Reviews (page 2 of 13)
what a life…
It's incredible album. I LOVE SADE!
My second fav Sade, a low 5, i love this group.
This is a very calm, peaceful album. I added almost every song to my 'liked' playlist so that I can listen to them later. She has a very soothing voice.
late night drives vibes. Unmatched
Very calming and beautiful
Smooooth and magic!!
wow. nunca me habia puesto a escuchar a sade y quedé completamente fadcinada. mismo descubrí que sí conocía canciones de ella. cada canción que sonaba yo sólo podía pensar: this is so satc soundtrack coded.
Sade hat ne Stimme eines Engels. So tolle Lieder. Da muss man mitswingen, hilft nicht.
Very smooth pop. You can’t really go wrong with any of her albums.
i wore a big fur coat and then dropped it at the “coast to coast, LA to Chicago, western male” part to reveal a beautiful gown and everybody clapped
I guess I get it. 5/5
Sade can do no wrong.
This is goooooood. What a classy and sophisticated album, her voice is like honey and carries so much emotion. The instrumentation is great across the record. So much expression in the brass and sax solos. Honestly don't get how you wouldn't like this, this is a beautiful album. All the songs are great, it's hard to pick a favourite since it changes everytime. But objectively, 'Smooth Operator' is the best by far. What a great listening experience. Fav Track: Smooth Operator
Buenardo, todos los temas son muy piolas menos el ultimo q no esta tan nazi. Pero la mezcla de pop y un poc de jazz y anda a saber q mas y la piba q tiene alta voz muy bueno.
I thought this might just be a one hit wonder inclusion with "Smooth Operator", but I needn't have worried as it's ended up being maybe one of the best albums I've ever listened to. She's an amazing singer and the songs are varied whilst all hitting a perfect vibe.
Awesome album. Sade's voice is a dream
Mucha gente cree que hablamos de una solista, pero Sade es el nombre de la banda que lleva el nombre de su cantante. Digo esto porque la aterciopelada voz de Sade no tendría como destacar sin un puñado de excelentes canciones, con una cuidada producción y una apuesta por el buen gusto y el pop sofisticado. Hoy se oye tan a gusto como en los 80, y los temas no han perdido un punto de calidad. Pocas voces han destilado tanta sensualidad como en “Smooth Operator”, “Your Love Is King” o mi favorita “Hang On To Your Love”
buenísimo
All the songs are funky not just smooth operator. 5 stars.
I’ve probably heard a Sade song somewhere before, but I don’t remember it. So I wasn’t even sure what genre Sade was or anything, but I was kind of blown away. The whole album is great. Laid back but moving. The kind of discovery that makes going through this list worth it
This is one of those albums I am hoping to come across and as the years go on, I may just have to buy a new pressing. Great album!
Hørt før. Sophisti-pop. Ekstremt stilfullt. Husker godt Smooth Operator fra barndommen, som en av pappas favoritter. Vanskelig å finne svakheter her. Top 3: Cherry Pie, Smooth Operator, Frankie’s First Affair
Timeless
This was so good. The funky, cool beats and basslines along with Sade's silky, deep vocals were just perfect. I was humming and vibing along to this for several hours, and ended up listening to it 3 times. Five stars, easily.
Sade es increíble y este disco también
this is SADE of course i've already heard the whole album!!! GREAT STUFF!!
Why is this the perfect Sunday album?
So smooooooooth, dreamy smooth vocals, sexy smooth sax
Questo non è il mio album preferito di Sade ma rimane lo stesso un album stupendo, le sensazioni che trasmette soprattutto in certi momenti quotidiani lo rende perfetto.
Buen álbum y muy buena primera canción
Peak chill music
so smooth and cool. Consistent vibe throughout the album with strong vocals
So cool!
I have never listened directly to Sade, it should be said. That aside, I am familiar through exposure in Hip-Hop and RnB. "Smooth Operator" is a slick, jazzy number. Absolute jam; great way to introduce an album. Not feeling the softness of "Your Love Is King" but shoutout to the sax player. "Hang On to Your Love" is much more groovy. "Cherry Pie" feels reminiscent of "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" by The Temptations. Very guitar-driven groove. Bass line for "Why Can't We Live Together" sounds familiar, but I can't place it.
I mean it doesn't get much better
Dea
Diamond 💎 I love Sade. Impeccable. Such a vibe to listen to this album at night when it is raining outside. There is also something irresistibly sexy about that sound; it hits me the same way Marvin Gaye’s music does
Like anyone who was around in the 80s, I heard these hits so many times, I got sick of them. This is the first time I've listened to this album from start to finish, and I am really impressed with what a gorgeous album it is. Sade's incredible voice is no surprise, but the album also really delivers on an instrumental level. I'm so glad I took the time to listen to this, as it is something I definitely overlooked. I also learned that Sade is the name of the band; I only knew it as Sade Adu's first name.
