth, So groovy. Need more albums like this. Such a vibe. So much charisma and style.

Its starts off really nice, but drops off a bit badly

Nudne, 2.5/5

It ess OK

Damn that was super funky

Unmemorable

An album that emobies confidence sexiness and class. As diamonds are forever so is this album. Sade and instrumentation complement each other so well adding to the whole experience. Beautiful instrumentation, tight jazz arrangenements paired with glamourua song writng and story telling make this an album worth a listen. Highlight tracks Your lovw is king and smooth operator

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!

Silky smooth

vibey

eh. smooth operator.

Muito legal, me lembrou música nacional boa. 7/10

Great R&B tracks, soulful, subtly profound lyrics

Somewhat hit or miss, but the highs were incredibly hight and the lows were still enjoyable to listen to. A few songs went on a little long, but the vibes were solid so I definitely didn't mind it. Top tracks: Smooth Operator, Hang On to Your Love, and Sally.

Мне кажется этот альбом не нуждается в описании. Несомненная классика , Sade восхитительна, шикарная женщина с замечательным альбомом. 100/100

no need to ask, he’s a smooth operator

Good

Same flow throughout. Great voice. Liked a song not an album

som relax, ótimo para ocasiões especiais

80's smooth contemporary music. Classic voice.

Notes - Smoky voiced soul & R&B singer’s debut album - Themes of love, life as an artist - Some latin influences especially in the percussion - Just a great sounding album front to back - The band knows when to keep it reserved and low key and when to kick in - The keys are so good on this album, perfect compliment to her voice - Listened to this album for the first time a couple months ago and enjoyed it, still enjoyed it this time too! Fav - Cherry pie - Cool bass line and chorus Least fav - Sally - Cool lyrically but a bit of a let down instrumentally 4/5

first listen kinda sleepy, not the worst 80s record i've heard

Totally inoffensive muzak feeling album

2.5

Smooth

Sade is always classic, and I haven't listened to this album yet but really liked it. Saved Hang On to Your Love. I love her voice and it's a beautiful blend of easy listening and R&B.

Don't forget, it's pronounced "shah-day," not "say'd." They're legends in the soul scene (I think? also didn't know this was a group and not just one lah-day), but there's not enough on this one album for me to deduce why. Do they have big hits out there I'm not aware of (or maybe am aware of, but don't know are Sade)? I don't know man, I like these genres but the kind of R&B/soul I like is a lot more exciting than this. I honestly don't know if R&B is the right word here, as wikipedia says things like "smooth soul" or "sophistipop," what I might otherwise call "easy listening" or "adult contemporary," those purgatorial genres of stuff that doesn't really move my needle. There are couple tracks on here that I liked but a lot of it slips into the background for me. I think it sounds a little ahead of its time, as I would've guessed '90s rather than '80s, but still a bit too predictable and same-y for me. Favorite tracks: Hang On to Your Love, Cherry Pie. Album art: Pretty cool, strong framing here. Great picture, great font (though reminds me of that Guns n Roses album). Nothing special. 2.5/5

Envie de Sophisti-poper

il m’a manqué une baignoire, un verre de vin et un divorce fraîchement prononcé pour mettre la note ultime

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.

Good

Sublime, smooth, soothing and interesting. Everything I wanted to hear as an introduction to r&b. Happy this came into my life :)

How am I supposed to go from Dead Kennedys to this, huh 1001 albums!? Sade is good, but this is the wrong album. 'Love Deluxe' better be on the list, if anything from Sade is. All the pieces are there, but it's a bit one-note out of the gate.

Pretty decent, starts out strong

Soul. Un megahit. Se me ha hecho bola. Un 3.

Bah, normal. Agradable. Electro-R&Balternative R&Belectronica.

One word sums it up: EXQUISITE. This crossed over multiple hits lists, hitting so many categories.

Side One is 5/5. Side two is good, but not nearly as good as the first half. 4/5

Sade was a good singer. I like the songs "Smooth Operator" and "Your love is king".

Very pleasant album to listen to, with smooth instrumental and vocals. Favourite songs: Smooth operator, Your love is king, hang on to your love, cherry pie 4/5

Dull, but not as excruciating as I was expecting.

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.

‘Quiet Storm’. Thanks to this process, I’m learning to put a name to that type of bland-smooth-muzaky music my ears instinctively reject. At least the Anita album had one legitimate banger I’d choose to revisit. Also, Sade is the name of a whole band?! Makes me feel less bad about dishing out a scathing review, at least. 1.5

The percussive intro to this album is one of the iconic moments in 20th century popular music. The end.

Smoooooooth.

That was so nice.

