Diamond Life

Great album. I liked it from start to finish.

Damn. That smooth as melted chocolate voice. Those sensual grooves. Sade doesn’t have anything less than a 5 star album, including Diamond Life, and it isn’t even their best. Her band is ABSOLUTELY one of the tightest and most original from the 80’s. I have to admit, I didn’t enjoy this album beyond Smooth Operator and Cherry Pie when I first listened to it decades ago, but after buying their entire discography on vinyl and forming an intimate relationship to them, Diamond Life proves itself to be the best possible introduction to this unmatched set of musicians. It feels like deep night flickering neon in a 1984 city. For as beloved as Sade is, it’s interesting that very few have since matched the quality of this vibe. Prince could and did do it but didn’t do it as often as he should have. 90’s Rap and R&B strive to groove like this and end up doing it differently and in their own amazing way. Others who try just come off sounding very clearly like they are ripping off Sade. Hell, they’ll admit it and then go on a long verbal love sesh about their intense infatuation with Sade. Nowadays, on the rare occasion when they release new music, their fan base collectively loses their shit, which happened recently with their new song called Young Lion, dedicated to Sade’s Trans son. This project is great when it sends a reminder that incredible bands like this exist amongst all the hubris out there. At the end of all of it, EVERYday could be a Sade day and the world would be happy and harmonious.

me ha gustado la vibe soul r&b, buena para cuando te estas preparando para salir con una copa de vino y quieres sentirte sexy

Smoooooooooth operatorrrrrrr. Why does “Smooth Operator” sound weird on this album? Was the radio version that I’ve come to know and love a different mix entirely? Weird. This album rules, Sade rules. It’s smooth and it’s groovy. There’s so much I could say, but I’m sure it’s already been said a thousand times. 10/10

Wtf is this version of "Smooth Operator"???? It almost sounds like a different vocalist doing a Sade impersonation. This bothered me so much I did some googling and it seems that indeed some weird, different version of the song has been substituted on streaming services for 'Diamond Life' but the original version is still on 'The Best of Sade' compilation, listed as the "single version". Wtf? Putting aside how very annoyed I am about this, "Smooth Operator" is still an all-time banger. Throughout this album there are fantastically groovy, soulful arrangements, smoldering solos, and sexy, sultry vocals from Sade herself. The keyboard/percussion solo about halfway through "Hang On to Your Love", the beautiful sax playing throughout with a perfect accompaniment from trumpets on "Frankie's First Affair", the slow burn of "Sally"... this album is just full of excellent little moments. It's a faultless album imo and pretty damn close to perfection within the confines of 80s pop/rnb/soul/lounge music/whatever. 10/10

best album, no skips, i have been meaning to listen to it for a while and truly like top 10 albums imo

Diamond Life is superb—Sade's voice, the arrangement, and the songs are all perfect for that kind of music. Usually not my genre, but Sade is the great exception.

Great album. Honestly 5/5. Every track is a banger.

Absolutely beautiful! Fav song: "Hang On to Your Love"

I don't think I've ever heard a bad Sade song. They're so cool and her voice is so interesting.

This is great album. It opens wild with two bangers "Smooth operator" and "Your love is king". Atmosphere of album is very sensual with a lot beautiful "feminine energy". Themes are mostly romantic and about male-female relations.

Another surprise 5 star. This was funky and jammy

She looks as good on this album cover as the songs on the album - absolutely stunning I love me some saxophone. Adds to the overall atmosphere of the album I thought the absolute banger of Smooth Operator would set too high of a standard for the rest of the songs to hit and the first couple of songs after that made my fears come true. It got to Frankie's First Affair and it came back to the highs of Smooth Operator and didn't come down again after that

I absolutely love how yuppie this sounds despite the fact that it’s a blatant middle finger to the yuppie lifestyle. Also it fucking grooves!!! Again, I’m a sucker for sophisti-pop, but this is so much more complex and textured, it’s kind of hard to argue against. Just because it’s a bit smooth and not in your face doesn’t mean it’s not masterful. When this came up for me, I was a bit surprised, because I personally would’ve expected any other Sade album than Diamond Life. But after listening to this record, and then subsequently listening to both Strong Than Pride and Love Deluxe (aka the Sade albums I knew I loved), I have to admit, Diamond Life might be their best record. Then again, Sade are pretty consistent, and we absolutely could have made room for one more of their records, at the very least.