Is it derivative of Michael Jackson? Yeah, but Quincy Jones is the best to ever do it, so it's endearing they tried to capture that sound for some of these tracks. This album is so over the top in that mid 80s way, it totally won me over. Hard to tell how played out these motifs were when this came out, but it's so classic sounding I don't care if they were. Somehow an incredibly dated and timeless sound. I am such a sucker for that buttery saxophone. Obviously the vocals are fantastic, but its the reserved but full rhythm section that rounds it all out. This album is nothing without the weightless consistency of the drum kit, that soft but funky bass and those tantalizing keys. For an album with layers of sound, it all feels so light and breathy.
One of the best not much else to say
Beautiful voice, a bit over polished production. But did not know that all of these singles were on this album. Nice
Ja heerlie
belkı 1.80 bı nıgga olsam bu kadını bangleme sansım olurdu what a shame
Cooles Album.
This album is outstanding … one of my all time favorites!
PEAK PEAK PEAK, one of the easiest 5’s i’ve given, and it’s not even her best album. God how do i pick favourite tracks, they’re all strong, i guess Hang onto your Love, Cherry Pie and of course Smooth Operator.
Beautiful album full of UK soft soul. Deliberately smooth and mostly themed around love it's not without depth or social commentary. An absolute classic that stood out in 85 and still sounds good today
agghhhh sade's voice so godam sexy graaaagh
Definition of sophisticated
Sade is my queen and this album rocks. Smooth and groovy with her voice over top, sounds so good. No skips, just a wonderful album.
Highlights: Smooth Operator, Your Love Is King, Hang On to Your Love, Frankie's First Affair, When Am I Going to Make a Living, Cherry Pie, Why Can't We Live Together Instant classic. Smooth, refined and chill. Instrumentals are the true highlight, but the vocals are also great. It has a great late night sound and that makes it highly revisitable. The record will remain in rotation and I will add the highlights to my playlists - if they aren't already there.
Smooth jazz perfection. Most of the songs are Sade staples. Sung wonderfully and played in the perfect way, subdued but with complete instrument mastery. 5/5
Its just great, its Sade.
Dreamlike, smooth, silky moments. Diamond Life is immortalized
One of the sultrious voices around.
shoutout sade
Minha vida mudou depois que descobri que é ela quem canta chupa palmeiras!
This album is Smooth Jazz done right. Sade's performances are beautiful and powerful, and the songs are so damn moving. This record sounds like a warm blanket and a fire. The only blemishes in my eyes are Frankie's First Affair which I felt was a slight drop in quality, and the cover of Why Can't We Live Together which the lyrics sound like an empty "All the colors of the world holding hands" infomercial and with very weak instrumentals. Those gripes aside, this album is otherwise a delight and deserves it's flowers. 4.5/5 -> 5/5
Eu amo a Sade
Really refreshing after all these rock albums. Her voice and style are so cool. I didn’t realize they were as much of a collaborative band throughout her whole career (same 3 guys since 82’) . they really developed a specific style. The song writing is cool too they sometimes start with like a smooth jazz vamp but always end up a bit more dynamic and interesting than I might expect.
Oh yeah bud lots of iconic ones in this one bud
It's smooth, sexy, and soothing but not boring. The kind of music that an established older woman, who you're not sure if you want to be with or be her, listens to. It feels like a glass of wine after a long day.
Everything they say about Sade is true. I was surprised though that the songs would be so enjoyable. A must-have album.
So gooddd
Simplemente hermoso, desde las línas vocales elegantes y los sonidos de música afroamericana conjuntos. Desde hace mucho quería escuchar a Sade, pero no había alguna motivación o álbum en específico para iniciarme en su discografía. Ahora, con Diamond Life, tengo muchas más ganas de escuchar Love Deluxe.
Good album to put while doing a task or working. Listened to Sade before, primarily through vaporwave remixes back in 2019. Smooth operator has been a song I've heard before and listened sometimes on my own.
My mum used to listen to Sade, liked her music since I was young
How the fuck is this the only Sade album on the list?? "Love Deluxe" should absolutely be here and "Promise" would also deserve a spot. Oh well, at least we got this masterpiece. Probably my favorite Sade album as well as my favorite soul album of the 1980s. Smooth and sexy. Favorite track: Hang On to Your Love 4.5/5
People who hate this are bad at sex
smooooooth operatorrrrrr smoooooth operatooorrrr
Loved it
lovely slow listening tunes
Shadie Sadie gamage spade sadi sede sad e
i couldnt believe my eyes when i saw this , actually brigthen up my day i would give 10 stars
Great
Heard it before and actually it's an album I've been listening to quite often in recent months. Nobody does it like Sade, the vibe of this album is impossible to describe. Smooth Operator is literally insaneeeeee, what a banger 5/5
I don’t understand how anyone wouldn’t like this album. Everytime I listen I have a new favourite song - the gift that keeps giving
I LOVE SADE!!! perhaps this is based because i was having a good time playing wii sports resort basketball during this.
i like the vibe lots
This album is great from start to finish. Smoothing sensuality throughout. Amazing voice, and great music compositions.
