Reviews (page 9 of 13)
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
Perfekt für nebenbei, quite chill
Sensual
Smooth operator
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
3/5
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.
Easy to listen to although this being the first album after a break up was interesting. Enjoyed it.
This album is wonderful, but it’s the least of Sade’s studio albums.
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
It's good for easy listening
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.
A mood.
not bad
Not bad--just not my cup of tea.
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.
Perfectly fine.
smooth operator pretty good
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.
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
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
sehr kuuli musig, aber jedes lied tönt gliich..
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.
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.
Yassssss
Smooth operator Smoooooth operaaaator
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.
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
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.
Knows how to sing
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.
Super smooth & enjoyable, but peaks with the opener and gets repetitive really quickly. Good for the background, boring for intensive listening.
Wel oke
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.
Smooth and jazzy.
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.
Silky and chill.
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
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.
This was fine. Not my style and not much to catch me.
Only a few songs that I really enjoyed from it. The rest is pleasant but doesn’t incite much of anything. 5/10
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
Not my "Jam" but it's clean and well orchestrated
With such a smooth voice and saxophone solos. How could you not enjoy it? A great album to relax with.
Jazzy. Easy listening. Would recommend. 7/10
Cool. I did not know this was a band. Kinda the Rihanna of her day it seems like. I did not know about "quiet storm" music. Genre is ridiculous. Anyway not my style but it is smooth and competent as shit.
OK
5/10
Smooth indeed. Easy listening but does not hold my attention enough for a lasting impression. As always torn between giving reviews for good workmanship vs personal preference. Favorite track: Smooth Operator
Music to listen to as the cocaine wears off. Michael McDonald and Christopher Cross look out, there's a new monarch of Yacht Rock Island and her name is Sade. Smoove and cool.
An absolutely titanic pop album! Haters will still point out that it's pop and lacks a bit in the low end, but there's still an art to make music that you can tap your foot to that nobody's going to exactly hate. 3.5*
I enjoyed Diamond Life. I don't think that i have gotten too much R&B with a female singer as of late so this is actually a pretty enjoyable return to it. The musicianship here was very well done with many of the tracks on show being rather groovy and still having that relaxing feel to them. I also did like Sade's voice as she could have that pretty alluring sense in her voice. The album also never felt like it was dragging on but still had enough time to stretch out it's legs and let the melodies sink in. I guess if i did have a problem with it, it would be that some of the songs here are a little forgettable and do blend into the background but other than that, i quite enjoyed this album. Best Song: Hang On To Your Love Worst Song: I Will Be Your Friend
J'étais pas convaincu au début mais franchement ça s'écoute c'est chill
Mellow
Lover boyyyyyyyy
There is nothing I hate more than a sleezy saxophone. That being said, the harmonies in this album are incredible and add so much depth.
I got laid just putting this album on. It's sexy 80's r&b and there's a reason "Smooth Operator" is known by everyone. TIL: it's pronouned "shaw-day"
Track 1 is a classic (Smooth Operator)
3 // poppy r&b from the 80s. exactly what you'd think that'd sound like. catchy and fun, but nothing crazy
Soft 80s pop, with soul background. Sax-heavy, latin-inspired rhythms on When Am I Going to.... It's alright, not mind-blowing. Jazzy sax solo in Sally. Why Can't We Live Together is a nice slow track with inclusive aspirational lyrics. Best track - Cherry Pie (not for any reason), Why Can't We Live Together, When Am I Going to Make a Living 3 stars
Enjoyable but not mindblowing.
Better the second time around
you listen the first 2 and the rest of the songs sound similar
No, Sade, YOU'RE the smooth operator
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.
Smooth op easy listening
Very cool, stylish, timeless. A little bit samey at times though. Good one to throw on in the background at some sort of dinner/wine party if you want people to think you're civilised A bit repetitive. Needs some actual bangers that stand out
Smooth Operator
Not for me, but I can appreciate the artistry.
I like the Bossa Nova chill style it has, I knew Sade before, but it was really nice listening to her again.
easy listening music
Did not listen to
Lush sound and well produced, but a little shallow lyrically.
eig sehr cool und toller Rhythmus, aber es hat mich ein bisschen gelangweilt
Pleasant.