Deserves just as much respect as the incredible "love deluxe" here we have the soothing, seductive and sleek jazzy backing that is as cutting edge as it is influenced

i would have sworn on my life there was a Sade SNL performance where she's introduced by Dan Aykroyd and he nails the pronunciation of her name but apparently I'm insane because i couldn't locate it anywhere. anyway this album rules

It Sade so its going to be good. The best song on here was Smooth Operator. There was no worst song on here either 9/10

Well today I learned that Sade is a band name, and not just the name of the singer lady! This album is so classic and beautiful.

Beautiful voice always

For your information, my Nigerian goddess, Chicago is not on the coast and there is no R in your name. That being said, Diamond Life is a unique masterpiece of smooth jazz pop, and I LOVE it!! 5

In heavens name why .. wouldn't this get 5 stars. All love to Sade!

absolutely beautiful and breathtaking album that is super tight and also really chill. Either to listen to and doesn't really lose anything throughout the whole album. Plus, smooth operator.

Talk about smooth. Wow. This album flows so cleanly it makes 45 minutes fly by. Love Sade's voice. Great album. All I got to say

Super

A favorite! All Sade is good.

Sade at her best.

When I was in 6th/7th grade, I played trumpet in the school concert band. I really enjoyed it, so I also joined the after school jazz band. I had never heard of Sade until our band director picked “Smooth Operator” as our piece for the Spring Concert. Many years passed without me thinking of Sade or Smooth Operator. One afternoon I was out shopping for records and I found Smooth Operator on a 12 inch single. Immediately took it home and gave it a spin; the song just was just good as I remembered. So naturally I listened to the full album and the rest is history. I say all of that to say that this album is a smooth-soul/jazz classic and a phenomenal debut album that will always have a special place in my heart.

Put your hands together for Sade! Diamond Life is a killer debut; well thought out and executed. We had this album on CD shortly after it came out so know it well. Her rich, smooth voice over jazzy sax makes for a memorable listen. L - sweet as Cherry Pie (5.0*s) J - Stronger Than Pride (4.8*s)

This is a great debut album and I'm a big fan of Sade, she gets a lot of play at my house. There's nothing to dislike here, no skips and sax for days. Her voice is so smooth and just really easy to listen to overall. High 4.5.

Smooth as silk

SMOOTH OPERATTOOORRRR. I fucking love this song Hang on to your love is another classic I fucking love Sade. Such sexy music

Yea this was everything you want in album. Smooth operator is such a bop, and the rest of the album is solid too. Wasn’t a song I didn’t like on the whole thing

Banger after banger

Love singing along to this one and her voice is beautiful, bass and sax for days

this was amazing, some amazing songs and really great production

jazzy pop.. smooth operator indeed. a few banger tracks on the album pushed it to 5 stars. Every instrumental interlude is interesting and fun. Favorite track: Smooth Operator other picks: your love is king, hang on to your love, cherry pie, sally

Beautiful album. Warm, smooth production and her voice is perfect. I put this record on often and it’s one of the only ones that my entire family agrees on.

Killer album - amazing production, style just dripping off the tracks, and amazing vocals on a consistent collection of tracks. Four and a half. Fave track: Your Love Is King

Beautiful woman amazing voice🤩🥰

Holy crap this is an all time great album fuck off if you don't like it!

This was a pleasant album with lots of great instrumentation and vocals. Sade's music trends to feel exciting and relaxing at the same time. The big single on this album, "Smooth Operator" is a straight banger. I just wish they'd have placed it in the middle or toward the end. But I suppose it might be tough for a band making it's debut to know what songs will stick.

I love it. Could listen on repeat.

So good, never knew her album. Very smooth voice and style.

Smoooooooth operatooooooor

Remember when music videos were everything? I was all of sixteen, and I vividly remember the “What is this!?” feeling when I saw the video for “Smooth Operator” and being blown away. Sure, part of it was how stunningly gorgeous Sade was (and still is), but many people even today seem to confuse the lead singer with the band name Sade, and the whole group is amazing. For me, it was the uniqueness of what Sade was doing compared to other 80s bands. While UK synth pop and U.S. hair metal bands were ruling the top of the charts, here comes this band out of left field with this R&B, synths and jazz tinged album that for me was mesmerizing, even as a teenager. And the deep cuts are deep, this isn’t an album just about night clubs and gigolos. It’s a classic for a reason. Not all about Gig

Classic easy listening

Love it

Schöne Musik, tolle Stimme

Beautiful record. The "new wave of British jazz" high mark. Loved this as students, love it now. Also, the "Lathe Operator" parody by Lenny Henry was superb

cool 5/5

This album rubs you down with scented oils before making sweet, sweet love to you. Sixty percent of the time, it works every time.