Pretty elite in every sense. The band’s atmosphere is unbeatable
When I saw this album pop for my next pick, I was ecstatic. I absolutely love Sade, and this album is one of the best of all time. Her sultry voice just hits in a way that other singers’ voice rarely do.
silky fucking smooth. a contender for one of my top three favorites albums of the 80s. shockingly good for a variety of reasons, but especially impressive that this was sade's first album (which i did not know at first!) man when that sax gets going in "Frankie's First Affair", she's got me in a vice grip. there's just some electric about these songs, and i love that they're not even that technically impressive. sade just has a great fucking voice, and the band chose (very wisely) to not cover the lead performance with unnecessary musical elements. everyone plays together really nicely here; there's a strong sense of group cohesion.
If we're only putting one Sade album on this list (criminal), I think Love Deluxe is the one to go with. But there is not a bad Sade album. 5 stars for all things Sade Adu does.
Jeg hadde begynt å ane at jeg kunne være en Sade fan. Sophisti-Pop, Smooth Soul, Doomsday... Men det er først nå jeg har satt meg ned med et album. Konklusjon: skiva fucker. Jeg er klar til å krone en ny dronning av 80-tallet. Da jeg så at dette var den eneste(!) skiva hennes på lista (hvor mange hadde Morrissey igjen?) måtte jeg sette på det som visstnok er hennes opus, Love Deluxe, med det samme. Sjukt digg. Produksjonen er off the charts. Hører at Everything but the Girl har hatt Sade som et av de store forbildene. Walking Wounded er basically Sade: club edition.
Damn Sade fire
O álbum começa só com Smooth Operator. Só. Pqp 6 estrelas. A Sade é muito pica
Sade é rainha absurda, esse album é um dos motivos do amor existir.
One of the best albums ever made. I listened to this one in the 80s until the cassette wore out.Sade has a voice like it’s floating in the clouds
SMOOOTH OPERATOR
This is a fabulous album. It is also *very* much a sound of it's times. It is dripping with the sort of 80's production styling that has not aged well and makes albums from this era sound dated and cliche. But for this album, it *works*. This album is what all those bad 80's albums desperately wanted to be, but could never achieve. In fact, it does those 80's stylings so well that I can't imagine this album *without* them. If this had been made 10 years later with different production sensibilities it would not have been as perfect as it is.
Sade is underrated!
Fantastic debut album from Sade with a super strong opening to the album. "Smooth Operator" and "Your Love is King" both still get regular plays on smooth jazz radio stations to this day and other songs like "Hang On to Your Love" and "When Am I Going to Make a Living" have also had great staying power. Sade's voice is iconic and uniquely hers and the album is altogether a great jazz experience.
moving through space with minimal waste and maximum joy !!!
Smooooooooooth operatoooooooooor Je savais pas que c'était d'elle Et je pensais que c'était un mec qui chantait, un peu le grain de voix de George Michael je trouve :') Mais quoi qu'il en soit un banger d'album, c'est soul et groovy
J’ai le vinyle, j’aime trop Sade, la vibe autour de ses chansons…. C’était pas compliqué de noter !!
C'est marrant je suis tombé sur un reel de Sade ce matin sur insta et je me disais que je voulais écouter sa disco davantage. Smooth Operator est vraiment iconique, Sade a une voix sans faux
Turns out, I'm an 80's vintage contemporary adult. Who knew? Amazing singer w/good lyrics. Band is tight. And all this time I thought they only wrote 2 songs.
Banger
Perfecta
Pure class
this is so catchy! I wanna have it. 5/5 Doesnt feel british at all!
Fenomenal!!!
Imagine having Diamond Life as your debut and then going on to make even greater albums. That’s Sade for you. The band is smooth, funky, jazzy, and razor-tight. Sade Adu is one of the most elegant singers of all time, delivering effortless vocals while strutting barefoot across the stage. It honestly doesn’t matter which song is on. Everything Sade touches is a gift to any music lover. 9.5/10.
Favorite Songs: Cherry Pie, Smooth Operator, Sally Least Favorite Song: Why Can't We Live Together This being the only Sade album on the list deeply saddens me. Even though this isn't my favorite album of theirs, I love Sade more than words can express and this was automatically going to get a 5. Listening to Sade reminds me of my mom in a really comforting way. Sade's music feels like drinking an ice cold glass of water while relaxing on the beach.
This got a 5 for me
Carlos Sainz dancing in the background hahaha
oh yeah...smooth operator!!
Great first album for Sade. Love her sultry voice. Great mix of Pop, Jazz, R&B.
Solid from front to back
I LOVE everything Sade does. This album is just precious.
Album tres jazzy, réconfortant à écouter avec des classiques de Sade. Album iconique mais parfois légèrement redondant, voix grave qui emporte facilement. Saxo qui ponctue l’album
Muy bueno, a mi mami le gusta mucho
My first Sade album. Never realized “Smooth Operator” was her. Appreciate her distinctive husky voice and the general atmosphere of this transfixing album.
Love
Diamon Life is incredible. I only knew Smooth Operator going into this, but after listening to the whole album, wow! Every single song is a hit! No one’s doing it like Sade.
More than flutes, great storytelling! But, who is aqualung? Cross eyed Mary? Sone scary characters... So glad i listened.
Banger van een album, 9,5/10
What a great album, love it!
