Reviews (page 6 of 14)
I mean, who doesn't immediately fall into a groove when they hear "Smooth Operator"? It's like a condition that no one is immune to.
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.
Favourite Songs: Smooth Operator Cherry Pie
Good Voice...Good Instrumentals...Just Kind of boring...2 1/2*
Groovy. Fun. Not full of hits, but it was very enjoyable to listen to throughout.
Is it for me? No. Can I appreciate what it is? Yeah, I guess.
No sound is more redolent of peak 1980s for me than the sound of Sade singing Smooth Operator. Everything about it, The sound, the theme, the attitude, it bleeds that celebration of excess for which the decade is partly known. The other big singles, Your Love Is King and Hang On To Your Love both have quite an old school soul feel. The rest of the album shows a decent versatility in songwriting and there’s a great sonic consistency, credit in part to the production, which is certainly glossy but then that suits the songs and the mood, the late night smoky bar vibe. I’ve a fondness for the last two tracks, I Will Be Your Friend and the unexpected anti war themed Why Can’t We Live Together, for the unexpected thematic departure from the rest of the album, though I’m not quite sure they are quite competent enough as songwriter to sustain deeper themes. A confident debut, which turns out on re listening to be more than a period piece - just.
Great
Lovely voice and lots to admire, but not really to my taste.
8.0/10 Liked this a lot more than I expected.. must be because I’m old..lol
I love how pure and passionate Sade is. I feel like this album is one that bears repeat listening because it would definitely grow on me. Favorite songs: I Will Be Your Friend, Why Can’t We Live Together, Smooth Operator.
Love this a lot, Sade's voice is beautiful and the instrumentation is so smooth. Love every sax appearance across the album, felt like I was lounging in a comfy warmly lit room. Did distract me from my work a lot though. Highlights: Smooth operator, Your love is king, Hang on to your love, Why can't we live together.
Standouts: Frankie's First Affair? Sally Pre thoughts oh god... (negative). I'm really trying to go into this with an open mind The first few songs are repetitive. Sade's voice is quite nice but didn't really do much different throughout the course of the album. I didn't hate listening to it but I found the whole experience a bit boring. Was considering a 2 at the start but I might be nice and give it a 3
Very easy listening. Loved it starting on the sax, lovely sax in general I cannot complain. Sweet Operator is iconic, I loved cherry pie, a lot of funk and groove I love. Good vocals with a nice rhythm. Not much to complain about will definitely be listening again
Checks all the boxes for my Cheesy Eighties bingo : - Keyboards and fake claps everywhere. Who needs actual drums ? - Pseudo-soul voice that will make actual soul singers cringe. - Over-the-top "smoothness" that people somehow used to find sexy back in the days, but now sounds like the soundtrack of a softcore porn flick. - Kitschy sax oozing with bad taste. For the love of God, LEAVE THE SAX ALONE. Saxophones are for jazzmen, funk bands and Lisa Simpson. - Oooh-hoo, yoo-hoo ! Pa-pala, pap-palala ! - I think I’ve literally heard this music in an elevator. I’ll admit that Smooth Operator is a nice hit, and Hang On To Your Love is a semi-enjoyable song... But everything else just painfully reminds me of all the reasons why I hated pop music during the 80s. Still, the 80s produced far worst crap. This album feels caricatural, but it's not entirely unlistenable. 3/10
The sound didn't age that much and the jazzy vibes are easy to listent to. Groundbreaking? Don't think so.
Thanks to a tube and the voice of a "smooth operator", the rest of the album is just to be forgotten
This album is pure 80s, but somehow one of the rare ones that actually aged well. The occasional synth pads still stick out, but the rest is so warm and organic that it never feels cold or overprocessed. And that voice… instantly recognizable, one of those singers you can identify before the first line even settles. I’m not a huge fan of where her later discography drifted, slowly turning into something a bit too bland for me, but this record is just nice. I don’t listen to it all the time, yet every time I do, it lands just right. And honestly, it’s one I know I’ll keep coming back to. And I was in love with her when I was a child.
Goat
This was a perfect listen for trudging through the snow on my commute to the Zoo. It matched the dreary atmosphere but still kept my spirits up. I loved Sally.
Lovely voice but god I hate smooth jazz
Yoooo lol probably my favorite album that I have discovered so far using this app
Amazing record that I hadn't heard before. Going in the rotation for sure.