Arrancamos la semana con una banda y disco súper sexis. Cualquier álbum que empiece con una canción como "Smooth Operator" no puede ser malo: la voz de Sade que no da más de sensualidad, el bajo y la percusión que encastran a la perfección y así con todo. El disco continúa con la voz potente y sexi de Sade y la sutileza y fineza de la banda, que juega con lo funky, con el jazz y con lo que quieran experimentar. Ni hablar de los lookazos que clava Sade en los videoclips: impresionantes. Gran comienzo.

Extremely excellent

This is a fabulous album! The version of Why Can't We Live Together is genius.

Nice, smooth, silky -> Sade!

Sade for Prime Minister

Smooth as you like

Excellent

Smooth!

Oh boy, this one takes me back to the good place. 1984, the world in front, school in the rear, girlfriend in tow. Where we paused, the turntable found power and the needle did damage. Add the Cerwin Vega amp and ridiculously large speakers, and our neighbors enjoyed this album on a weekly basis. Sorry, not sorry!

Love Sade

Too slow for my taste but very well done.

Shit's so good that it makes me want to pick up my saxophone and play.

The Queen

Love, love, love his album. Sade's voice is amazing.... top marks from me here. Finally an album in this list that deserves to be here.

Smoooooth

FUCK YEAAAAAA

Flawless.

Absolutely loved this. Soft mellow sound of Sade. I would put this more in the genre of soft jazz linked with a touch of soul rather than pop and soul. The album is more sophisticated to warrant coming under the genre of pop. Brilliant. Loved it.

I love it

the sexiest elevator music you'll ever hear and i mean this in the most positive way possible. this music is so damn pretty. mixing rnb, bossa nova, and vocal pop, sade has created an album worthy of praise and preservation. it is the sheer epitome of class; absolutely spectacular.

Uma experiência musical que transcende o tempo e continua a encantar. A voz suave e envolvente da Sade combinada com as melodias envolventes fazem desse álbum uma obra-prima, que a sua mistura única de soul, jazz e R&B demonstram todo seu explendor nas músicas como "Smooth Operator" e "Your Love is King"

BANGER ALERT BANGER ALERT

A really great album, especially a debut release. Loved it when it came out and it still holds up after almost 40 years.

Never listened to this before, but this was incredible.

Smooth. 5/5

Вау, неожиданно очень неплохо.

The only bad thing about this is the endless copycats that have tried to copy it. But this is gold!

So dreamy

So lusciously smooth indeed. Sultry saxy Sade! I had The Best of Sade CD back when, but haven't listened in a long time. A lovely trip back.

This would typically be my thing. I don't know exactly why...it is pleasant, but somehow never really appreciated Sade's sound. This listen had me a bit more entertained, but the real reason that I am giving it a 5 is because if I don't, then I may find myself divorced sleeping out in the cold.

I LOVE this album! I added this to my cassette collection in my first Columbia House membership (10+ albums for $1!) - and it was not the kind of thing I would be expected to buy. It was love at first listen. Just the thing for lounging on a bearskin rug drinking a hot toddy while the snow piles up outside. Smooth Operator is one of the greatest songs of the 80s… and Sade’s album is a perfect way to deliver it.

It takes a real mix of guts and pure narcissistic arrogance to put your all time total banger as the first track on an album. Surely it’s a recipe for disaster? Not for Sade - she doesn’t stop throwing out bangers. What an album! 4.8

This was a lot better than I was expecting. Usually there's a big drop off when the album leads with a hit single, but all the tracks were really consistent throughout. Real musicians playing real instruments, great vocals, no bullshit auto tuning. People who give this album a low rating couldn't get laid at a swingers convention in Vegas.

This album is gorgeous. Full stop.

I think this is the perfect album of this genre. It’s a great example pf the fact that you can build a song around a groove or a simple chord structure but you also need the melody to do the heavy lifting. Take note every artist basing their career on albums written on a computer since 2001

While I had heard of the name Sade before, I had never had a proper listen to any of her albums, and boy was I missing out. Her smooth voice is a top-notch example of soul and the jazzy instrumentals make me feel like I'm in the middle of a rainy city night in a old-school film noir. The saxophone work in this album alone puts this album into the upper echelon of records I've heard in this project thus far. Sade will absolutely be a repeat listen for me again in the future based on this effort. Notable Tracks: Smooth Operator** Your Love is King Frankie’s First Affair When Am I Going To Make A Living Sally 9/10

auditory butter

Every song is a banger

What a cool album. It's no wonder it's always listed as one of the best to come out of the 80's. The only thing that would make it possible for me to dock any stars is just that it's not the exact type of music that personally moves me, but I can't knock her for that. Great stuff!