This album is so good, their music always sounds kind of timeless bc it doesn’t chase trends and Sade’s voice is so ethereal and otherworldly.
Ah I remember this album fondly back in the day, I would use this as my love making music. It was so enjoyable I would play this back to back each time as I gave my lady 44 minutes of undivided attention, then preceded to make love for the second 44 minutes under the ceiling mirror and on the silk sheets covering my heart shaped bed.
All Timer
Honestly, get why it’s a classic. Fantastic mix of soul, jazz. You can feel her emotion in the way she sings.
Sublime.
absolutely love this album, the voice, the lyrics, the sound, it’s just perfect
9/10
What a banger album! One after the other, how do you pick a winner? I'm biased but this will be a 5/5 for me
You can't knock Sade, really people?! He voice is like pure gold silk threads caressing your mind. A lot of key tracks on this album. it's smooth, jazzy, just enough pop and that cool jazz is to die for.
imagina debutar com uma pedrada dessa
Jazzy
For what this is it’s pretty much a perfect album. Just wouldn’t want to listen to it all the time.
yessssss 10/10 no notes
Tellement bien de réécouter Sade - quel Groove de si bon matin - je prends autant de plaisir à l’écouter - well done
bangers throughout, can not fathom this was their debut. incredible stuff
loved it!!! sade is so goated
So good
It may be the start of a new year, but brilliance never needs change. Sade is one of my favorite artists of all time, and the refined and well-curated excellence of their work shines so clearly in this debut.
Very easy to listen to
НЕВЕРОЯТНО, ШЕДЕВР, БОГАТАЯ ЖИЗНЬ!!!
Great album. I only knew Smooth operator, but every song hits just right. Also the album is very cohesive.
Really excellent album that I have on vinyl, Sade hit me in 1984, and I saw her “live” on this tour in London, what a voice- soul, Jazz rhythms Beautiful
Absolute banger. She is the queen of soul pop in my opinion. I don’t understand people who hates her works.
Favorite Tracks: - Smooth Operator - Your Love Is King - Hang On To Your Love - When Am I Going to Make a Living - Why Can't We Live Together
It’s so very different from everything I normally gravitate to. I love her vocals. Definitely in the permanent rotation
Yellow cabs. Diamonds. Studio 54. Fur coats. Purple. Grapes off the vine
perfect
Holy shit holy shit holy shit I've listened to Love Deluxe and I will praise that album to death as well. I'd honestly give it 5 stars, despite not coming back to it very often. But this, THIS is probably even BETTER than Love Deluxe. It's vibrant, the storytelling and lyricism is S tier, the singing is amazing, the backing vocals, the saxophones, the SMOOTH beats, the crisp production, EVERYTHING EVERYTHING EVERYTHING about this is just an entrancing and excellent work of art.
Absolute banger
gorgeous
This album, though mellow, is a thing of beauty. The musicianship is fantastic and Sade's sultry vocals are phenomenal as well. The sax intro on Sally...lovely. Listened before? N Saved some tracks? Y Favorite tracks? Smooth Operator, Sally ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Loved it. Saved several tracks.
Really enjoyed this album. Production is insane and Sade is an amazing vocalist
fav songs: the whole album now that's what I call peak music! I feel happy and chill and like hopeful at the same time. I would for sure play this if I had aux at a function
fuck yes
Smooth Operator holy shit
One of life's bigger disappointments is that you'll never be in a movie standing on a beach, gazing furtively at a lover you may never have, the shots cutting back and forth between you and them while this album plays in the background.
Goat
Yoooo lol probably my favorite album that I have discovered so far using this app
Thank you Cameron from Tiffs Treats for introducing me to Safe. I feel like I finally get it now. Not sure if this is her best, but such a solid debut from such a fully capable smooth pop genius.
Transcends easy listening 80's jazz to create an enveloping, soulful fog for the listener. I loved this.
Oh yeah!!!
I mean...
Gonna be honest, I thought Smooth Operator was by Steely Dan up until listening to this album. The band rips, each solo makes me want to groove. I felt like I was in a 45 min long 80's movie montage where things are going pretty well. Hang On To Your Love slippity slaps
You have lost your mind if you hate this. Simply the best. Best tracks: Smooth Operator, Sally, We Can't Live Together, Frankie's First Affair, When Am I Going to Make a Living
Great album, just not really my cup of tea. But I think it deserves to be on this list. 5 stars for that but my personal taste would rate it a 2.
This is absolute classic ❤️🔥
No need to ask
Would’ve rated it a 4.5, rounding up to a 5. Definition of smooth, comes out super hot with three straight bangers. Could listen to a 3 hour album of this and be happy.
Smooth Operator is a fitting track to open with. Sade is like a hot knife through warm butter. It does sound a bit like one long song. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing. 4.5 that I’m rounding to 5. It’s good!
Sounds like one long song in the best way possible, vibes are immaculate, vocals get all the attention but the band is fantastic too. No bad songs.