неумирающая классика, которую должны послушать все, даже те, кто джаз никогда не любили. альбом о женщине в любви great beautiful album but not my cup of tea, that is
great album to listen to .... just not alone 😅 Sade's voice is really something else and there are clearly no bad songs on this album. Just nothing i'm gonna go back to except on special occasions. 7/10 fav songs : Smooth Operator & Cherry Pie
This brought back good memories. It was enjoyable but nothing great
I recognize that this isn't yacht rock. BUT, If I were on a yacht, and a couple of cocktails in, I could easily get into Sade's voice and the saxophone as the world sails by.
There's a chart topper and some good stuff, but it feels a little... subdued.
"Smooth Operator" is a fantastic track. There were a few others I enjoyed a bit but overall this wasn't really a love or hate. Worth a listen for sure though.
Nice voice - chilled out sound - I really enjoyed the first two tracks (the hits) and Sally - the rest fine, relaxing listen.
Sade evokes the tobacco-scented Bonneville my friend's dad used to drive me to school in. The easy listening station he had on in the car seemed to play Sade every morning, so "Smooth Operator" is inextricably linked to the smell of his pipe and the plush seats in that boat of a car.
Feels like the are 80s. And that's a good thing.
Músicas de mae
Slick cool and fun
She has a beautiful voice. But the album is a bit boring with very little to no difference between the sounds of the songs.
One cool muthajazzer
Sade has a beautiful voice. It's a shame these songs go on for too long.
Good mellow morning music. I was surprised at how many of the songs I knew.
Smooth, smoky, jazzy R&B with pop hooks, a tight band, and a sultry singer. The genre is not really my jam as I find the overall effect a bit sleepy, but it is well crafted sophisticated pop that is an easy listen.
I don't like jazz. I don't really know why, it just doesn't appeal to me. I get the impression that these are all talented people. Her voice is good. The songs are well crafted and performed. It's just not my thing.
Not my usual taste, but it was ok
Smooth Operator is a certified Banger. Idk what everyone else sees in Your Love Is King but it just doesn’t hit the same. Sade has a good voice. Best song: Smooth Operator Notable(s): Smooth Operator (again), Sally
I can dig it. But in small doses. 2.7875 rounded to 3.
A smooth operator one might say
I expected to like this more than I did. I suppose if my expectations were lower, I’d consider this a 4. At the end of the day, it’s just a simple, beautiful album.
Smooooooottthh operatorrr
Definitely a mood album. I liked the British Soul vibe of the whole thing, but would have to be in the right mood to give it another spin.
At first when I put this album on, I thought here we go with another one hit wonder making the list of 1,001 albums to hear before you die. I mean we all know Smooth Operator, if you don't know that song, you have been living under a rock. I was surprised that I recognized a couple other songs from this album, like Hang On To Your Love, which I enjoyed the long version. All in all this album falls into the "didn't hate it, didn't love it" ranking.
Kinda interesting not something i'd go for straight away but I also didn't completely hate it
Great voice, average music. A few gems, though.
Didn't know I'd heard a couple of her songs, but I have. She has a good voice, but all a bit meh for me.
Lemppari: Frankie’s first affair Vähiten lemppari: Why Can’t We Live Together
Yeah, it was fine.
Not for me, but good
Not bad by any means. Great voice, I love the sax work. Just kind of one-note. Every song sounded kinda the same. But very well produced.
Great voice, some good songs too. Doesn’t come together as a whole album for me
Never realized how good the sax is for this group. Sades voice is so smooth but some of the songs are poorly composed. Particularly the last one on this album was awful. 6.5/10
OH MY GOD, THIS IS WHERE SMOOTH OPERATOR COMES FROM??? I think I've heard the name Sade before, but it's the first time I listen to her music. Beautiful voice, but I don't think I vibe with the music all that well. Favorite song/s: Sally Song/s saved: Cherry Pie, Sally, When Am I Going to Make a Living Album saved? No
I'm really not into that smooth jazzy style of music, and I didn't expect this to be good, but it is. Feels pretty fresh even today and I think it has a lot more going on than the last 80s British soul album we got on the list (Simply Red). Don't know how often I'd sit through the whole thing (again, not my style) but there's a time and place for this. I think I liked 'Hang On To Your Love' most.
