Reviews (page 9 of 13)
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.
Sade has a rich deep voice, but the accompaniment is just so cheesy late 80s synths, drums, and sax that I found myself skipping a lot of the songs before they ended. Redeemed a bit with a few tracks, including the last one: Why Can't We Live Together. Feel bad giving this a 2, so let's call it a 2.6/5
Passelia musiikkia, ei jää soittoon, mutta ei huonoa lain.
Mit einem Riesensong startet die Platte und wird dann immer schläferiger. Mal hören ja, regelmässig nein.
smooth, funky, fun, jazzy 7/10
Solid
I need to be in a dark smokey jazz club swaying gently with a negroni in hand NOW
It grew on me as I listened to it more, but feels like the quintessential elevator music.
Wasn't familiar with Sade before. Hearing this as a debate album is astonishing, as she/they already have a sophisticated, established sound which I have learned to be instrumental in shaping the jazz/pop that defined a good chunk of the 80s. A great album, but the songs begin to sound repetitive about halfway through, with Smooth Operator being the clear standout.
Smooth and soulful album with the song "Smooth Operator" to stand out.
I had no idea what to expect coming in. I've heard a lot of current artists (Kendrick, Frank Ocean) site Sade as an inspiration. I expected maybe more of an R&B tilt to this album. I was pleasantly surprised, its kinda funky and groovy, but I don't really know how to take this album. There's time that it feels like they set out to make the most jamming elevator music, but then there songs with a more poppy slant that end up feeling really jazzy. At times songs feel like they're just fluff, but I'm not sure how true that is. Lyrics don't seem to completely matter, and for being sort of poppy it's wild how some of these songs are structured. Sade doesn't seem to follow the pop music: verse, hook, verse, hook, bridge(?) hook. Instead some songs feel like they have 3 different hooks, or no hooks. Because of the atypical song structures, I'm not sure if this album is deep or just fluff. Songs flow and evolve, almost making them feel more raw, real, deep. Many listeners turn to lyrics to bring everything together, and some of the lyrics feel like they're just there to occupy the space. The last song is good, almost doesn't feel like it completely fits, but the previous two songs are amazing- they have almost a smoky jazz club vibe to them. I liked this way more than expected, but still don't really know how I feel about it. It was probably the most interesting thing we've heard so far. I'd rate it mid 3's, maybe higher after another listen.
Easy listening, but there wasn’t anything I heard outside of Smooth Operator that would really keep me coming back.
That saxophone on Smooth Operator was steamy as hell. Those horns here were oozing 80’s sex appeal, like this album could have been the soundtrack for an episode of the Red Shoe Diaries. 3.5 ⭐️
This is nothing I'd every seek out personally. "Smooth Operator" is the only song I really knew by Sade, which I could really take or leave, so was wondering if it would all be like that. I liked it a lot more than I expected I would...It ended up being a pretty decent listen for a cloudy Friday morning. Glad to hear a few upbeat tracks: "Hang On to Your Love", "When Am I Going to Make a Living", "Cherry Pie" have some fun grooves. 3.49 stars.
I like the funkier ones.
The first half was great, then the second half was definitely a lot weaker and became quite a drag. Also while Sade's vocals was not really my thing - the instrumentals kinda made up for it though. I'd say 3.5/5 Fav tracks: First 3
A good listen. Went back to it many times to try and form my opinion. Despite enjoying it, finding it hard to recall too many tracks beyond the big ones.
Jazzy, lounge sound with smooth vocals. Not my favorite music but nothing negative to say. Good easily turn on for any moment to have some background noise
Start the fireplace and grab a glass of wine. It's Sade time!
Sexy-time music. I'll take it. Easy listening R&B funky jazz pop. Great listen.