Another perfect debut. Toes the line between knowing its sound and having all the songs sound the same, but Sade herself is such a unique and generational singer and the music so easy to listen to that it doesn’t really matter. Love this album
Pop in the 80s was just different. Granted, I get my taste in pop from my mom, who grew up with this stuff. This album is proof that I have my mom's taste in pop. I love that really jazz/soul-inspired Pop sound and it's really fun to see bands like The Weather Station reviving it as of recent. Anyways, this album is amazing. Really smooth, really catchy, pretty much everything that makes this genre great. Also, it has Smooth Operator. Enough said on that front. Bonus points for the saxophone, of course.
Yes. Yes. Yes ♡
My only regret is that I’m too young to date Sade.
A killer voice, unique and sultry, a debut that sounds just as good today.
What a great debut album. It is a whole vibe.
Smooth
This was awesome. Don't know what else I can say.
So self-assured and confident. Creates a great vibe. Love this one.
Excellent elevator music.
An exploration into soul and rhythm that makes your body want to slow dance all night long
Sehr gut
BANGER 5/5
Видатний поп-альбом, просто хіт на хіті. Smooth like butter міг би про нього сказати Phife Dawg. Ті хто зневажливо ставляться, типу, що це музика для лоббі в готелі - не шарять)
The Queen of Smooth. Sensational smoky debut. Surely nobody could fail to love this.
Fantastico
Classic smooth jazz. Iconic voice. No need to ask, I need this album.
Always loved Sade. Great to listen to this again!
Primera vez escuchando Sade, me pareció un disco para poner de fondo mientras hago cosas (en el buen sentido)
Dam...thats fire dude
охуенно очень понравилось, крутая телка
Легендарный
сладость
Amazing work. 10/10
loved this album I forgot how good it was
Sade is always a joy to hear. I like every cut on this album.
Consistently good and sexy what more could anyone want
crazy atmosphere, other-worldly vocals
Nice, smooth listening. Great voice, love the saxophone.
What a voice, what an album. Sade’s voice could chill me out at any given time i think. 5.0/5.0 Best Song: Cherry Pie
The definitive British soul album, her voice is absolutely insane and every track is just so smooth and sexy. Could listen to this album at any time and it would make me feel better.
3 connues *****
love it
Det här är ju rätt upp i min dalgång. Sofistikerat, tidlöst modernt, mjukt känsligt och brittiskt. Precis allt det som gör bra soulmusik fantastisk. .. .och då är jag inte ens säker på att detta är Sades bästa, "Stronger than pride" och Lover's rock" vill nog ha ett ord att säga till om i den debatten. Det är ofattbart att den är 40 år gammal, den skulle kunna varit släppt igår. En ostig saxofon har aldrig låtit bättre eller varit mer befogad. Det är frapperande hur basen är huvudinstrumentet på i stort sett samtliga låtar, den driver verkligen den här skivan rent musikaliskt. Adu har en av världens mest karaktäristiska röster och som hon använder den. Man blir fan kär! Texterna är ofta politiskt medvetna, gärna ifrån en personlig horisont (t.ex. Sally, When am i gonna make a livin' och Frankie's...). Här finns inte ett enda spår som faller ur ramen, som är sämre. T.o.m. Timmy Thomas klassiker lyckas hon göra till sin och enbart sin. "The quiet storm", det var väl Roberta Flack som var upphov till uttrycket. Men Sade gör om möjligt än mer skäl för det, för nog tas man med storm alltid. Klockren full pott!
Good listen, timeless and has a few bangers. Nice!
Sophisticated and elegant jazz, soul, latin, blues, r&b masterpiece.
10/10 album
Smoothness.
Ich glaub ich han mich es zweite mal id Sade verliebt. ihri Musig isch au chli de Diamond vo mim Life. Wowzers Sade und Bravo Musig! vo dere Engelsstimm wirdi nie gnueg becho! Git 5 verliebti aber schüüchi Backpfiife für MGMT (Okay jetzt isch fertig MGMT bashing, die sind ja scho ganz verschlage. Und durs durestöbere vo anderne Lieder vo ihne - plus d hilf vom Noah - hani gmerkt dass sii ja ganz in ordnig sind)
Pre-listening thoughts: oh HELL yes this is going to be good I already know Post/during listening thoughts: and I was spot on. This was so so good and this list desperately needs more albums like this. The smooth, silky sound and Sade’s voice complement each other wonderfully. It’s like eating the first really good bite of yogurt before it gets gross later on. It’s that feeling but perpetual. 9/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: maybe Fav tracks: Smooth Operator, Hang on to Your Love, When Am I Going to Make a Living, I Will Be Your Friend Least fav tracks: n/a
Great album
Smooth as butter.
Banger
Good r/b singer. Great voice. Great songs. One of my all-time favorite albums. A must go to on a cool rainy day.
This is smoothness at it's best. Sade's voice is like silk. And the music? Just perfect. Loved this.
Absolute BONAFIDE classic. Perfect record. If you havent listened, do yourself a favour. It is delicious. Sade Adu's voice is VELVET!!!