3rd Coast represent

Meh

Hasn’t track 1 come up on the show multiple times?

Sounds like perfect music for a somber episode of Miami Vice, or maybe for a cheesy 80s porno. Meant for the background, not really the kind of music I want to actively listen to. I appreciate the nostalgic slick retro vibe this album gives off, but I'm not into the music

There is nothing extraordinary about this album requiring a look at the history of 1984 and why maybe it could have been. Maybe there is a respect for its simple sounds, Sade's careful vocal range, etc., that resonated deeply in 1984 that we are likely taking for granted in the present.

Adore her and her voice. Background story about her is way more interesting than most people would assume because of her stunning looks. She worked incredibly hard to have the success she had. Great song choice here. She knocks it out of the park.

Great voice

The first half is great, but then it tapers off. Overall still good. 3.5/5

Ok… i dont know

Vraiment smooth comme album, une très bonne ambiance, une très belle voix

Love Deluxe is better

Used to listen to this a lot. Good at the time.

Pretty good

Smooth jazz from the 80s. Was this the soundtrack for a coked-up finance bro scoping out the fern bar for the woman with the biggest shoulder pads in her suit jacket while nursing his Bartles and James wine cooler in the corner? This is unappealingly bland, and every musical choice made by the band and producers seems to be the least offensive one possible. Nice job mixing the bass front and center; unfortunately the album has no groove at all. I never need to listen to this again.

4.1 - Cool, composed, sexy, sophisticated. Sade and band toe all of the lines, and land smack-dab in the middle of a Venn diagram of many emotional circles. Consummately smooth playing complemented with some lusty saxophone and, of course, Sade's incredible voice.

i know i know, semi-classic soul album, just not a fan 5/10

Good hang monday, cold and bad at work, cha cha real smooth

No duds here — just a quiet storm of sultry smooth, jazzy sophisti-pop.

I'm not the target audience. I can't do the cornball 80's sax and smooth background tracks

Household staple from my youth - love all of it, with extra cheese

Smooooooth operatorrrrrrr. Similar vibes in all of the songs, she has a great voice.

No me gustó mucho. No es mi estilo, aunque hay otra canción de Sade que sí me gusta. De hecho, me gusta tanto que hasta los covers son buenos

Decent

1.5

I listened to this one many times when it was new. On re-listen I found it still enjoyable, if a bit tired.

gostei mas as músicas são muito parecidas

good but tiring eu daria 3,5/5 se desse pra fazer isso

Solid album.

I should like this more than I do. Too much of it sounds the same.

This sort of thing really isn't my cup of tea - I've always found it really bland - but there are some interesting arrangements going on (I especially liked Frankie's First Affair), and you can hear the link between 70s disco soul and 90s neo-soul. I'd rather be listening to Rufus and Chaka Khan, though.

Did not particularly like the vocals. Music was good.

Great background music, but not for me.

A bit too smooth for me. ; doesn't really stick either. Good background music. Sooth operator is quite catchy though

Legendary.

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.

Smooth

This was a banger album

Disc excel.lent de pop jazzístic amb ànima de soul i unes melodies que se't queden gravades per sempre. No només 'Smooth Operator'. 'Your Love Is King', 'Hang on to Your Love', o fins i tot 'Sally' són igual d'atemporals. Tot fet amb una elegància i sofisticació a l'alçada de molt pocs

Sade is such a phenomenal singer. This is a lovely jazz pop album.

Music to sex to I wish we came back to R&B without autotune

Felt like I was in an elevator. Did not enjoy. I wonder if Beavis and butthead ever did a music video on this one.

One of the essential 80s romantic albums, with slightly melancholic undertones and that certain touch of neon. Close your eyes to this and you will see inner city streetlights and neon signs flashing by, hear the rustle of dimly-blue-lit satin sheets in a bedroom illuminated by a skyline through flowing white curtains. You get the picture. This album does too. Smooth Operator is an undisputable 80s classic. Pretty strong, considering it's Sade's debut.

Not perfect but close. Great listening experience

Never been a fan.

I can see why it’s well liked, but it’s not for me.

The vibe is incredible on this. It's classic R&B and pop at its finest. I really find Sade's voice to be unique as it's more of a sing-talk. I am interested in hearing more albums from her now.

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’.

great voice, but it's elevator music to me

Smooth operator

Smooth and charming. A lovely album. Really close to giving it a 5 but it just needed something extra to blow me away to get there.

Klarer ikke å la meg engasjere av dette. Mer kjedelig enn dårlig? Plata oppleves mest som en selvhjelpslydbok.

Just not for me I'm afraid

it wasn’t bad, it just didn’t really catch my eye.