En nu heb ik de rest van de dag Gladde Exploitant in m'n hoofd. Lekker dan. Een enorm glad en gelikt 80's pop album met smooth jazz en r&b-achtige invloeden. Het is ontzettend duidelijk uit welk decennium dit komt, maar het zit zo goed in elkaar dat ik het volledig accepteer. Een soort George Michael maar dan net iets minder fout. Of nog steeds fout maar niet vies-fout ofzo. Ik vind dit voor een keer best een oké album. En ik sta erom bekend dat ik moeilijk doe over de 80's. Kwaliteitsalbum wat mij betreft. Al is de tweede helft wel een beetje een herhaling van zetten. Drie sterren, maar in een gekke bui had ik hier zomaar op de vier kunnen rammen. Smooooooodoppareeedaaaaaa Smoooooooooood oppareeedaaaaa Smooooooodoppareeedaaaaaa Smoooooooooood.... oppareeedaaaaa!!!
2.5/5
Jesus. Well. This could be a massive hit with me. Her vocals were always so cool to me and for whatever reason, even though it’s straight up pop, I feel this one could be in my wheelhouse?? Let me begin my diamond life. Take it away Sade. The entrance music for Alberta professional wrestling cologne model/big hoss Fabian Ribeiro brings us into the album. This feels like I’m in a waiting room, but it’s the waiting room for heaven. A deity dances out to the lobby and lifts me via cloud into my eternal bliss. It’s simply too good. The only issue is, I knew I’d like this one. Where will we go from here?? Staying with the super smooth. While the first operator boasted of his relative smoothness, it continues with the king of love or the love that would be king. Whatever. This is pretty decent. God. It’s so nice. I use the word “grating” a lot in my reviews, and in this one, I’ll be using “smooth” a lot. Not simply because of the mega hit lead off track, but because that is what this album is. It has a warm production quality, it’s a little stark and it’s not beating you over the head with pop sensibilities. It has a minimalistic charm. This song rules. Well. We can’t be perfect. I can’t place it, but I feel like there was a show or movie, where some voice sings what’s happening in the show. Did Seinfeld do that for a bit? Anyway, this was a miss. Uhhh a liveable wage anthem??? Oh. No. She says put the blame on no one else. Boooo. This is a “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” type beat. Lyrical equivalent to “uhh maybe if you make coffee at home, you’ll be able to climb out of the sewer we errr I mean you put yourself in.” Still. The music is decent. Getting back to smoothness. This is an excellent radio friendly pop song. Mellow, yet energetic. The lyrics aren’t painful. The instruments provide something and most of all, it’s not grating to the ear. Fantastic song. Debates will rage forever about who had the better “Cherry Pie” song. Was it it our noble Sade, or glam rock fellows, “Warrant”? You be the judge! (It’s Sade). Put your hands together for Sally everybody. A sex work positive slay? I have no idea man. I am not enough of a literary genius to dissect the abstract themes of applauding Sally for housing a heroin fiend father and potentially banging the fellow. Let’s all applaud Sadé. Get to the part about common law marriages. I want to hear about domestic bliss, not this organ solo. Ok there we go. I just had to yell about my love of cohabitation. Oh and also, no more war. No matter what colour. We are Sadé’s brothers. And isn’t that why we’re all here? New brothers. Sade/Sadé brought it big time. The opener rips and there are sparkling points throughout. A few clunkers here and there but for a pop album, this was a trance-like hand dance through the minimalistic fraternity of this Diamond life. Continue to operate smoothly Sade, and shine on you crazy diamond. 3.5 HIGHLIGHTS: Smooth Operator, Hang on to Your Love, Cherry Pie
Solid pop but nothing special for me
Could be good depending on mood.
Didn't annoy me as much as a certain Pixie warrior. I always liked her voice, but kind of made fun of it back in the day. I had a pretty good impersonation that I haven't attempted in years. The pronunciation vs spelling still confuses me to this day. 🤷🏻♂️
Smooth, and funky. Easy music to kind of get lost in. I dig Sade's vocals and the saxophone and I like the meditative bass lines with disco piano over the top of it. Admittedly I started to zone out and not really hear the music anymore halfway through which means it lost my interest a bit. I think it's pretty solid pop music but it's not a record that gets me really excited.