Good album and I like smooth operator but a bit on the soft side to listen to for a full album
nice
• Fully realized sound and mood and several good singles • maybe it’s a victim of overplay, but I didn’t like it as much as when it first came out
Solid jazz/pop record, wouldn't listen to it again but I can respect it
This was good at first but got boring after a while. Idk
I was not previously familiar with the artist or album. This sounds like the music of a smoky jazz bar with a female lead vocal. Her voice is really nice and the band is smooth. This is not something I would ordinarily listen to but I did like hearing it so I wouldn't mind hearing it again.
I didn’t enjoy this album as much as I wanted to. Sade is clearly a talented performer, but this wasn’t for me (dorky white guy).
point0.
This one was pretty good! I'm not super into the genre. But there were moments I was bobbing my head and such. I really enjoyed the saxophone solos across the album. 5/10. Maybe 6/10 on a second listen.
smooooooooth operatooooor this is so 80s but also not 80s at the same time this is nice nothing really like stands out though aside from your love is king really nice percussion and drumming and her singing is amazing obviously
This is every bit as cheesy as I remember. Fine in the right setting I guess, coffee shop, wine and cheese bistro, high brow formal wear store, etc. Average but will give it the round up since the opening track had impact at the time. 2.5/5
Man, this one takes me back to high school. Yes it’s dated now with a pretty high cheese factor. Yes I owned it then, and yes I probably thought dropping the needle would make the chicks dig me. Note: that didn’t work. Once I realized that, I probably retreated to my room and played some sad Smiths records.
19.6MM monthly listeners on Spotify! I would’ve never guessed. This was good. Solid songs. Solid performances and vocals. Solid grooves. All around solid. Not a big stand out for me but can’t hate on anything. I’m also assuming Warrant took inspiration for their version of Cherry Pie.
This is fine but totally not my bag, baby. Just comes off as a bit cheesy and one note. Totally average in my mind. 2.5/5
Was a nice soft album and smooth criminal is a classic
I enjoy the smooth, jazzy backing tracks, but her singing doesn’t do a lot for me. It’s not bad, just nothing exciting either.
Classic rock, good stuff but not my fave
drei Smooth Operator
Not something I'll come back to in a hurry but found it enjoyable enough to listen to, smooth production and vocals, nice blend of pop and jazz, with enough interesting songs to keep it fresh, perfect length too
It's fine. Doesn't stand out.
Didn't mind it.
Not really my thing but she has an amazing voice no doubt
I’d give this album 3.5 if I could. I live her voice and style but I’d like some more good songs. 3
This was a pretty good album, with a really strong start, but to me it kind of blended together towards the end. Frankie's First Affair really stood out to me for the time signature changes, and a couple other songs had some memorable bits.
ok album
3.5
Nice, kind of a lounge feel, very smooth and sophisticated. The breathless soulful vocals really suit this style. For me the standout track was " Why can't we live together". It was sleek and jazzy and had a real emotional message
It took a lot of lifting to get past the mechanical 80s sheen, but there was some good music in here once we got past the colour-by-numbers love songs :) Wouldn't willingly listen again, but it was fine!
Smooth….
SMOOOOOOTH OPERATOOOOOOR🥵🥵🥵 Et behagelig og vibe album. Mye lignande, spesielt i bass åg perk, men di fusste sangene kule og står ut ift kverandre😊
Fairly inoffensive soul music. I’d play it in the background and enjoy the instrumentals.
3/6
I get the comments about its overly silky smooth feel, but this really is quite enjoyable to listen to
This is actually my least favorite Sade record. It's still good, but it's her first and I think it's weird that it's the only one on this list from someone who made nothing but great albums her entire career. If this was ANY other Sade record it'd get a 5!!! Why this one!!!
Too much saxophone.