Safe is always a 5 star tf

So schön, besonders der letzte Song auch, den kannte ich noch nicht

Loved this since it first came out.

This whole album is just so smooth

My girl! There is nothing about her or this album I don't love!

What a great album! 5 stars.

Love these vibes. I understand why this sound came to be caricaturized and I wouldn’t choose the synthetic keys on a regular basis, but there were bigger missteps in the early 80s than these silky sounds.

“What an album, what a woman, what a music.”

First track in and I get exactly why Sade is praised the way she is worldwide. Hang on to your love is even better. Beautifully sensual and moody. Not grim moody but a good kind of mood, get you in a mood, be it dancing mood or erotic mood. I like the jazzy instrumental selection and her voice … wow her voice. It just works.

loved, listened multiple times

This is smooth af and I am HERE for it. Good lord, that piano tho.

If I were a cheesy music critic being quoted for the album PR, I'd say something like "....a revelation" and I would fully mean it. Imagine starting your opening album with "Smooth Operator" and then going to "Your Love Is King" and then going to "Hang On To Your Love". INSANE!!

Remek djelo soft popa osamdesetih esencijalni cd album

Existe aqui um jeito sexy de se portar dentro do amor.

Vraiment un bon album intemporel. Très Midnight Shutdown sensuel.

If you're in the mood for some relaxing, sensual music, you can't go wrong with this album. Sade's voice is perfect for this blend of R&B, pop, and world music. True, production is rooted in the 80s, but very tastefully so, and the instrumentation is perfect. So is the performance of each individual band member. Iconic opener Smooth Operator sets the tone for the rest of the album. While the album could have done with a little more variation or trimming the running time down by just a couple of minutes, this remains a true 80s classic for anyone who is really willing to listen. 4.5/5

Absolutamente perfeito

Nice

Bit too soft but still nearly perfect album

Sade’s voice is incredible and so is the band. I appreciated the songs I knew more when listening in the context of the whole album.

Yep I’m gonna put this on for sexy time at some pont

Smooth Sade. SADE. 5/5

The smoothest. I could listen to Sade every single day. This album is just about perfect.

Instant 5 stars for this one. I own it. I've listened to it many times, and I will again now because its just good the whole way through.

I loved this album. Beautiful and soulful with some great grooves. Big fan.

Another super-classic album from the 80s: smoothness made to perfection. I might have listened to it too much in the past, but it is still great (and I am not a fan of the genre - if not well done this type of music becomes pretty boring).

What a voice. To quote Tom Waits says, "She's so good she'd make a dead man cum."

HELL yes

Beautiful classic album! Should be in every collection.

Top quality album.

Sade and her band have a sound that I find both exciting and comforting. Great use of chords and melody throughout. Worth watching some of the old love sets of you like this.

Rating: 10/10

Very very good

A favorite! All Sade is good. Already have several songs in a playlist. So glad to revisit this classic. Sounds like it was remastered at some point.

Typisch sade, entweder 0 oder 10

GOAT

So 80's............so Sade. So smooth..........so Sade. She was like the early Nora Jones and used as the inflight entertainment for a million longhaul trips along with a choice of chicken or fish with a roll in a plastic bag. I love this stuff and WEIRD fact I knew someone who went to art college with her. So overall she's beautiful, artistic and talented.

Smooth Operator Your Love Is King Cherry Pie Why Can't We Live Together

ОХУЕННО БИЛЯ

A top album from the supreme year of great 80s music, 1984. Still beautiful to listen to.

Wonderful, great for a rainy Monday morning or a dimly lit bar

Smooth operator is surprisingly one of the weaker songs on this album! Great flow and really funky. Frankie's first affair and Cherry Pie were some highlights

Wow did not expect to like this album so much! Love the jazz elements and what a voice!

Lots of 1-star reviews for ‘Diamond Life' which I don’t understand. Are we listening to the same album? ‘Diamond Life’ oozes class, elegance, and sensuality. This is fire. Always has been.

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.

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.

shreds

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.

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.

God damn, Sade is good shit.

”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.

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.

Amazing! Love Sade’s vocals.

great album

Wow! Now this is more like it! Beautiful!

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

music for the soft and sensual sex

Nearly flawless.

one of the greatest albums ever

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.

Absolutely slaps this so smooth and just no skips

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.

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

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.

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.

Damn that was super funky

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

som relax, ótimo para ocasiões especiais

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

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

Smoooooooth.

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.

Solid album.

Legendary.

This was a banger album

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.

I didn't expect to give this five stars but then I listened to it and here we are.