Sexy, funky, jazzy and sensual. You can't deny to the sexiness of this album, but you also can't deny that it almost feels like a meme in 2024. Like the entire album feels like a meme of 80s sexy sax music. Which is a shame, because it actually has some interesting elements. Groovy bass lines, sexy brass throughout, fun and interesting keyboards. Besides this feeling like a meme, it's a bit of a one trick pony. It's hard to decipher one some from the next. They're all kind of the same. I think the kindest legacy of this record would be for a indie-esque band in 2024 to basically homage the entire album and make contemporary music based off of this. Which feels like it could happen at any moment, if it hasn't happened already.
5/10 It's fine, got bored but not angry 12-2-2024
Smoooooooooth operator. Smooth, funky and sexy.
Well this was a surprise! So different from their run of hits from the 70s. The saxophone is a welcome addition, and Noddy Holder has clearly had singing lessons in the interim. Having said that, the energy’s just not the same, in the singing or in the music. I think I prefer the old stuff. On the bright side, their spelling appears to have improved.
Норм
Good for background listening, not a first choice for active listening. Nice and relaxed feel
3.5/5. Not my genre but I respect the game.
So this is the person who sings that “Smooth Operator” song! Ultimately, this was a really good album that got my Sunday morning started. It didn’t blow my mind or anything, but it was very relaxing, smooth, lush, and chill. I don’t really see myself going back to this album in the future, but I don’t regret listening to it either. So I guess I would say it was middle of the road.
Gillar skivan. Bra stämning och röst. Typ samma låt genom hela albumet men bra musik att jobba som bakgrund.
Har en skiva med Sade. Skön röst och behaglig lyssning. Lite väl jazziga/saxofonig. Bra som bakgrundsmusik.
Hade inte fattat att Sade var ett band, man lär så länge man lever. Svårt att tycka illa om den här. Hon sjunger bra och det är trevligt och mysigt rakt igenom, men lite för mycket cocktailbar för att kunna bli mer än en stabil trea.
If you like this vibe, it's right on. Because it hardly changes. Smoothest album I've had so far I reckon, but delicious as it was, some more variety wouldn't go amiss
Didn't like in 84 don't like now
"Sophisti-pop" songs with saxophone :')
When I heard 'Smooth Operator' I thought I would end up rating this one higher... Turns out that the album just starts really strong for me and then it doesn't reach that level ever again. Sade's voice is lovely, nothing wrong there, it's apparently just not the kind of stuff that catches me that much. Standouts Smooth Operator 3/5
I have to say I was surprised. Opening song (smooth operator) is a hit though I never knew who sang it. All in all it's a nice album with a great mixture of jazz, funk and pop, and, although a bit boring at times, it is very well produced.
3.5 STARS!
Great voice, great production, ok songs and a fair reflection of what was good pop music in the mid eighties.
3+
Good and Chill
Lost my review, but this album is fine despite not being for me 3/5
Interesting blend of jazz and R&B. I enjoyed listening the the whole album, not much depth or anything revolutionary but very nice
The soundtrack for numerous Quiet Nights In for couples and prospective couples, Diamond Life never really rises above its inoffensive, non-confrontation smooth-Soul-Jazz inspirations. Impossible to dislike, but never likely to inspire. Music of music haters, perhaps
Wanted to live it but it’s so middle of the road
A good set of songs, well produced and performed but lacking any edge.
Never heard this album, but I knew quite a few songs. It's alright. Nothing new when it was new. Good but not spectacular. Well made. Very smooth, but not in an annoying way. I like her voice. She could have dug a little deeper. Favorite song: smooth operator.
This was pretty good. 3.5/5
an easy listening gem in the world of late 80s early 90s. id listen to more.