If my son asked “Daddy what was a Yuppie?” I’d reply “Son, it was someone who listened to Sade in the mid 80’s” Extremely smooth, nice, but ultimately not my thing and too uninspiring. I’m making it 3 stars because it really does define a certain sound of the era
One of those: "hey I know that song!" artists. A little too smooth for my tastes, but still a solid album.
haven’t actually listened to a ton of Sade. great album, her music reminds me a lot of the intro music and transitions in the 90s show “sisters”. not my usual type of music but she’s got a few songs i absolutely adore, and i could never deny her artistic talent
Smooth as hell Peak 80’s
I wasn't really feeling this until the second half, but then it locked in.
Nothing offensive here, just not a lot that really got me going. Standout for me is Why Can't We Live Together, which has a great groove. Hell of a way to end an album.
I think Sade has been done dirty by history - as soon as I saw this news today’s album I rolled by eyes at the initial impression that I was in for a cheesy 45 minutes. This slaps though, Sade’s voice is wonderfully smooth with just a grain of grit to it that stops it being sickly, and the instrumentation is sublime; the bass in particular is really taking a leisurely stroll through the park to get to where it’s going.
It was alright, but not my cup of tea. I am from the 80s, but have no nostalgic linked to this one
I love her voice and their vibe.
HAYAGONNA LEAD OFF WITH SMOOTH OPERATOR?
It was a pleasant enough album, but I didn't really get it.
So smooth
An immaculate, absolutely perfect album from any angle you look at it... and an album that does absolutely nothing for me. Couple things working against it for me. First, at this point it kinda is almost a parody of itself? Like it almost sounds like a parody of Sade music, yet its the real deal. It feels a lot like what I imagine watching the old school James Bond films felt like right after Austin Powers came out. On top of that its not aged all that great to me? Like this feels 80's, and a tad painfully so. But secondly, and this isn't the album's fault, but I'm very much not in mood to be listening to this right now. I've been putting Gorguts' Obscura on repeat lately, while throwing in some Ulcerate for good measure, haha. Dissonant, atonal death metal Sade is not. So yeah, this is getting a 3 because I'm not the correct person to be reviewing this right now. Doubt it'd ever get a 4 from me, but still.
it was good. I recognized smooth operator. 3/5
It's nice. Not for me, but no complaints.
c: your love is king
It is ok. I was expecting it to be more 80s R&B. It was mostly just boring, but not terrible. 3 stars
Great opener, songs are good and production great but every song ends up blending in to each other. For mid 80s it’s got a really classic and timeless sound to it.
Fav songs: Smooth Operator; Hang on to Your Love Good production; cohesive album. It gets a bit long at the end. I would cut Sally and I think this would work more. This isn't my kind of music for casual listening but I see how it would be for many. The entire album - sound and art - screams '80s which I like.
Luego de un rato se torna repetitivo
Feels soulless at times
This is a good album, bookends between two very strong tracks. Unfortunately I found that it was a bit too long and blurred together towards the latter half.
Easy enough go listen to. I wouldn’t say I disliked it but I often found myself falling asleep while listened. 3/5
kuunneltu muistijälkilöytyy
Fine for what it is, but not my jam. 2.5
It's okay. Not my genre, but not bad music. 3/5
Diamond Life by Sade was a very nice album, pleasant chill vibes. Made me think of smooth jazz or Bossa and had some of that 80s naivety about it. Only Smooth Operator stands out really, giving it a 3/5.
As sweet as cherry pie. That sultry sax cuts through the smoke-filled air. Fantastic debut that sets the stage for a series of albums that just get better and better.
Smooth, sultry, and goes down easy.
First listen
Great album, very chill with some great beats. Vocals are of course top notch. It really brings me back in time, remembering my older sisters playing this when I was a little kid.
i call a lot of albums on here ‘cool’ but i feel like this one fits into that category even more
Love Sade! This was not my fav album of hers but it still has some solid songs
Not Offensive, not my cup of tea though.
Smooth operator +3, silky voice, uneventful
Can't remember where I heard this, some TV show, they said "Sade is the soundtrack to the greatest sex you've ever had". Her voice is incredible. This would make a good background track for the bedroom, but I can't really see myself playing it any other time. Opens with the always great Smooth Operator. The rest of the songs are just ok. Best song: Smooth Operator
Didn’t hear all but could tell it’s alright
Bra produktion. Saxgrejerna är tipp topp, men lite väl smöriga. 6/10
It’s velvety, I’ll give her that. I like these songs but none of them reaaaally stand out! As controversial as that may be.