This album deserves 5 stars almost solely for Smooth Operator, fucking dynamite. And the smooth jams just keep on coming. Fantastic voice, and everything works together well, they found a sweet spot with this one, that despite sounding somewhat 80's transcends the decade because it's borrowing from other eras and the quality is high.

Always fantastic. simple and groovy.

As smooth as a fine scotch. I can’t get enough of her smoky voice. “Smooth Operator” has slowly worked its way up my list of favorite songs over the years. Any time I hear a cover of it on the radio or in a department store, the song makes me happy. And the original is incredibly seductive and sultry. The opening 1-2-3 punch of “Smooth Operator,” “Your Love is King” and “Hang On to Your Love” is really impressive and the record continues with a string of very strong album tracks. I’m loving this.

Sade’s music is so damn cool. So damn sexy and so damn well made. I enjoyed this album from back to front. Excellent listen!

An absolute masterpiece. Sade was a god of this shit.

Just incredible

So very good. Sade's voice is amazing and this entire album is a masterclass in storytelling. Great stuff.

Really liked it! I'd never heard of Sade before and I found some new gems.

Stylish, soulfully smooth, musically flawless, timeless album. I love every song on it. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Your Love Is King, Hang On to Your Love, Smooth Operator, Cherry Pie, I Will Be Your Friend, Why Can't We Live Together, When Am I Going to Make a Living, Sally, Frankie's First Affair

I could seriously listen to Sade all day long.

Love it, jazzy pop songs. Right up my alley, would definitely listen to again.

super cool album, I’m a sucker for 80s pop like this, Anita Baker, Madonna, Mariya Takeuchi and Miki Matsubara are some of my other favorites - 10/10

Love. Love. Love.

Classic.

First great album, it brings back memories of listening to Sade as a kid with my parents This is real 80s music for me, amazing voice, amazing vibes amazing mix of genres 5/5

A smooth operator. Beautiful album.

smooth operator

A superb album. I do love Sade.

All time Classic

It was great look into the smooth jazz of the 80’s. I’d heard of Smooth Operator but I never knew the actual song.

Always been a fan, a must listen.

oh YES

Bought this on vinyl when it was first released way back in 1984. Awesome album and the production is stunning.

Amazing debut

Oh man. Silky-smooth sexy vocals over a funky, chill background? Yes, please. More, thanks.

Excellent

Nearly perfect

This was rad, I would like to put this on again.

The Best!

Fantastic

Ahhh.. Good old smooth op... :)

Loved it

Música de tono medio; voz agradable de escuchar, muy melodiosa; bien acompañada por una buena banda; vocaliza bien; no interrumpe los pensamientos. Otros: Quincy Jones; Roberta Flack; George Michael; The Isley Brothers; Barry White; Donny Hathaway; Grace Jones; George Benson; Randy Crawford

Podre de chique.

a perfect picture of the eighties and a solid collection of songs

Sade separates herself from the other cheesy smooth jazz outfits because this album is actually sophisticated and classy. Full of restrained soul and jazz touches, with a gentle pulsating rhythm section.

Great vibes. Feels like good lounge music. No bad tracks.

for better or worse I absolutely love this!

beautiful.she must’ve been crazy to watch live

In museums, you will often find beautiful, cold marble statues that, despite their lifelessness, almost beg you to reach out and caress the forbidden areas of their cold, smooth, naked bodies. That's how this album feels.

Beautiful voice. Beautiful smooth jazzy music.

Love this. My dad loves Sade and used to put this album on when we were on holiday when I was a child. Reminds me of sitting on a balcony at night playing cards in Spain or France. Very nostalgic

If you're my age, or thereabouts, then this is probably an album you'll be well aware of. I reckon nearly every family in the UK had a copy. A classic. Silky smooth vocals, fantastic musicianship, classy all round. It falls short of 5 stars because a few of the non-single tracks were average at best.

To listen Sade on a rainy day has a special feeling. Although, not when the temperature is 43 degrees Celsius. 🥵

It’s wild to me that so many of the reviews on this site use the words “smooth” or “polished” as a pejorative. I would posit that good music can sound like it’s made by well-trained and competent musicians sometimes. This is grown folk music, and very good at that.

Queen

this of course was fantastic. Did not finish it but I also did not need to, I already knew this was good.

Gosh do it for Carlos Sainz

Funny story but I know this album well. I won some sort of contest as a 8-10 yr old kid and got to choose a wrapped present... I got "Diamond Life" on tape, haha. I remember listening to this on a Walkman! I recently read a post asking "Does any artist have a perfect entire catalog?" Tough question if you're not a homer for your favorite band. I saw Sade as a top option & this is a good start. Every song is perfect for what it's trying to be. Loved the bass.