I knew i was gonna like this album right from the start. I usually love sade and this is no different. The songwriting and hooks are great and this album has a great atmosphere. 9/10 Favourite: Your Love is King Least Favourite: None
Solid gold. Since Covid I've found so much of the music I used to find painfully boring in my younger years - Steely Dan, Frank Sinatra, hell even Bonnie Raitt - to be really interesting and entertaining. Sade is definitely one of those artists. (I still find Anita Baker boring, sorry Anita Baker). Smooth Operator as the opening song on a debut album is a Welcome To the Jungle level shot across the bow. So many of these albums are chores to get through and this is one where I was surprised and disappointed it was over. Also I appreciate a band where the name of the band is also the name of the singer. I'm going to write to the Band Name Bureau to see if I can get a full list of such bands.
This album was amazing. No skips, loved some more than others, but every song was worth listening to here. Smooth Operator is obviously a classic, but really enjoyed When Am I Going to Make a Living as well.
R&B sounds well
love
Dude. I kind of knew I would enjoy Sade to some extent, but this is freakin' amazing. Diamond Life is such a great album! Sade is another one of those musical acts that's been on my radar for some time but that I've never touched myself. I wish I had sooner. This is some of the smoothest most pleasing music I've ever heard. I love this. Let's talk about it. It's kind of hard to pinpoint exactly what genre this is. Is it jazz? Soul? Pop? A combination of the three perhaps? Whatever it is, it's spectacular. I'm always accepting of saxophones being used well in music, so this appeals to me. There aren't a ton of bands I can think of named after the lead person in the band, so it's interesting to see a case like this with a singer like Sade. I happen to enjoy her singing on this album quite a bit. She really helps the vibes and words come across more authentically. Good singer. The writing is pretty solid. It's not the most important aspect of the album, but it's good when you notice it. This thing has some fantastic songs. "Smooth Operator" is such a great opener. It sets the stage perfectly and I love it. "Your Love is King" is an outstanding love song. Much of the album fits that title as well, which is nice to see. "Hang On To Your Love" is excellent as well. The grooves on these songs are just so immaculate and I love them. I don't know what to say. I'm more impressed than I expected. I genuinely love this album to a solid degree. Somehow, this isn't even considered the best Sade album by many! Love Deluxe seems to be more of the fan favorite from my perception, so if that's actually the case, then that thing must be a freakin' masterpiece! Is Diamond Life also a masterpiece? Arguably! This is such a cool album and I'm very happy to have listened to it. Light 5/5.
Very smooth. Gorgeous vocals.
I’m at a 4.5 that I’ll bump up to a 5. Little bit of a frontloaded album, especially through the first 4 tracks, but regardless, that’s a hell of a debut to make for 1984. This feels like it’s trying to single-handedly move soul music forward, and I think it probably did in a lot of ways. Even from just an instrumental standpoint, this thing just oozes with a type of smooth charisma that still feels fresh now, and probably felt REALLY fresh in 1984. This is expanding upon the DNA of 70s soul groups (especially Earth, Wind & Fire), and it’s doing it in a way that feels like a preview for the rest of the 1980s to come. Of course, those instrumentals wouldn’t quite hit the same without Sade’s smooth as silk voice gliding on top of them, and she knocks it out of the park here. She adds great depth to each track by herself, giving the lyrics a bit more gravitas, & her higher registers are stunning when they come in, given that she stays low for most of the album. So, why the 4.5 and not a flat 5? A few tracks were a little too long (“Hang On to Your Love”), a little too simple, a little too repetitive (“I Will Be Your Friend” for both), a little too slowly paced (“Sally”)… nitpicks, again, but the sort of nitpicks that build up to make an album experience feel like just a little bit more of a drag to my ears. There’s also “Why Can’t We Live Together”, which is a solid track with a good message… but it feels wrong as the album closer, and it doesn’t feel like it meets the same quality as the rest of the album. Instrumentally, it sounds like it’s from 1977 as opposed to 1984, and it doesn’t really feel as unique as the preceding 39 minutes. As I said before, this is a bit frontloaded, especially with “Smooth Operator”, and I think the album hits its peak at “Cherry Pie”, after already hitting what I thought might be a peak at “Frankie’s First Affair”. That slow falldown afterward is what’s putting this at a 4.5 as opposed to a flat 5, but regardless, it’s an incredibly easy bump up. This is neo-soul as we currently know it being born, with a hint of Japanese city pop standards thrown in, pulling influence from Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, some Hall & Oates, and hell, a little bit of Huey Lewis to my ears. It’s a great blend to have, and for my tastes, it fits perfectly. I was hoping a little more Sade would be on the list (especially the album with “Kiss of Life” on it), but I guess I’ll have to check those out in my own time. Great album, great pick, definitely glad I heard it before I died, and an easy bump up to a 5.
Smooth operator 😍😍😍
Remember how big this album was when it came out. What a “different” sound and voice!
so good
my boyfriend loves this band and after I first met him in uni, I listened to this album all the time to understand what he likes about it. I love this album, but not only because it reminds me of the sweet flustering feeling of our honeymoon phase.
very nice
I mean how can you go wrong with the classic, the inimitable SADE! This is baby making music for sure, and is great in the background. TBH though, all of her music sounds so similar. If you have heard one famous song, you will always recognize her music.
i am biased and love SADE. It is great
This site has delivered several 5s inna row. Shout out disco b!