Favorite tracks: Smooth Operator (absolute banger), When am I Going to Make a Living. The rest of the album blends together a bit. Production is solid.
Smooth like butter. But after a while you kind of get bored with the same sultry, romantic vibes. Still, if you're in a funky, loving mood, definitely a good listen.
It definitely has its charms, but it does sound quite dated these days. I don't want to be too harsh on it, but it's not something I'm likely to come back to.
some super smooth tracks here, haven't listened to it for decades! probably a bit 80s plastic jazz sounding these days, but i quite enjoyed it. 3.5
It was okay. Another album to have sex to
if you want to sway-dance, listen to this album
OK, I got hung up on this album for weeks. Just couldn't bring myself to start it. Why would I want to listen to Sade?? But then I did and that smooth jazzy, 80s yacht rock vibe took hold and here I am swaying in my chair, nodding my head, tapping my toes. Those bongos and saxophones are infectious. Am I going to favorite any of these songs or put this into regular rotation?... No. But this was still pretty fun.
Undeniably smooth and well performed. An album full of songs about the woes of love. Its main upside is also its downside, a continuous soundscape that fits a certain time and place
Too smooth for my taste.
Kinda tedious after a while, like she was struggling for filler.
Soft lounge music
Smooth soul
80s rnb with smooth percussion and strong bass with subtle moments of guitar and a nice saxophone in between. I enjoyed it, but it is not something I would go back to often.
Man, I really want to love Sade, but all I can muster is to like Sade. Her sultry voice, her jazz-tinged arrangements, her solid musicians, her good songwriting is impressive, it just doesn’t speak to my musical soul.
Smooooooth. Let that sax slide over you, and let the voice carry you away I've always liked Smooth Operator but never heard anything else. The rest of the album follows in this vain and, surprisingly, was a decent listen Best: Smooth Operator, Frankie's First Affair Worst: Your Love Is King
It evokes images of an over-aged Bond seducing someone far younger in the Roger Moore era...not something I'll specifically be revisiting in a hurry. Having said that, Hang On To Your Love and Frankie's First Affair are pretty neat, but the album's dripping candle production isn't my favourite.
She has a nice voice and everything is nicely done here but this is just way too soft for me
Not the kind of stuff I like to listen often, but at least this one deserves a place on this list.
Not my kind of music at all, but... at least, it deserves its place in this list. A true classic!
So smooth, most of it just slipped past me and nothing really stuck.
A little slow for me.
All you children born around February 1985 can thank this album for your existence. It’s good background music, not really meant for direct ingestion. It’s a bit boring that way.
Solid. Nice bass work. Smooth operator is a great opener and the tone stays consistent but nothing matches that song
Nice
smoooooooooooth operator too damage
SO SMOOOOOTH!!
Could be better
Some nice slow r&b but it also kinda feels like the melodies are a little repetitive. Smooth Operator is a solid hit.
Meah. Not bad. Just not my thing. Apparently I pronounced the name wrong.
Smooth operator is a GOAT, the album is pretty good.
A good album. But I won't come back to this.
It’s a vibe- the same vibe- from start to finish. I remember when Smooth Operator was first released. It sounded like nothing else out there. So smooth!! But when you listen to song after song after song with the same groove and tone, it gets dull.
Nice 80s pop, just not my thing.
Liked it more than I thought I would. That's not to say I really liked it but it was OK. As per the first track, it was smooth. Really not too much more I can say than that other than a low but definite 3.
So smooooth. Got so much soul, and some funky wah-wahs too. Had this album back in the day which was way out of my usual taste. A very high 3.
Smoother than a 1000 telephone operators. (If they still existed). A very accomplished debut album, which washes over you like waves on a beach. That's enough romantic twaddle for one day.