Silky

Extremely good vibes. I know who Sade is, obviously, but maybe I had somehow never heard any of her music before? Maybe “Smooth Operator” on the radio once or twice, but didn’t know who it was by. Like I said, this is an incredibly chill and easy listen. Kept it on repeat yesterday. Chill vibes for a sleepy day. I don’t love every song, but I like most of them.

Smooth as the operator on the first track. Keeps the cool side cool and the hot side sultry

lowkey they all sounded the same but I’ve gotta relisten in the future to get the most out of it. Favourite songs: Your love is king

très bon album sade ne se rate jamais. on se voit déjà passer la nuit dans un bar classe à siroter des cocktails tres chers avec la brochette d’olives à l’intérieur la.

J’ai l’impression d’être à la plage en écoutant cet album. J’adore sa voix. Smooth operator is peak ! J’aime.

Très bon album, qui donne envie de se faire un restau semi-gastronomique vétu d'un costume cravatte. Elle m'a fait swinger dans tous les sens du terme notamment Smooth Operator qui reste mon son préféré. On a un peu perdu en qualité sur la fin mais ça reste un solide 4 de mon côté. Un bon classique qu'elle nous a plié, merci pour ça

Classy, bougie, nasty 💅

I've been a Sade fan since I first heard Smooth Operator on the radio as a kid. Between the velvety vocals and slinky saxophone, this is top shelf sophistipop. Hard to believe that Diamond Life is a debut because it's so confident from beginning to end. There's not really a stinker in the bunch but nothing comes close to the brilliance of the album opener.

incredible

Not usually my thing but I mostly enjoyed it

It is such a cool album, her soulful singing is carried by the moody instrumentation to create an intimate soundscape. I would probably rather 'Love Deluxe' but this album has the masterpiece single 'Smooth Operator' so it might be perhaps more unmissable. 9/10 [KEEP]

Amazing

What it is about this record that makes the listener immediately develop a huge crush on Sade?

Impeccable vibes

7 - it’s sade. So smooth.

For 80s music, Diamond Life ages very well. Sade could be a timeless singer. Album is pretty great but many songs from the middle to the end are a bit samey sounding, but I guess if you're going to listen to Sade you know what you're going to get: smooth silky jazz/quiet storm singing.

listened previously

Silky smooth and oh so sexy

So smooth.

The Carlos Sainz song!

Smooth like butter 🧈🧈 🧈 🧈

Maybe I'm just more generous with my ratings lately, but I can't in good faith give this a 3. I look at my 3s and this isn't it. I'm not sure it's a true 4 either as I really, really like my 4s. But this is good. Totally would listen to and enjoy again.

favs: smooth operator, frankie's first affair

010626 15:21 4

The first few songs must’ve sounded like the fucking future back in 1984. It’s so sleek and refined. I can barely tell it’s from the 80’s. A “Smooth Operator” cover to open things right up and walk you into a rich, luxurious experience. Equal parts loungey and lustful, this record went down smooth from start to finish. The saxophone is practically a second lead singer, I’m left wishing Sade and the sax would harmonize and do more call-and-response. “Hang Onto Your Love” finds a hypnotic groove and, for lack of a better term, hangs onto it. A little funk sprinkled into the mix for good measure. There isn’t a misplaced note on this album, but this song is particularly crafted to perfection. “When Am I Gonna Make A Living” takes a minute or two, but slowly unfolds itself into a rewarding Motown-inspired jam. The way it asks such broad, crucial questions about hardship and society - it’s vintage Marvin Gaye. “I Will Be Your Friend” might be my pick of the album. Not because it’s the most refined, but because it’s the more pure of heart. It’s in the same lane as “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, a song so assured in its love and commitment. “Why Can’t We Live Together” is a wonderful closer. A two minute instrumental before any words are sung. Tactful choice. Obligatory broad stroking call to action song. 4/5, so squeaky clean that you could eat off it

Smooooooooth

So smooth and nice

Het is een plaat die je in menig platencollecties tegenkomt, dat vind ik niet zo gek want er valt ook niet veel op te haten. Ik heb hem ook en ook wel eens aangezet. Niemand zou ooit een hekel aan je krijgen omdat je deze plaat aan zet. Het klinkt goed, goed gebalabceerd en en warm geluid. Heel degelijk, niet het spannendste album die ik ooit heb geluisterd.