It’s nice and soft, however the songs are too long and didn’t draw me in. It can’t be called bad, cause it is definitely not, but it just didn’t grab me the way I would have liked. Smooth operator is a highlight, but everything else kinda meshing into eachother and I don’t really want to listen to it again
So smooth
This is smooth. In a good way. Sade is a class act with a great image and her voice is perfect for this style of music. 3.5 rounding up
Warm jazz R&B poppy. Easy Saturday morning listening. Jasmine says melancholy airport background music.
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.
joy to listen
A bit smooth for me but otherwise good
I’m away this weekend. I listened to this before sunrise, whilst drinking a coffee, watching ducks swim on a calm lake. I’m very glad I got this as my album of the day and not thrash metal or something.
I like it, but it's no Love Deluxe, which should have been on the list
Comfy and cozy
Transcends easy listening 80's jazz to create an enveloping, soulful fog for the listener. I loved this.
Smooth operator, smoooooooooth operator
Could really do without the sax but I love the sound of this record. Super warm. Heard Sade being played a fair bit recently due to a co-worker that’s a big fan and I understand why her records are considered classics. They really set the template for modern smooth soul. I used to find that cheesy but think I would now say I’m a fan.
Banda que soa aquele som genérico dos anos 80, como algo superproduzido tentando ser jazz mas sem muita alma, soa mais como música de elevador na verdade. Dois está ótimo, até pq tem muita coisa pior por aqui...
Smooth. Easy listening. Good quality pop though I guess. Too cheesy for me.
Love her hits but nothing in this grabbed my attention.
I don’t like this type of music. It’s sax heavy, dinner party jazz, as favoured by yuppies in the 1980s, and I don’t think it has aged particularly well. It points to mid eighties aspirationalism to my mind. Sade’s smoky, smooth voice is perfect for this polished, wine bar vibe. Definite nods to the Crusaders and Minority Report in this, and it will influence all the super-polished RnB that comes later. I still didn’t enjoy it.
I’ll say it - never liked her voice.
3.5
Not my type.
Descrição retirada das notas do livro: "sonoridade elegante, contida e sofisticada... experiências sutis com ritmos latinos, caribenhos e outros sons exóticos". Nada de meu interesse. E o título da faixa 6 (Cherry Pie) resume meu sentimento em relação ao disco, doce e enjoativo.
It’s a cool album that warrants a relisten
Oh yeah!!!
I mean...
Island flavored smooth jazz pop confection.
Eh
Too smooth? Well played, though.
Lounge tracks for 80s shaggers
Hell yeah. This one drifted past me on the first listen but I loved it on the second time through. It's not my usual genre so I don't know how often I'll come back to it but I'm definitely glad to have checked it out.
At first I thought this was a pleasant nothing of an experience, complimentary. Atmosphere music to leave on in the background and enjoy the vibe. Then Hang On To Your Love grabbed my attention and I started listening actively. Great album, Sade sounds amazing, and even if it's sometimes understated the bass and piano and saxophone are doing some great work here. added to collection
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
Sade does sensual jazz and r&b better than anyone.
File under: Music to undress to
Beautiful smooth soulful sound.
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
smooth operator- 6 your love is king- 6 hang on to your love- 5 or 6 frankies first affair- 5 when am i going to make a living- 5 or 6 cherry pie- 7 sally- 5 i will be your friend- 5 why cant we live together- 5 or 6
Very 80s soft pop album with a jazzy twist. Decent overall, but Carlos Sainz is better at singing Smooth Operator
不感兴趣
Smooth
Please excuse the pun, but I liked how smooth this album was. Also, I really enjoyed the bass lines.
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.
Perfect music for a Friday night cocktail party if people have those anymore. It’s a bit too sedating for me but nice.
This is absolute classic ❤️🔥
Unique at the time, she didn't sound like anyone else and that still ring true today. Definitely an album that stands up well and has had good longevity. The listen counts are off the charts, which speaks to popularity and staying power. You can hear "Smooth Operator" (758M listens), "Your Love Is King" (272M) or "Hang On To Your Love" (120M) any day of week on popular radio. The vibe across the album is steady, without a lot of change in beat or pace. You can't argue with the numbers - her greatest hits album is one of the most impressive I've seen and I'm 300+ albums in to the Top 1001. The weakest track has 25M listens, not many artists can say that. Top 1001? Not sure. She definitely created a sound of her own, the popularity is there, the longevity is there, the sax is there, the hits are there, so yeah. I'd give it 3+ stars.