# Album Name: Diamond life # Artist: Sade # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: Nice voice. Great opener. Some nice jazz / soul vibes. Not many songs stood out to me though. Not a bad listen. # Top Tunes: Smooth operator # Would I listen to it again? No
Cool jazz fusion
It’s not my favorite style of music, but I can appreciate Sade. Jazz and funk overtones with good instrumental work. Vocal work is ok. Diamond Life is 80s to the max. 5/10
Loved the sax, and a couple good songs.
Smooth as hell.
Nice chilled listen. At times felt like a soundtrack to an erotic neo noir TV show. Unremarkable but not offensive to the ears. (2.5 if there was such a rating)
Very fun soulful music.
Good chill vibes. Smooth Operator is an all timer. Album is very good.
Good, but really not my thing.
Enjoyable album. Smooth & sensual grooves. 80s sound and interesting instrumental hooks. Voice is nice to hear but not very captivating (to me)
Favourite tracks: Smooth Operator Your Love is King Frankie's First Affair Cherry Pie Sally
Her voice is just gorgeous. I added two songs to my coffeeshop playlist, and enjoyed listening to the album. Most songs weren’t memorable, which is why I can’t reasonably rate over a 3, but I liked Smooth Operator and Cherry Pie the most!
Smooth indeed. I feel like this needs a solid red wine to enjoy properly. Songs can drag on a bit too long. 7/10 Sexy sax
Had a better review but it disappeared. Overall great, beautiful, and I love the horns. Wouldn't be something I throw on a lot but I could see it fitting certain moods
This one was middle of the road. She has an absolutely beautiful voice and the music itself is well done. Smooth operator is very recognizable and I enjoyed “when am I going to make a living”. The rest was forgettable and it’s not something I would spin on my own
👍
Really great voice and this was funkier than I expected it to be, only knowing "Smooth Operator" ahead of time. I thought it was going to be more boring adult-contemporary but it was a nice listen and really smooth. I don't think I can go to 4 though, a strong 3.
Soft, sensual and smooth. Sade is in a class of her own and this record demonstrates that. She captures an essence that few can and represents a siren in music. Beautiful one.
Knew a few songs which is always fun, it was good.
Some hits, but I didn’t like how it reminded me how old I am
Honestly not that inspiring— sort of like a very sleepy collection of global coffee house music. I like Why Can’t We Be Together though
Not great top to bottom but the first three songs are fantastic. She was just getting started and got better with subsequent albums. She is a singular talent, very unique style, the kind of artist that when I’m in the mood she is all I want to listen to. Her band is terrific, very underrated.
Excellent easy listening. Had quite a good time with this album.
Bonito álbum
Just not my like.
Solid album and a nice listen but nothing that made me really excited.
Look, I don't like this stuff, but to suggest that Sade isn't talented or that this isn't a well-crafted album is insane.
I just don't care for this. It's well done, but I won't likely listen again.
Beautiful voice - cannot believe this is over 40 years old~ Nice mellow music You know Sade - nothing unexpected.
Yeah, sorry, background music.
I vibed along with it, but Smooth Operator was such a high that wasnt matched by the rest of the material.
Dig it, Chill.
Quite liked this but not gonna rush back to relisten.
Kinda lost interest after SMOOTH OPERATOOOR!!!
She's a smooth operator on that microphone
Smooth operator yes indeed. The album veers a bit too much into easy listening territory for me to appreciate, but damn I love her voice (and looks). The jazzy elements good, the lyrical banality banal. Mostly background, but moments shine through. My favorite, Cherry Pie, is the most freewheeling.
Funny, in a couple of recent reviews I mentioned going in with a negative bias. In this case, I went in with limited knowledge of Sade other than the hits everyone knows well, and my impression was that Sade was smooth as silk and pretty much flawless in style and execution in everything they produced. Well, bubble burst. I mean, she's great, and smooth and sexy and sounds like fleece sheets feel. But the album wobbled a bit, her vocals did too. I mean, I guess I'm being picky, but taken as a whole, I'd say this was above average and definitely buoyed by the hits. Did I fall in love with the entire package? Not exactly. Another in the 3.5 category, and I'm trending down only because my expectations were not met. Unfair. Maybe.
i'm (probably) aromantic, so i was worried that this album was just gonna be a bunch of unrelatable normie love slop, and i mean... it kinda was, but i was still able to somewhat enjoy it.