Klassieke plaat, op de een of andere manier kan je deze plaat in menig platencollectie terugvinden, en dat is niet gek. Het is high-end kamermuziek voor mensen met smaak. Ik vind de instrumentals erg goed gedaan, het is erg subtiel, precies genoeg, in tegenstelling tot andere producties uit die tijd waar veel gated-reverb op de drums zat in combinatie met foute synth's (wat overigens ook leuk is) Sade's stem pakt de hoofdrol en wat een fijne stem heeft zij om naar te luisteren. Haar stem is ook te horen op Doomsday, mijn favoriete nummer van MF Doom. Ik ben enthousiast geraakt en heb zin om andere albums van haar te gaan beseffen.

Classic. Quality songs and sound.

Great voice and just so very different from what else was going on

(85/100)

generational talent, Who doesn't love Sade?

I have a soft spot for the 80s, particularly Sade

This album starts hot with the 3 big hitters, but stays strong throughout. A very consistent vibe. Fave Tracks: Smooth Operator, Your Love is King, Hang On To Your Love 4.4/5

🥰

elegancia, de noche, sofisticado, me relaja

Really a 4.5 if you ask me. I had never given Sade a chance growing up. As a fan of more extreme music, I too was part of the peanut gallery in labeling this as adult alternative muzak. What a load of garbage. This is a beautiful, fantastic, sensual album, that actually touches on social issues in addition to the romantic, slow-moving hits. This simmers all the way through, tight as a well oiled machine. As a musician, I'm impressed with the band's ability to show so much restraint and release with the jazz and pre-trip-hop song structures. The sax solos are a bit of their time, but precisely, the 80s was one of the best times for music anyways, and I'm such a sucker for cheese as long as the music is tough enough. Sade is a strong and focused singer, not at all flat. Like a Billie Holliday 2.0, at times. As my former jazz instructor, Andrew Speight, once told our large class (with people chatting and making noise upon arriving during the first track he would play), "If you shut up and listen, you might learn something." So glad that I held my breath and gave you a listen after all these years, Sade. Can't wait to listen to the rest.

Smooth Operator was everywhere when it came out. I feel that it was around the same time as Kenny G, Alison Moyet, and Simply Red. A whole lotta of adult contemporary music when it seemed that was done. Some 'romantic' music to get down with. I wasn't the demographic then and this smooth jazzy and R&B inflected stuff was not my bag. She was definitely before Erykah Badu and Macy Grey. I remember stepping into a cocktail lounge -- I am sure there was a mix of swing, exotica, Harry Connick Jr and Sade. I had my first chocolate martini "hated it" and promptly left after trying an expresso martini next. Drinks were expensive and I wasn't ready for this level of BS. Unfortunately, this is my association. Only cocktails and exotica survived that era for me. Anywho, I put this on and the first song, "Smooth Operator", it has this preamble. Never heard this on the radio. I wish I had, it makes the song better. This sounds a lot better when you are only hearing it once and awhile and it is when you want. A lot better. I have already heard half this album and the other less overexposed songs are familiar and good. Maybe I have finally gotten to a place in my life where I can appreciate this stuff. This is sultry and cool. This album is a great album. I think I may give it a 4. It deserves a bit more but not enough to push it into the 5 territory.

Excellent

light 4.5.

Gran disco y gran voz. Muy a gusto su mood. Siento que le gustaba a mi mamá

Smuuuuth operaitor. Ta cool me parece que con un par de escuchadas mas entra en los guardados definitivos

8/10

Amazing chill album, her voice is deeper than what you would expect based on what she looks like. Nasty sax playing, consistently well written pop tunes. She is an amazing performer, yet she rarely performs, check her out if you get the chance.

Smoooooov. This is an excellent example of the 80s sophisti-pop style, with plenty of lush jazzy arrangements, smooth soulful sounds, and of course Sade's excellent vocals tying it all together.

Smooth as FUCK I might like more 80s music if it sounded more like this. As far as this website’s rating system goes, this is on the UPPER upper tier of 4s.

The definition of smooth! Perhaps a bit too much in the middle, as from 'When Am I Going to Make A Living' to 'Sally' it starts bordering on the bland. Literally everything else is gold though! 🎷🐛 Standouts: Smooth Operator • Your Love Is King • Hang On to Your Love • Frankie's First Affair • I Will Be Your Friend • Why Can't We Live Together

My apologies to Sade!! Heard this on the Rolling Stone 500 list and thought it was boring and very skippable. On giving it a careful listen now, I realized it is actually an expertly layered, smooth, jazzy masterpiece with lush production and gorgeous vibes. Oops!