In case you were confused like I was for most of my life: Sade is both the name of the band and its frontwoman, Sade Adu. Formed by Paul Anthony Cook, Paul Denman, and Stuart Matthewman after leaving their previous group, they placed their bets on Sade’s undeniable vocal talent. That gamble paid off spectacularly with the release of their debut, Diamond Life. The music is smooth and clean—almost impossibly so—like hair conditioner. Every sound is deliberate, and each note is meticulously crafted to elevate the vocals, creating a refined, atmospheric blend of jazz, soul, and pop. Unlike many divas of the era, Sade’s delivery is subtle. Her lower register doesn’t overwhelm but seduces, drawing you in without ever needing to show off. The power lies in her restraint, letting the emotion simmer beneath the surface rather than explode. Today, the album’s polished production might sound a bit safe, but I remember hearing “Smooth Operator” as a child and instantly recognizing its standout quality. Amid the hits of the time, it exuded a cool sophistication that was hard to ignore. It’s no surprise Diamond Life became the best-selling debut by a British female artist for many decades, and remains a classic of the era. While I usually gravitate toward grittier, more unpredictable sounds, I found Diamond Life to be an album I could easily glide through—albeit one that feels slightly one-paced at times. It’s an album that can easily blend into the background if you’re not actively tuned in. Did/Do I own this release? No, although my mother probably did Does this release belong on the list? Yes Would this release make my personal list? Unlikely Will I be listening to it again? Occasionally, and only when in the exact right mood and place.
Smooth and cool album. Standout songs: your love is king Sally
It’s like Marvin Gaye met a girl with no talent and had a baby with some talent
Trevligt album med bra låtar och fint spelande. Stark 3
Bah, normal. Agradable. Electro-R&Balternative R&Belectronica.
Nice trip down memory lane in a miami vice kinda way, the hits are still great but the album didn’t hold my attention.
I dig it, completely a time and place album though. Only added one track to the 1001 Experience Playlist
Not bad listening, but it almost felt a bit like waiting room music.
I like this more than I expected I would! It’s still not necessarily my jam, but a good album nonetheless.
A very nice soul album with little substance, but a whole lot of style...and there's nothing wrong with that. 3 stars.
Enjoyable album as background during dinner. Would revisit in future!
Elevator music, well crafted 3.2
She has a great voice. Wasn't really turned on by the music. It's a decent listen.
"Ahhh! 'Sade'." "Yeah, but that's Liz's!" "Yeah, but she did dump you." Þetta var mjög fín plata sem ég mun reyna að setja aftur á við en ég býst samt ekki við að ég muni muna eftir henni þegar þar að kemur.
Solid popular album. Smooth Operator is a great song. Can't think of a ton to type but makes sense to be on the list and it was easy to listen to, even if I did feel like it was all blending a bit.
I can see how some love it just not my personal thing. Well executed tho Rating: 2.8
Smooooooth. Maybe too smooth. But rather nice still.
probably closer to a 3.5 for me. killer sax.
Not for me. Especially the last song.
Sade suffers from a peculular problem with fans like me. I REALLY like her music --- One song at a time. Ok, maybe two or three, but every time I have ever sat down to listen to all of any of her albums all the way through... frankly (?) I get kinda almost (but not quite) bored. Ok. Now. Some bands are kinda boring because they are one hit wonders or generally not interesting. Others are kinda boring because they have great music intermixed with fodder. Sade IS quite great all around and some of her stuff is sublime. It is to do with the similar sound and vibe. Great one song at a time or two, she needs (and ought BE) in a mix where she will be one of the loved.
Great voice, always been a fan of Smooth Operator but this album as a whole was a bit average for me. It didn’t really get off the ground past the opening track so a mid rating
She’s pretty good, just not my style, lounge music
Some really nice songs here lovely voice and good arrangement
Smooth Operator is another strong contender for best opening track off a debut album. She has a great voice, maybe the sexiest voice ever. Jazz, funk, R&B, this is a fusion of them all. She has one of those old school sultry voices, I’d listen to her order a sandwich. This has a very 80s sound…there’s a little bit of a porno music vibe to this, particularly all the saxophone. Early 80s Michael Jackson, Liberian Girl Michael Jackson shares a sound with this album. The 80s were truly a dark time for R&B. Giving this a more thorough listen at my desk, Hang On to Your Love is great and it blended in when I wasn't devoting my full attention to the album. When Am I Going to Make a Living, another one I missed when I wasn't paying attention.
smooth
The hits are better than expected, but the rest kind of dragged.