Incredible album. What a talent
Brilliant album. 9/10
This one caught me by supprise n a good way. What to me was thought to become a one hit wonder. Had a long list of hits and A long career. Put lounge music on the map.
Still smooth and beautiful as ever.
Sade mi favorita. Diamond Life es perfecto de principio a fin. Obviamente lo conocía pero lo escuché con muchíiiiisimo gusto
Tasteful music. Timeless classic. Even when I was a kid I knew the grown-ups were into something. Albums like Diamond Life just will NEVER be made again.
This album is so smooth that I had to hold my headphones to keep them from sliding off my head.
Sade sounds like nobody else. This is legendary music. Timeless.
Oh my god I love her. LOVE HER.
Restored my virginity so it could take it again. 5 Stars.
yuuuuuuuppppp
Ook weer zo'n mooi product van de jaren tachtig, deze übercoole loungedeunen van de zangeres en band met de bekende discrepantie tussen spelling en uitspraak van de naam. Bongo'tje, keyboardje, saxofoon en de warme damesstem. Als er iets mist, is het dan toch variatie: heb je het welbekende openingsnummer eenmaal gehoord, dan is de rest meer van hetzelfde. Desondanks klinkt dit ruim 40 jaar na dato nog steeds fris, en het is bovendien weer zo'n gevalletje van 'direct herkenbaar want alleen deze band klinkt zo', en dat is altijd een prestatie op zich. Dus vooruit.
Sade let's gooo!! My dad raised me on Sade and even if that wasn’t true this still is such a bop. You just can’t tell me you don’t feel anything when you listen to this album.
One of the greatest listens in a while, This album Sucks you into the music and makes you become in one with it, Such beautiful grooves.
Relaxing and calming
Frickin great. Super sexy.
That's the rare case when the album's quality matches the label's name. One of the best debut albums for me.
Flawless and sophisticated. I didn't expect I would rate this with 5 stars, but it is the only logical conclusion to such an amazing album. PS: Yacht-rock and sophisti-pop are my kryptonite.
Got it on vinyl its that good
Cooler than cool
Absolutely timeless, like Sade’s beauty. Although, adulthood has had a lot less gambling in Monaco casinos in ball gowns and jetting between New York and London on the Concorde than “Smooth Operator” led me to believe at 15.
Sexy and smooth 4.5/5
absurdo. clássico. cinema!
Fantastisk stemme og rytme, elska frankies first love affair
Very elegant and smooth
Queen Sade. Sade the queen. One of the best to ever do it.
5/5 Smooth saxophone is a pleasure to listen to. I liked this much more than i expected.
So good!!! Erix said "sensual."
So smooth!
Sade can sing to me every day for the rest of my life and I would be without complaint. I want to be sitting on the beach, maybe south of spain, listening to this. The band is incredible, her voice is so sultry and perfect. I have the entire box set and its still not enough.
The epitome of cool jazz with a bit of pop thrown in. Five stars all the way
enchanting
This is great in a certain setting. Wouldn't use it in a gym. But for meditation, relaxing baths or lovemaking, this is ideal. Unfortunately the wife prefers brutal death metal as a companion to our carnal work out so I had to settle for a relaxing bath. Still more than satisfied!
Yes!!
Solid relaxed album
Sade has been on my radar for quite some time. Definitely one of those bands I've been procrastinating on listening to for far too long. Looking forward to this listen. Smooth Operator I've definitely heard this one before. Great sound quality. Love the bossa nova esque vibe. Great sax. Banger chorus and post chorus. Her voice is very smooth. Did not remember this song being this good. Cool and classy. Fantastic. 5/5 Your Love Is King I'm obsessed. This is magical. Soulful and smooth and a little bit camp with that extremely 80s saxophone. Great production and an amazing, intriguing voice. Such a fun track. Fantastic. 5/5 Hang Onto Your Love Great bassline, has some good funk to it combined with those guitars. Really catchy. Love the verses. That instrumental break is just amazing. Fantastic. 5/5 Frankie's First Affair Doesn't have the same kick to it as the previous songs, though remains really smooth and soulful. Has some great vocal moments. The production makes it sound large and sprawling while keeping a slightly intimate feel to it. The final third of the track turns on the magic with some beautiful vocal layering. Fantastic. 5/5 When Am I Going to Make a Living Feels uplifting. Love the energy. Another great bassline. Anthemic, empowering chorus. Extremely fun track with some great 80s cheese mixed with songwriting and performances of the highest quality. Amazing. 5/5 Cherry Pie Great soulful instrumental. Catchy bassline and airy, liquid production. Love the keys. Great chorus. A fun slightly funky, slightly jazzy pop track with great energy and a fine charismatic vocal performance. Love how it ends. Fantastic. 5/5 Sally Starts of kinda slow. The sax comes in at the perfect time. Soulful. Has a decent sense of scale, gives great payoff for all the buildup. Great. 4.5/5 I Will Be Your Friend Fun rhythm. The sentiment is pretty sweet. Feels innocent and cute. Sure it's a bit cheesy, but I can't dock it points for that. Puts me in a good mood. Love the plucky instrumental. Fantastic. 5/5 Why Can't We Live Together Moody. Has a layer of darkness over it which contrasts it to the previous tracks. The echoey percussion and the bleak keys add an eerie effect. Lyrics are a bit cliche, but I find it kinda charming. Has a great groove. Solid closer. Great. 4.5/5 This blew me away for some reason. Sometimes it really isn't that deep. An album can just click. It's just so much fun, so stylish and self-contained, creating a sound that just tickles the enjoyment center of the brain in just the right way. It's jazzy, it's smooth, it's consistent. The ideas feel fresh and the performances genuine. And it sure helps that I love her voice as well. Was sat here with a goofy smile on my face the whole time, yet I struggle to put into words why this is so great. I guess I'm just spellbound, charmed and fully bought into the vibe they're trying to sell. Was waiting the entire time for the album to drop off, but I kept being surprised by how sweet and genuine it felt. The production has that sweet 80's cheese with the hammiest sax you'll ever hear. It's to the point where you'll either love it or hate it I guess, but I can't help but feel charmed by it. This has every reason not to work, but it someone hits all the correct notes. 5/5 Fave track. N/A Least fave track. N/A
Sade is a treasure and her debut is excellent evidence of what is to come in the ensuing decades
fabulous
El album definitivo para tomar vino y hacer el amor
biutiful
Great and smooth
Incredible debut, soft and masterful music filled with soul and chill vibes. Recommended for any day to improve your mood.