R&B can sometimes wobble dangerously close to full-blown cheeseball territory for this guy. Rose petals, thick mustaches, satin sheets, blue-balled saxophone wails for mercy: the whole horny gift basket. Inject some jazz into the mix, and you've got a volatile compound that could implode under the weight of its own doucheyness right quick. But Diamond Life strolls through that minefield in designer heels without triggering a single cringe grenade. This thing is buttery smooth, but we ain't talkin' gas station butter. It’s expensive... mysterious butter. Possibly wearing sunglasses and smoking a cigarette - indoors. Lil' funk in the trunk, soul in the chest, the faint smoke of jazz curling around the ceiling fan, and enough evolved sensuality to fog up the windows without desperately moaning, "MMM...BABY". The shifting tempos keep it from becoming one long soft-focus cologne ad, and the whole record ends up feeling like a small, stylish suitcase packed with decades of Black music history. Sade’s voice is the whole spell here: aloof but aching, effortless but intimate, like she’s emotionally devastating you from across a dimly lit room while pretending she just came in for a mineral water. Somehow, Diamond Life takes all the ingredients that usually send me sprinting and turns them into something elegant, haunted, and stupid cool. No satin-sheet misdemeanors. Just Sade and company gliding by in slow motion, making everyone else sound like they showed up to the orgy wearing socks.

Another great endeavor on this list. Another 4 I'll gladly give.

Jazzzyyyy

I mean what a smooth, unique voice

Diamond Life was a dinner party favourite when we were in our twenties. Long time since hearing it. Crisp production. Very smooth, laid back. Some good songs, although Why can't we live together is a cover - still good though.

Smooth Operator is the best song on this album, unfortunately it was the first song on this album. Overall, it was a good sound, but I wasn't absolutely crazy about it.

Such an interesting project, it felt like it was ahead of time, the title track is a classic and the B-sides incorporate modern sounds into blues rhythm, Feels like a fresh breath of air from the loudness of current life, I definitely loved it.

Sade is one of those artists that I didn’t like as a kid but has grown on me more recently. I used to really dislike her music, but these days I like her blend of light jazz and really enjoyed listening to this album. To the extent that I’m going to listen to some more of her catalogue now, in the hope it’s also as good.

This is much better than I remember from just the singles. This probably wasn't what I was looking for as a 17 year old but it sounds great now.

Another album I knew from back in the day. Had forgotten how much I enjoyed it - nice to be reminded

An incredibly sophisticated, pristine blend of jazz, soul, and sophisticated pop. The production is immaculately clean, but the underlying musicianship is exceptionally tight, driven by elastic basslines, subtle percussion, and understated saxophone work that creates a hypnotic, deeply relaxing nighttime atmosphere.

Refreshingly cruisey when Sade burst upon the scene. The whole album so well produced. Great voice and vibe

It is 1984. Summer. You cruise through the city in a convertible sports car. Your sleeves rolled up, sunglasses on even though it is night time. The streetlights and the windows of skyscrapers flow past you, blurring together. The city seems to go on forever. You don't have a destination in mind, but the evening seems to hold endless potential. That is how this albums feels. You could accuse it of being overproduced, perhaps, but it never feels lifeless because of it. There is a great deal of passion throbbing through these tunes. I, too, tend to like my music with a little rough edge, but that would go entirely against the spirit of this album. I only knew smooth operator going in. I have to say "Frankie's First Affair", "Cherry Pie", and "Sally" are all just as good, and at just shy of 45 minutes it does not outstay its welcome at all.

Pretty good

So smooth and beautiful album

This is something I would like to be played in the waiting room for all my doctor appointments (good thing). Jazzy, relaxing, cool, and atmospheric. Likes: Smooth Operator; Your Love Is King; Hang On To Your Love; Cherry Pie

So so smooth. Sexy and jazzy and real easy to sink into. You get what you get with Sade.

Liked it

Классная смесица R&B и джаза/блюза, но не мой жанр Песню Smooth Operator уже слышала Очень неплохо, под определенное настроение пойдет

Immaculately produced and amazingly sung. The instrumentation is at great symphony, the band chemistry on this is so satisfying. It's very easy to enjoy and see why it's so great but still offers a lot of detail and overall a really great sound. Loses a bit of steam towards the end but doesn't fall below very good. HE'S A SMOOOTH OPERATOR!

Great start to a career for an amazing singer. Her voice is impeccable and sounds like the warmest saxophone. Would listen again and again

Grooved so damn hard I was going crazy in AutoCAD listening to this

Performative male music for people who are too scared to listen to laufey or clairo. It is actually pretty good though

Smooth Operator is great and I feel like this album makes a good date night

There is an alternate dimension in which everything in life plays out like a montage sequence for the romantic B-plot for an episode of Miami Vice, and Sade is the world's biggest act.

took a couple of listen but i really really like it.