Groovy
At first I thought this would be a terrible album, but it actually has redeeming musicianship. All the songs are very smooth. I likely would've given this album a 2 if it weren't for Smooth Operator and Sally. Sally is definitely the best song on the album with incredible saxophone playing. As a debut album, this is incredible. Props to her, I can see why people enjoy listening.
Smooth as hell
Definitely got some smooth vocals, but this isn't my taste any more than it was in the 80s.
3/5
A very nice, easy listening album
Not bad.
I love "Smooth Operator". The rest of the album is okay - not overly inspiring but would be great background music for a candlelit dinner....
Smooth-Jazz-Chillout-Lounge-Music umschmeichelt meine Ohren, während ich nach einem freien Platz an der Bar suche. Heute Live-Musik lese ich auf einem Plakat. Ich drehe mich um und... Scheiß auf die Bar denn da steht Wow! Die Augen siegen über die Ohren und ich stürme nach vorne :)
Smooth Operator 3.4 Your Love Is King 3 Hang On to Your Love 3.1 Frankie's First Affair 3 When Am I Going to Make a Living 2.9 Cherry Pie 3.2 Sally 3.1 I Will Be Your Friend 2.8 Why Can't We Live Together 2.6 Score: 3.011111111
Yesterday was '80s jazz-rock and today we follow that up with '80s jazz-pop. This isn't bad or anything, but it kind of sounds like what you'd expect for the soundtrack at a dimly-lit hotel bar filled with out-of-town business execs. Sade has a nice enough voice and the mid-tempo jazzy beats are more or less enjoyable to listen to, but I don't think this is really going to stick with me at all. This does have a pretty different sound than a lot of what else was coming out at the time though, so credit to them for that. Favorite song: Your Love Is King Other: Smooth Operator, When Am I Going To Make a Living, Why Can’t We Live Together 7/7/24
Måske lige en anelse for smooth men godt nok lækker produktion ellers. En del gode numre. Jeg ville ikke have ofret den på en zombie (og jeg har faktisk pladen!)
Smooth Operator is a great opening track, but it didn’t really go anywhere from there. Nice and relaxing, but felt like I was listening to multiple versions of the same song over and over.
forgettable
Glad I liked Smooth Operator, because every song sounded just like it.
Gear: Hifiman Arya Artwork: 💎+ Mix: 💎+ Musik: 💎= Wertung: 💎💎💎/5
Unoffensive and well executed but does not sound groundbreaking today
A solid, groovy, funky LP
rich vocal performance. 💄🍬🤎☕👗 no highlights for me as this album gelled together so seamlessly. see also: tidal (fiona apple, 1996); kopiko coffee lollies; smooth 91.5fm.
This was a decent album. Very vibey. Sade's voice is great as always and there's some cool guitar work. It got a little too smooth jazz for me at times, and some of the songs started to run together. I prefer Love to this album. I wouldn't mind having this on as background music, but I don't know if I'd seek it out much for an active listen. 3/5 but would give a 3.5 if I could.
It’s very good 80’s smooth jazz record. I do like Sade’s sexy smooth voice and the sound of this record. But ultimately I don’t find it especially memorable.
Fine. Not sure i'd listen to it again.
STANDOUTS: Smooth Operator OVERALL: 3/5
Smooth operator was never my favorite. It’s nostalgic, so I’ll usually listen, and her voice is excellent. I just can’t reconcile that this album just sounds soooo 80s….Still the songs are catchy and inoffensive.