A bit too sickly smooth for my liking but inoffensive
Most overrated Sade album. 4.0
No need to ask
Now, as an objective listener, I should say that this over-polished '80s R&B filled with sweet but lackluster vocals is just not my thing. The thing is, though, that this record is the soundtrack to the rainy Sundays of my youth, bringing the sun into our home when my father put on this record. That said, what pleads for the band and singer is that they composed their own songs - songs that are smooth, funky, and jazzy. Sade Adu's style of singing might be called lazy at times, but she sure has soul in her voice, especially on "Frankie's First Affair" which also displayed their storytelling ability. Or listen to the brilliant cover of Timmy Thomas' "Why Can't We Live Together". So, subjective or not, I enjoyed revisiting it, and I still rate it 4/5.
2.1 1x catch up 11/18 - nothing wrong, just not my thing
I remember in the 90s when Sade was big in the US, everyone was just wondering how to pronounce her name. I did not expect all the funky, amazing bass lines that is prevalent throughout the album. I'm more impressed by the silky smooth, funky, jazzy music throughout then the songwriting but the lyrics are pretty good. I liked Cherry Pie & Hang on to Your Love especially. Some of the songs start out with the same with sax. I wasn't that impressed with Smooth Operator but I think it may be a cover. This is incredibly close to 4 but I'm going with a 3.8 This is my 100th album, which somehow landed on my sister's birthday.
Smooth Operator oli ainoa tuttu biisi. Aikas easy listening ja sunnuntai aamun musiikkia. Rentoa ja rauhallista.
I love her.
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.
Highlights: When Am I Going To Make A Living, Smooth Operator, Cherry Pie. In a nutshell: sleek, sophisticated jazz I think we have Sade to thank/blame for 90s and millennial neo-soul. Two of the four singles- Smooth Operator and Hang Onto Your Love- are key examples. Also, I'd be miffed at Ed if he threw my copy of Diamond Life at zombies. Good call for chucking the Batman soundtrack though. Overall: 5/10
Always been a fan of her music and this album. the girl can sing and write some great music
Of COURSE it's amazing
Smooth
Yes. Yes. Yes ♡
Pretty good
Cool, sexy, beautifully sung and competently played. I will say that this much sax is not my usual thing. I'll give this a middling rating because it falls into that tragic category of things done very well that I just don't care much about, just like elite handball or tennis or top quality fermented yak milk. 3/5
A little monotone to my ears.
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.
Sade hits all the right notes.
I thought smooth operator would be the best track, but I was surprised at how weak it was compared to the other tracks.
Lite FM staple and the soundtrack of Boomer mom's who weren't getting enough attention at home. At least that's what I think of when I hear this. Also, porno backing music.
It's a darn shame Ed used this record as a zombie weapon in 'Shaun of the Dead' because it showcases some rather wonderful and soulful vocals from the impressive Sade (Shah-day) Abu. 'Diamond Life' is Sade's 1984 debut, and despite being only 24 at the time of recording, Sade has the mature, confident and charismatic voice of a seasoned soul/jazz veteran, and she's backed by inventive saxophone, colourful guitar and samba-like drums. The dense, lush production also ensures 'Diamond Life' hits the mark, although it does sound ahead of its time. For 1984, it sounds like a record that would be quite at home in the 90s adult contemporary scene, and its a darn shame Sade was never called upon to write a James Bond theme, as her style would've perfectly complemented the spy thriller genre. 'Diamond Life' is as solid as the solid matter its named for, and Sade's charisma is well beyond her years here. Best songs: Smooth Operator, Hang On to Your Love, When Am I Going to Make A Living?, Why Can't We Live Together
Amazing debut
Classy 80s jazz/pop album from one of the best voices of that decade - and most distinctive.
What a great debut album. It is a whole vibe.
For the 80's R&B, it's probably one of the better produced albums. Very smooth, mellow and jazzy. Unique voice and song writing on this album. At times, the album gets cheesy, a little lazy, and a few cliches like the track "Cherry Pie" "Smooth Operator" and "Frankie's First Affair" are absolutely bangers on here. Awesome storytelling, with some unique concepts. The album has solid, occasionally social conscious subject matter. The best track is a long song "Your Love is King" 4/5 stars
It’s smooth, it’s slick, it’s technically proficient, it’s just not for me. Would make great background music for a dinner party or focus work session but it’s just too MOR for my general listening tastes.
Volvería a escucharlo? Sí. me gustó en la primera escucha: - Smooth operator - Frankies first affair - Sally - Cherry Pie No me gustaron: - I will be your friend - Why can't we live together
A chill and enjoyable listen
Smooth, but there's more emotion to this album than just being cool. Love the sax. Very nice.
Not for me
Smooth
This was awesome. Don't know what else I can say.
jazzy
Extremely not my shit
Slow, British jazzy blues
Smooth.