Absolutely stunning
This is #day238 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... oh my, this is my fifth consecutive 5 out of 5. The music is as smooth as the first sip of Negroni on a Friday night. A compelling blend of soul, jazz, and '80s pop, with lavish productions that complement Sade's unmistakable vocals. It's a stunning debut, and once again, no choice but to give it a perfect score. Looking forward to #day239.
Smooth Operator is a certified banger and it's maybe the 4th best song on this album. Masterful.
S E X the voice! For me, Sade is the kind of artist that can't be left out of your sex playlist. She's like the female version of Marvin Gaye, and "Smooth Operator" is like "Let's Get It On" This is a great debut album. 9 songs of the highest quality, both in terms of sound and composition and instrumental. Her voice embraces us like a soft purple silk curtain, leading us to experience sensations of lust and pleasure. 5 stars, of course.
Great voice!!
so fckn smooth, honestly first time really listening to a sade record. I'm familiar with smooth operator and hang on to your love. With its blend of smooth jazz, soul, and pop, this fits right up my alley
Smoooooooooth operator
Underbart. Vilken nostalgi! Vilken röst! Vilken lättlyssnad mjuk och fin upplevelse. Femma!
Incredible album. Sade is one of my favourite R&B/Soul Artists of all time. 'Frankie's First Affair' blew me away - the saxophone kept me captivated the whole time. I hope more people can listen to this amazing piece of art.
A1 Smooth Operator - 10 A2 Your Love Is King - 10 A3 Hang On to Your Love - decent 8 A4 Frankie's First Affair - 10 A5 When Am I Going to Make a Living - 10 B1 Cherry Pie - strong 8 B2 Sally - lite 8 B3 I Will Be Your Friend - 10 B4 Why Can't We Live Together - lite 9 Favourite 3 Tracks - 1. Your Love is King 2. When Am I Going to Make a Living 3. Frankie's First Affair - NOTE RATINGS ARE FROM A FIRST LISTEN -
Iconic Iconic Iconic An incredible debut album that has been timeless and sampled endlessly
Pretty good, moody and she’s a great singer
Love Sade!
Grateful for the prompt to listen to Sade, which is never a bad idea. She's a class act, so effortlessly sexy and sophisticated, capturing an 80s version of glamour that manages to sound timeless.
An album that, as it ages, seems to appeal more and more to those of us that are also aging. I've never put on a Sade album and thought "nah, not in the mood..." Good stuff.
A beautiful album; 40 years old but the vocals, musical arrangement & lyrics all are marvelous & hold up superbly. In my view it simply doesn’t get any better than this.
太牛了终于知道真正的五星
Fantastic vocals and great instrumentation.
Love every track on this album
Smooth operator is an all time classic, and the rest of the album surprisingly holds up as well. Pleasantly surprised.
I wish the heart of the MAGA movement was solely focused on bringing back saxophones as a centerpiece of songwriting.
Incredible vocals. Smooth rhythms. Sultry saxophones. What's not to love?
Smooth and sultry, like cool drinks on a tropical evening. I love this album, but then, I always was a Sade fan. Five stars and it gets a place in my Tidal Library.
В моей жизни давно не было 5 на 1001, а Шаде охуенная. За все невключенные Love Deluxe! Лучшая песня - Hang On to Your Love.
Just chill to perfection. Buttery smooth vocals and music. Not much else to say, I could put this album on at any point and have a good time with whatever played.
Love this album. Just smooth and easy and romantic and lovely. Sade’s voice is a soothing balm. The perfect album for a date night in or relaxing on the couch or going for a drive or basically anything calm. Well deserved spot on the list