So smooth...perfect for cooking shrimp scampi in a Speedo for your lady.
Kende best nummers al kende ik dit album niet. Beviel me enorm, lekker tijdens leren of potje fifa. Zeker paar extra nummers opslaan. Wel beetje kort album
Easy listening not a lot to it. Pretty enjoyable overall.
Easy listening
Might need more listens for this one. It's nice, but it might be a little TOO smooth and inoffensive to leave much of an impression beyond that.
You know, I don't think I ever heard the non-single version of Smooth Operator. That spoken word intro felt new. Why would you want to delay the satisfaction of getting into the actual song? Lovely album.
This is a good record but it's just a bit too smooth for me.
Oof, I thought this was old people music when it came out. Now I'm also old, but it still doesn't appeal to me. Technically proficient but just screams "early 1990s movie soundtrack" to me. Like I never saw Indecent Proposal, but this is what I imagine is playing during all the bedroom scenes. I also feel like this sounds dated, but I don't listen to enough of this style of music to know who is singing like this in the 2020s and if they use so much saxophone.
Nice
Bueno
Good album, not my usual musical style.
6.5/10. Very smooth like a good whiskey! It puts together some simple elements in a nice way and sounds nice all the way through. My problem was that it didn't have much creativity/storytelling, other than a few flashes of brilliance like "Sally"
i had heard a few of the songs before and absolutely loathe smooth operator, but i enjoyed this more than expected. it definitely works better as a cohesive piece rather than just a collection of songs.
I was really hoping to get something fun and harder-edged today, a genuinely *good* (if not great) album after a series of disappointing an/or not-really-my-thing albums the past many days. Sad to say, this wasn't that album, and may in fact have been the *opposite* of what I was hoping for. It's hard not to hear this whole album as simply easy-listening fare, and not in a particularly positive sense, but I suppose you could classify a number of Stevie Wonder's albums in this collection the same way, or George Michael's solo album for that matter, and I don't think anyone would argue they should have been left off the list (although personally I could have done with fewer of Stevie Wonder's albums). And it's hard to argue with the proposition that Sade kind of nailed the easy-listening pop formula, from the ubiquitous "Smooth operator" to the other singles on this album (that I don't know I've ever heard before, or seen the (very 80s cheesy) videos for). I can't really say any of the tracks really did much for me (and "Sally" was a particularly painful track), but at least they didn't overly annoy me or seem particularly pretentious. I completely missed it in "Shaun of the Dead" that Shaun noted that this album was ex-girlfriend Liz's favorite album, nor that it was *this* album (the actual physical vinyl disc) that Ed first threw at the zombie in the backyard. Perhaps not the kind of prop a band aspires to, but they could have done worse!
I liked this a fair amount - great background music. Especially liked ‘when will I make a living’ and smooth operator rang a bell. Will listen again, even if not really my taste
I had a difficult time transitioning away from Hendrix to this. I really didnt enjoy the first few cuts, but I ended up liking Frankies First Affair and When Am I Going To Make A Living. I can see this growing on me a bit already
I solidly like Sade, and solidly do not love Sade. Low ceiling, high floor on every song here. This could not be any more of a 3/5. Even Smooth Operator is just pretty good.
Great first two track opening obviously. Feels like a good late night bar album. Sade is my mates friends sister, I refused going to a party where she would have been when I was about 25, that was stupid.
Good one hit
Smooth for sure, although not my preferred genre.
mid..? but couple nice sombs
"Diamond Life" is a warm and passionate mix of pop, jazz, funk and soul. Sade's warm voice glides nicely between the grooving rhythms. Sometimes it is a bit sweet and perhaps a bit overly smooth on the production side. I miss the real rough edges a bit, but this is generally a great record to listen to. Typical for a warm summer evening, as background, with an alcoholic refreshment. Not a high flyer, but certainly enjoyable.
Not my thing - never really was. Didn't like 'Smooth Operator' when it was a worldwide hit in the 80s, but appreciate that this is good stuff and would probably love it, if I'm sipping on martinis at a jazz club or something.