Perfekt für nebenbei, quite chill
I truly have no idea what to expect with this one. Just started listening now. Already 1000x better than New Order Low-Life. I wrote a few sentences about every track but I came back and now it's all gone! Guess I must have forgotten to save it. That's too bad because I really enjoyed this record and it is officially my first 4 star rating.
Sensual
I fucks with Sade. This album makes me want to dance in a downtown high rise at night with the blinds open in a bathrobe with a flute of champagne showing the city just how damn groovy I am. Four stars and favorited.
The last song was the worst. It was all okay. If it wasnt 1001 albums to hear id say 3.
Then it’s are fine but not my jam; the rest does little to elevate it to something I’d want to listen to
Groovy. Good vibes. Would listen again.
This was a surprise. I expected it to be nice but boring. Nope. A few tracks were like that but many were funky, catchy, groovy and smooth. I'll probably listen again.
This is not for me. Every so often there was a great baseline, like Quincy Jones was suddenly there, but alas, it didn't turn into a Michael jackson hit, it was just another slow Sade track invoking a nightclub with dim lights in a seedy area of town. If it wasn't teasing Jackson pop it sounded like the music backing to an 80s film I really don't want to watch. If anyone asks me why I dislike the saxophone they should sit through this and it should all be explained. Like the vibe wasn't intrusive. And the odd bassline was great.
So self-assured and confident. Creates a great vibe. Love this one.
Excellent elevator music.
This shit slaps so hard. Hang on to your love sounds like a major interpolation of Billie Jean (or vice-versa). I could listen to these smooth-ass grooves all day every day for a long while. 4/5
Perfectly pleasant. A must-listen? Absolutely not.
Litt dølt
An exploration into soul and rhythm that makes your body want to slow dance all night long
Starting off with the climax was very smart for this record, Smooth Operator is enough of a reason to have this album on the list. But the entire project, a dissection of love-related emotion, is worth its listen. I was hoping I'd like the effort more, especially since its clear '80s era music I actually enjoy— the percussion here isn't a machine and I think it makes all the difference. Everyone in the band is pretty tight, though. The bass, cheesy as it often is, actually slaps if you consider isolating the sound. The sax? So easy to go overboard, presented consistently in a tasteful and talented manner. Sade's vocals merit their own review, they're so fucking beautiful. I like the cassette version of the album, where after Why Can't We Live Together, we get to hear Love Affair With Life. Both tracks are excellent ways to finish off an album, but there's something special about the production of Love Affair. I love it but I thought I'd love it more. 4.1/5
Sehr gut
Smooth operator
BANGER 5/5
This type of music is not for me.
I could listen to this often. Maybe my preferred 80s style music!
Super smooth and incredible R&B/soul performances with some classics sprinkled. Highly recommended for anyone that enjoys that kind of music.
I think everyone knows ‘Smooth operator’, the stand out song of her career but there’s plenty more of the same jazz infused soul here. Definitely a niche sort of sound. A favourite I imagine of coffee houses, late nights / early mornings
Day 105 First listen- This album is so so smooth and gorgeous, I can see myself coming back to it again and again! (4/5)
smooooth operratooor
3/5
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)
Супер класика, яку приємно слухати майже під будь-який настрій.
Really vibed with it
This album was a touch of a letdown for me. I've always thought Sade has a gorgeous voice, and was excited when this popped up as my selection for the day. As I listened, I found that there wasn't an overwhelming amount to these songs especially early in the album. Smooth Operator is a great song, no doubt, just a tremendous way to kick off the album. As the record progressed, though, a lot of these songs lacked a certain something for me. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, as I listened to Your Love Is King, Hang On to Your Love, and Frankie's First Affair, all of which I found pretty boring. But then When Am I Going to Make a Living and Cherry Pie came on, both of which were great tracks with a ton of interesting elements, especially the former of these which I really enjoyed lyrically. These two were the highlight of the album for me, even beyond Smooth Operator. Unfortunately, the album closed with three more songs I couldn't care less about. All rolled up, a couple of really great tracks, sandwiched around a variety of duds. Makes this a 3 for me.
The Queen of Smooth. Sensational smoky debut. Surely nobody could fail to love this.
Smooth, ahead of its time and funky in the narrative.
Remember some from watching vh1 as a kid.
Easy to listen to although this being the first album after a break up was interesting. Enjoyed it.
Fun but I struggled to pay attention. fav = Cherry Pie
This album is wonderful, but it’s the least of Sade’s studio albums.
Very 80's feeling. This type of R&B/adult contemporary is not my vibe. Nice voice, I guess. Was this really groundbreaking or something?