Very smooth listen, I dig.
3.5★ Sensuous, seductive, somber, sober, subtle—suave and sophisticated even its most emotional—but also a little humdrum, both with the somewhat repetitive lyrics and the sonic flatline. I wish it was just a little darker—it would go a long way.
feel like this is what the style council tried to be
A nice, vibey album. I could get down with this, and did. Another album I kinda wish I had on vinyl, as it would really set the mood. What mood you ask, I’ll let you decide that one. That said, Smooth Operator is clearly the front runner on this album. It shines the brightest, and the rest of the album doesn’t match that first song.
So this is the person who sings that “Smooth Operator” song! Ultimately, this was a really good album that got my Sunday morning started. It didn’t blow my mind or anything, but it was very relaxing, smooth, lush, and chill. I don’t really see myself going back to this album in the future, but I don’t regret listening to it either. So I guess I would say it was middle of the road.
A very relaxing listen. I'm not one for an entire album of love/longing songs, but I think the smoother tone of the album at least keeps it interesting enough. Decent, but probably not something I'd rush to come back to. Top tracks: Smooth Operator, Your Love is King, Why Can't We Live Together
Boppin bass lines.
Strong start but lags
Smooth music and sound.
Inoffensive adult contemporary with an R&B flair. Not really my thing but a nice change from classic rock and she has a nice voice.
Not for me
Not a musical style I'll actively listen to (too shmooove for me), but Sade does have a great soulful voice.
"Smooth Operator" es un clásico, esa canción por sí sola sostiene el disco casi es su totalidad.
Rach found it highly amusing that I pronounced this artist’s name as “sayd”. How was I supposed to know she is “shar-day”? Anyway, I can appreciate this smooth jazz pop for what it is, but it brings back too many memories of 17 year old me working in Pizza Hut where Smooth Operator seemed to play ten times per hour. I would probably enjoy this more if not for that, but here we are. It is a pleasant background album once getting past that song though.
good
When this came out it seemed so cool because it was different than the other music played on MTV. It’s still a nice, laid-back listen but it sounds very 80s,
Laid back pop jazz. Really deep and introspective themes with light smooth jazz movements throughout the album. Really easy listening, great for cooking or reading or maybe even baby making. But, not worth deep contemplation. Also, Smooth Operator a timeless banger became a fuckin' tik tok song and it was hard to enjoy. At least there was 8 other tracks to jam out to.
Nice
Sade is such a great artist, can't say I'd listen to this album on repeat (too unvaried and jazz-like), but still a beautiful collection of songs.
very nice soulful, smooth, and jazzy sounds. personally some songs felt that they went on too long but overall good production and stunning vocals.
Well this seems like a polarising album. I think it's OK. Very much does exactly what it sets out to do.
Beautiful voice and musical style. Lyrically stuck heavily on love songs which are good but not amazing.
Better than I thought it would be.
Smoooooth operatooooor 2/3***
This album has this weird sexiness to it. Maybe it's the tone in her vocals. Jazzy, loungey, easy listening. The brass in this record is great. But Sade is where this album shines. Her vocal performance is a solid 9/10. Overall, her vocals were great. But this album is definitely not for me. Happy to have listened. Don't need to revisit it though as it sits well as background music.
Smooth and has plenty of classics. Sade's singing is great and the production is consistent, but I wish it had a little more edge to it.
Is Sade a solo act? A Group? Whatever, she’s one smooth mechanic.
Geinige swanky muziek
Some classic 80s hits, not the whole album though
Not my typical kind of music, but Sade has a very unique/recognizable voice. It was relaxing and enjoying to listen to.
Smooth and easy listening to start of the week was much appreciated. Sade’s influence on future artists is very apparent and I’d even go so far as to say she opened the door for soulful British female singers that blew up in the 2000s. I enjoyed it, and there will be some tracks I’ll come back to.