Smooth, pleasant listen
just fine.
I don’t think I’m usually the biggest fan of music from the 80s, so when I saw which album I’d be listening to I expected I’d give it about two stars, but I enjoyed it more than I thought I would - although I think I’d get tired of it very quickly. 3 stars.
Can be used to fight zombies.
when am i going to make a living?
2.9 Liked it more than I though I would have. Smooth jazz/elevator music at times but i thought it was fairly well done
282/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
Usually a big fan of Sade (which I just found out was a band), but this, while undoubtedly silky smooth, was a little too monotonous for an extended listen. Love Deluxe is my preferred output from them.
Very easy listening
Óskiljanlegt að Smooth operator sé ekki langmest spilaða lagið á þessari plötu, það er langbesta lagið hér. Hitt er notalegur filler með næs rödd og bassa. Solid þristur.
Nice music but definitely not my cup of tea, maybe if in right mood I could dig it more.
Crazy vibey. I think Smooth Operator kind of stands out above the rest of the album (so far at least). This is good, but aside from that song, it's not particularly great. I think I'm just not overly impressed with her voice. She shines in Smooth Operator and has a few other great moments, but she's otherwise the lowlight of the album. The band is fantastic and does a really great job existing not in any particular genre but blending a few styles together. Some of the lyrics are also odd? Forced? I'm not sure how to describe it, but they definitely aren't coming naturally. Favorite Song(s): Smooth Operator
smooth and enjoyable but no strong thoughts!
man, i wanted to like this album but it's just SO SMOOTH. like it's been polished down with a fine grit sandpaper until there's just nothing interesting or unique left. the two big singles are definitely the highlights here; after that it's just a slog of similar-sounding smooth jazz. it's not bad, just not something i'd really ever want to listen again. glad this works for other people outside of the context of a dated hotel lobby though. favorites: smooth operator, your love is king
It was nice easy listening, had it on for ages.
This is one of those times where, like, I know Sade and can sing the chorus of "Smooth Operator" but I literally have never actually listened to that song intentionally or even in full. Way to permeate the culture Sade! This was some eaaaaaasy listening.
This music is very smooth, but I prefer my music to be bumpy.
Best songs at start
Incredible singing, and smooth sound throughout the whole album. Unfortunately, I didn't connect with this album, and it felt a bit too slow for me.
The lyrics are really cheezy but the vocals and instrumentals are great.
Classic
This is completely not my style of music, but it’s really good. The band is great and her voice is top notch. If I was into this music, it’s a 5 but just because it’s a complete style that doesn’t really work for me it loses a bit on my scale. 3.95
The mellow groove is very nice.
Felt style and samples were a bit repetitive, even if the bass is insanely good
Nice voice…..smooth jazz vibes……great scene setting music…..I enjoyed it.
2.67
Pretty good, but not amazing. No individual songs stood out to me but it had a very consistent vibe without getting boring
godt album
Beautiful voice. I have friends who love it. But not my jams.
Smooooooooth.
Easy listening. Very easy. 6/10
It’s not Sade’s fault that Smooth Operator reached an Eye of the Tiger level of ripeness for irony. This album offers plenty to appreciate, including an impeccable commitment to the vibe. The best Sade album is still Love Deluxe, though. (No Ordinary Love: a jam.)
Had zero idea what to expect but I enjoyed this. Frankie's First Affair and Sally sound like the soundtrack to a romcom with a noir detective as a main character. Not sure how much I'll reach for this in the future but discovering it was fun and interesting.
Smooth beats, the vibe reminds me of a female (but more/better singing) Santana. Includes the iconic Smooth Operator.
A few years ago I saw an old friend and she was so excited by this artist “Sadie” who she had discovered. She put it on and it was Sade. I’m still not sure if she was joking. I get not knowing how to pronounce Sade, but why wouldn’t she have gone with /sayd/? How do people now think Sade is pronounced, what without the help of a radio DJ introduction?? Anyway, this was hot. Really enjoyed it.
Decent background music but gets annoying when I pay attention to it. I've always really disliked Smooth Operator.
Objectively decent but I don't fw jazz.