I love this album. Opening with that saxophone on “Smooth Operator” is amazing and sets a great tone for the rest of the album. Sade is a beautiful singer whose soft voice perfectly complements the laid back jazz/rnb/pop music played by her smooth backing band. Top tier and polished 80s soul. 3.5
Surprised by how much I dug this. Smooth.
Something about Smooth Operator is like nails on a chalkboard for some reason…the rest is nice, but not my tempo or what I really connect with.
Didn’t expect to like this one but loved the vibes (even though I felt like you could start singing smooth operator during most of the songs and it would fit)
Not for me at all - sounds bland to my ears
Fantastico
It's good for easy listening
Classic smooth jazz. Iconic voice. No need to ask, I need this album.
hellll yessss. smooooooth operatorrrrrr
That was nice. As most of these albums, not my cup of tea but I'm happy to have heard this album in its entirety. It's interesting how our tastes change with time.
Always loved Sade. Great to listen to this again!
Cool album; Smooth Operator is an all-time R&B jam. This has a smooth blues feeling to it.
Primera vez escuchando Sade, me pareció un disco para poner de fondo mientras hago cosas (en el buen sentido)
Do we even make “baby making music” anymore? Second half is way better than the first. A little generic but also jazzy and jam like in that 80s steely Dan way which I can appreciate.
Dam...thats fire dude
Enjoyable but repetitive
A mood.
охуенно очень понравилось, крутая телка
Легендарный
сладость
Great album
not bad
Not bad--just not my cup of tea.
Sade has a great voice for this kind of jazzy soul. Good stuff on the background but not one i would listen to with intention
I thought Sade is artist not a band. Learning new things every day. I also learned that this album is high quality production nonsense to me.
This operator is too smooth for me.
While I think Soldier of Love is my most listened Sade album, this is up there as well. I have to admit I tend to spin one of her massive collections most often, but that's because they've got so many tracks and I've got sexytime inbound. It's a great pop album with jazzy world music vibes, while I do like her smooth jazz stuff, I prefer the stuff leaning more to the soul and latin side of things. I think I've got Promise in my collection as well, but before checking out I would've sword up and down Stronger Than Pride was my most listened. Apparently I don't even have it in my collection, or my book keeping isn't up to bar (which is what I suspect).
Parts of this album are a 5 for me. Others are a 2-3. But Sade has become one of my favorite artists after hearing her entries on 1001 albums...
Not my sound and a bit samey, but I liked the music.
Un peu plate, avec quelques fulgurances.
Cool Bar Jazz. Cool. But Bar Jazz.
Not really my vibe. Okay album.
Amazing work. 10/10
This is so 80s. So smooth
Super chill RnB. Heartbroken lyrics, sultry saxophone lines, groovy percussion arrangements, funky guitar... Very relaxing, and groovy, but also sad and longing. Wonderful!
loved this album I forgot how good it was
Sade is always a joy to hear. I like every cut on this album.
My mom used to listen to this in the car when I was six or seven years old.And I swear it used to make me car sick
Perfectly fine.
Einige Songs kannte ich bereits, ohne zu wissen, dass sie von Sade stammen. Die bekannten Stücke wie Smooth Operator klingen auch heute noch elegant und zeitlos. Der Mix aus Soul, Jazz und Pop schafft eine entspannte, stilvolle Atmosphäre. Das Album bewegt sich für mich eher in der „Kuschelrock/Pop“-Ecke, bleibt aber durchweg hochwertig produziert und angenehm zu hören.
Hell have no fury like a woman scourned kinda vibe, going thru the emotions 😭
smooth operator pretty good
98/1001 Sade - Diamond Life Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ❎ There's nothing offensive about this, however, even at 44 minutes this album seems to drag, as it just seems so monotonous. It's too polished and for want of a better word, too smooth for my taste.
“Smooth Operator” is essential. And “Your Love Is King” isn’t far behind. I don’t think anything else on the album quite approaches those heights, but even the less-than-stellar is sure darn pleasant. SMOOTH, as nearly every review here says. When this album came out, I thought Sade was headed to a stardom that few reach. She became a star—but not on, say, Madonna levels. The promise was there. I wonder why the super-super-stardom didn’t happen. Hmm.
Smooth.
Smooth, and there isn’t enough saxophone in modern music.
The only Sade song I’m familiar with is “Smooth Operator,” which I’m happy to see is on this album. I expect the rest of the songs on this album to have a sound similar to “Smooth Operator,” which I’m sure will be fine. If Sade Adu’s vocals on the rest of the album are as good as her vocals on “Smooth Operator,” I’m sure this album will be tolerable. Diamond Life was fine. I enjoyed that this album had a really cohesive sound throughout, and I thought it was expertly produced and arranged. The instrumentals were all really good, and Sade’s vocals were excellent. However, I wasn’t really captivated by much of the songwriting, and while the sound was nice, it’s not what I want to listen to for over forty minutes. A lot of the songs on Diamond Life went on a little too long for me, and the sound grew stale during several songs. This album is definitely a one-and-done for me, but I can understand the appeal it might have with other people. Some notes about individual songs: “Smooth Operator” is a really great bop, and I like how it achieves that while having a relaxed and chill vibe. Musically, it’s incredibly smooth, and the vocals are excellent. I liked the subtle way that some of the musical elements were added in, making it worth it to pay close attention to everything you can hear. The bass on “Hang On Your Love” was really outstanding. The jazzy keyboards that came in during the middle of the song were excellent as well. I liked the brighter sound on “When Am I Going to Make a Living.” I loved the lyrics and the songwriting too, and the guitar playing had just the right amount of funk to it. The keyboards on “Cherry Pie” were good, and I really liked the spurned attitude of the vocals. Diamond Life was a nice album to listen to, but it didn’t tick a lot of boxes for me.
I know “smooth operator” which I think is the only song. When I was kid I think “smooth operator” came out after “Mr. Telephone Man” and I thought that “smooth operator” was a bout a friendly operator helping the guy from “Mr. Telephone man” get in touch with his baby. 😂
Good
Smooth Operator ist cool. Der Rest war leider nur so zum nebenbei hören und hat nicht meinen Geschmack getroffen.
Smooth operator is a banger, but I just wasn’t in the mood for the rest of it, which is more on me than Sade.
It’s not for me
30 seconds in, I expected to hate it. It pulled through though. Not my style, but far from Bad. Rounding up to protect myself from allegations of being a crank.
Consistently good and sexy what more could anyone want
crazy atmosphere, other-worldly vocals
Smooth operator: I didn't like the vocals at first but it kinda fits in some way it sounds like fly me to the moon duller somehow 7.5 I liked the saxophone btw Your love is king: I loved the organ sound and overall vibe of the song but chorus feels soo stupid 7 Hang on to your love : She sometimes sounds like klaus meine from scorpions and I love it and the song has a great groove, my favorite so far 8 and I loved the kalimba Frankie's first Affair : She's still sounding like klaus meine and I love it but song is overall kinda mid but it ok for a ballad soo 7.5 When I'm a going to make a living: has a great message I like the vocals and shaky shakys 7.5 Cherry Pie: I liked the groovy guitar and and holy shit song sounds great probably the best song so far it kinda sounds like scorpions but it's jazzy 8.5 Sally:A ballad again but it's one of the decent ones and sax work on this album is topnoch 8 I will be your friend till the end of time : her whisper like high pitched notes are great 8 Why can't we live forever: it sounds so familiar and she really sounds like klaus meine chill ending song 7
Really good. Very smooth both musically and as a vocal performance.
Lush voice and some solid lyrics and rhythms; loved two of the tracks but after a while got a bit repetitive. Still, her voice so enjoyable to listen too.
Nice, smooth listening. Great voice, love the saxophone.
Great album wish I listened to it sooner
15 mins was all I needed to hear. Not for me
2 out of 5. I have been pondering how LA to Chicago is considered coast to coast for 40 years.
sehr kuuli musig, aber jedes lied tönt gliich..
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.
Good Soul
I mean, it's fine. Way too one-note, but it's a pleasant note. Influence 3. Quality 3. Hits 3. Don't love it; don't hate it. 3
Maximum smoothness and vibe. Tough not to feel cool while listening.
This is so clean for a debut album, I love it.
3 connues *****
Delight sounds and soul beyond comprehension. Some timeless classics mixed with some snazzy breakdowns. There’s almost always an appropriate time to play this album.
me senti uma mulher rica e poderosa usando robe de seda enquanto tomo meu champanhe caríssimo ouvindo esse. que vibe deliciosa.
Yassssss
This album made me want a Harvey Wallbanger to go with it.
copa de vino antes de follar
love it
This should be right up my alley, but I didn't quite click with it. I enjoy Smooth Operator, but much of the album just struck me as being too pop.
Great album! Mellow and very melodic
*Listened before the project* Smooth operator~~~
This truly was a smooth operation.
-Sade Adu is fucking incredible. i’m so glad this album reminded me to listen to more of her stuff -i listened to it twice and it hit sooo fucking hard the second time. Cherry Pie is one of the most mesmerizing songs i’ve heard in a minute and Smooth Operator is one of my all time faves.. i may even enjoy this more than Love Deluxe -Favorites are Smooth Operator, Hang On to Your Love, and Cherry Pie
Smooth operator Smoooooth operaaaator
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!
Vet inte om jag ens hört hela den här skivan tidigare, mer än enstaka låtar och framförallt Smooth operator då. Verkligen bra och hög jämn nivå från första till sista ton. Inga svackor. Helt rakt, ärligt, strävt framfört utan åthävor. Släppt 1984, men kunde ha varit 2024. Förvånsvärt bra åldrat. Stark fyra.
Snyggt och välproducerat. Samtidigt blir det lite enformigt. Tror Sade hade mått bra av att smyga in någon upptempolåt här och där.
Det är Sades röst som är behållningen här. Tycker överlag att det är för smooth. Svag trea.
I recognize this as being good, but definitely not my thing
Sade is amazing. This album was in medium-to-heavy rotation for me years ago when I lived abroad. Sade's By Your Side (from the Lovers Rock album) was my wedding song--a marriage that has since dissolved, but nevertheless the song and artist are special. I had the opportunity to see her live about 15 years ago and it did not disappoint. The most timeless and listenable of music.
A very good album that I will return to later, the first side I thought was a perfect recipe on how to write pop, the second half while still good I found did drag in some areas,
Not my style I think. Fav song was “your love is king” otherwise it was maybe a little boring.
Good listen, timeless and has a few bangers. Nice!
ma'am... I'm so sorry... I wasn't aware of your game
Nice vibe, good vibes
Sexy
I thought it was just okay the first time listening to it, but began to dig the vibe more on the second listen. Favorite tracks: Smooth Operator
Smooth as all get out
Announces an inimitable style from the very note - sultry, smooth, with enough swing and groove to keep you afloat throughout
I thought Sally was about a sex worker until I looked it up.
Ok
big 3
oh my days the first song sounds sooo gooood. the rnb funk productionnn. holy shit Sade's vocals are magicalll. I really like the trumpet solos in smooth operator the first track. second track was good, nun crazy. third one has a crazy good intro, & its mad groovy so far. with a very good message. I wish they made more songs like these. def going in playlist, really digging the production, almost reminding me of dawn fm by Weeknd. 4th track: again the jazzy rnb production is amazing, plus Sade's voice is so perfect. the track itself is good but idk if its super good.
Seen to many Carlos Sainz thirst traps to truly enjoy smooth operator. Rest of the album was great, good vocals, some funky baselines and everyone enjoys a sexy sax
Knows how to sing
I really enjoyed this album. Lots of jazz, funk and soul. The vocals are fantastic.
smooooooooooooooooth harmonica
Pretty good
Lovely sax, lovelier vocals. Great sound
Dear God, this is so relaxing... Back in the day, her looks were all that mattered to me, but somehow the music survived the test of time. I'd give it 3,5 stars, if this were possible.
Sophisticated and elegant jazz, soul, latin, blues, r&b masterpiece.
Super smooth & enjoyable, but peaks with the opener and gets repetitive really quickly. Good for the background, boring for intensive listening.
Nice, long time no listen
Wel oke
Smooth Operator is OG, and this is a nice, chill, easy-listening album. She has an amazing voice, but this just isn't my type of music unfortunately. 2/5 stars.
Such easy listening
Yeah, this is great. I always loved Smooth Operator, but this is the first full listen and Sade delivers. Will return to it and it might be at a 4.5 for me.
Beautiful album...
Very melodic, nice and slow, if there was a 3.5 this would be it but I’m leaning just at 3, smooth operator and your love is king both the ones that truly stand out.
Im too pastey white to know who sade is other than hearing anyone else talk about her. And what a damn shame. She's pretty damn killer. For some reason smooth operator is like a hall and oats song in my head and someone must have a cover but they didnt come up with it whoever it is. She just had a great voice and a great ear for what's fun and just all around good. Its just fun and chill. Good times all around listening to this one. Maybe even a great time. I hope she comes up again thays for sure. I can only imagine how she matures as time goes on. This is a debut. Come on. She can only get better. I look forward to seeing that shit
Splendid album of course with one of the best opening 3 song salvos in music history, up there with Let's Dance for perfection. Frankie's first Affair immediately drops the quality substantially (with some of Sade's worst vocals IMO she just doesn't suit it) but the rest of the album is good enough, if not as consistent as later works. Those first 3 tracks though....
Smooth and jazzy.
10/10 album
Smoothness.
The musical equivalent to a safe pair of hands, it’s never a bad thing to have Sade on in the background 3.5 rounded up
Smooth and sexy from start to finish, but it felt like there was really only one tempo. The bass lines are great, as well as the sax. Clear standouts to me are When Am I Going to Make a Living and Cherry Pie.
Listened to this while I danced around the building at work tonight. Rhythm is off the charts. Voice sultry as hell. Some of the songs felt a little meandering at times to me, but I believe that’s kind of the idea with some music. Good stuff.
I was broadly aware of who Sade were coming into this, at least _Smooth Operator_ which is really unavoidable in life. This was my first full taste though. And unfortunately that blend of smooth soul and sophisti-pop is just not for me. It's too smooth and too clean and the bright, jangly production makes it sound very much of its time. I suppose it's pretty inoffensive to listen to but there's just no bite to it. What it really needs is a little more edge and a few sharp corners.
Silky and chill.
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)
Souly fresh frech Mich hends mir ihrem diamante lebe. 2 diamante und 2 lebe für das
Nach dem wuchenend wärs ja fast chli kriminell wenni mich nöd mal wider würd zemme neh zum da en review droppe, aber gwöhned eu nöd dra... gang bald id ferie anyways isch das genau es album gsi woni druf gwartet han - au zum min strenge ruef chli ufzbessere absoluts banger album mitemene starche start und den am schluss no es zückerli mit "why cant we live together" au eh neuentdeckig hetts debi gha mit "when am i going to make a living" das frög ich mich au, glaubs nach de ferie probieris mal lg 4 mönet pause nach de bachelorarbeit wäred ahgmesse gsi
put your hands up for sade de inbegriff vo sexy ass music – perfekte hintergrundsound, wo sich phasewiis wäg ihrem bangerpotenzial gekonnt in vordergrund schliicht noah likey – noah geben quatro ass claps
I don’t have much to say on this one. It’s an album that I listened to and I forgot about it while I was listening to it. Unbelievably beige.
Fairly repetitive and none of the songs really stood out. Nice voice and calm beats. Didn’t realize this was R&Bs origins. 5/10
Classic 80's synthwave funk. Thoroughly enjoyed
Cover 5.5 Love Sade (FYI, they're a band named after the lead singer). But this isn't my favorite of their albums. It's a good listen though. Jazzy, samba, r&b, beautiful voice.
Smooth
One of the better 80s pop albums. I can see why people love it. "Diamond Life" is still a bit bland, though. "Why Can't We Live Together" is my favourite of the 9 songs on it. Better yet, none of the tunes on this album have appeared in adverts. 3 stars for "Diamond Life".
Mid 80s. Dominated the light rock radio, and I get why. Smooth, chill, jazzy pop. Is it something I would have picked out to listen or would pick out to on a regular basis? No probably not. But there's are some jams. Bassist straight going off on tracks like Hang On to Your Love.
Smooth operator is good, she has a great voice but just not for me.
Sax-a-ma-phooone. Smooth jazz, not my favourite, but she has a nice voice. 2.5/5
This was fine. Not my style and not much to catch me.
Really surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. Great soulful sound, upbeat vibes and she's got an amazing voice.
"Yeah, but that's Liz's!" "Yeah, but she did dump you." *throws Diamond Life* Through this project I've identified adult contemporary as one of my least favorite music genres. This is possibly a better example of the genre, but I still wouldn't want to return to this.
Only a few songs that I really enjoyed from it. The rest is pleasant but doesn’t incite much of anything. 5/10
First Listen: Mar 12 2024 lovely album. sade is goated affff. so fucking smooth and groovy ahhh i loveee it
I am both disappointed and impressed? Sade may be an one-trick pony, but it's a good trick (+ variants) to keep the whole album enjoyable.
Smooth operator, your love is king. Fabulous songs. Sade has such a beautiful voice
Smooth Operator is a neat song and I liked the sax solos, the rest kinda sounds like 80s elevator music
So much saxophone. 80s R&B has never really been my thing. There’s nothing bad on this album, but there’s also nothing I loved. Without Sade’s smooth voice, it’s just synthy elevator music. Her voice is very soothing, though, so it was kind of relaxing. But definitely not something I will ever listen to again.
Not my "Jam" but it's clean and well orchestrated
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
Knew a couple of Sade songs before listening to the whole album. I knew what was to be expected and it didn't disappoint. The smooth and silky sound and is something you have to be in the mood for, great for a rainy evening for example. It's greatest strength is arguably also it's biggest weakness. The homogeneous sound makes the album a bit predictable and there are not a lot of songs that stand out. I guess Smooth Operator is a good summary of the album: smooth but also a bit forgettable.
Great album
With such a smooth voice and saxophone solos. How could you not enjoy it? A great album to relax with.