How do you pronounce her name? Is it (Say-dee), or (Say-duh)? Is it just (Sad)? Easy to listen to and I knew a few songs.
very sufficient music. will provide ears with sufficiency
Incredibly well-produced - and the profuxtiin is fairly timeless, too, especially considering what decade we're in here. There's also more happening here musically/instrumental than I expected. Sonically, it's very much started its own genre, so it deserves to be on the list. And yet. It's very... Adult contemporary, content-sounding and sort of lacking in drive. And I know I'm being mean to Sade here, without wanting to.
A smooth operation…
Not exactly my thing, but does make me wanna give a relisten and maybe another of her albums
Here’s your eighties soft pop right here. THE example.
her voice is great, but felt the tracks blend in to each other. was ok as background music. lot of the songs hooks repeated too much for me. she does do a great job of blending voice with instruments. 3.5 stars
Cool, sophisticated but not memorable except for "Smooth Operator." I enjoyed this album but nothing stuck with me. 3.2 stars rounded down.
Overall a bit unmemorable. But "Sally" stood out. Old-school dramatic jazzy thing, very noir vibe.
Kind of boring but pleasant enough just the same. I didn't know Sade did Smooth Operator. That's about as much a bop as elevator music gets.
For me, this is one of those influential albums just blend into the era they were created in. Sounds like generic 80s to me. The only song I knew was Smooth Operator, and it is now stuck in my head.
Liked this far more than I thought I would. Easy smooth jazzy with Latin overtures. Hang On To Your Love was my favorite here. Nice album. Smooth Operator is almost a memeish song.
Love smooth operator. Great song to open an album. moving into your love is king which is equally great. It goes down hill from there and becomes very biege and safe. Slcik sounds with very little edge. I can see why people like Sade but she is not for me. Favourite song: Smooth operator Least favourite: from track 3 onwards all songs are a bit meh. Album artwork: Strong cover
Its Sade
Najbolje pjesme: 1. Smooth Operator 2. Cherry Pie 3. Hang On To Your Love
The lead singer has an enchanting, beautiful voice. On a few too many of the songs here, the hooks repeat themselves until the appeal is gone. The production is a bit dated to my ears as well. I didn't dislike my listen, but I wasn't moved by it. Highlights: Hang On to Your Love, Frankie's First Affair
I'm with Kev here on the 80s pop R&B vibe just not being what I'm into. Two songs in, I certainly can appreciate the quality of her voice and the backing vocals, but the instrumentals are drowning in cheese. Something about the over-produced silky bass mixed with saxophone and artificial keys just reminds me of growing up shopping with my mom at a department store (lol just re-read Kev's review; funny we are in the same spot mentally here). Instrumentals for Hang On to Your Love have an undeniable groove about them. This taps a similar energy to Beat It, but like more relaxed. Love the meaty bass here with the scratchy guitar licks. Sally is another standout to me. Describes Sally (if genius is to be trusted a personification for Salvation Army?) as someone who was there for a number of people fallen on hard times -- taking in people swallowed up by the streets in one way or another. This album isn't something I'll be back to anytime soon, but I'm actually glad to have listened to it. Sure, the instrumentals have plenty of cheese, but the production is clean and there were several points that actually pulled me in. This is a solid 3 for me.
I knew Smooth Operator. Common theme of knowing like one song. I'm not familiar with Sade. Sounds like an 80s drama fill soundtrack with some jazz vibe. 3 stars for me
Enjoyable listen that had me going in and out of paying attention while working. A nice jazzy number is always welcome in my headphones. Definitely caught some 4 star moments in here, but ultimately I was tuned out for too much of it to really warrant a 4. Definitely a high 3 though.
Pretty solid jazz-pop that was really cool at times but at other times a bit boring. Smooth Operator is obviously a jam, but I have to give it a knock because Carlos Sainz Jr chose it as his theme song and fuck that guy. I'd say the highs outweigh the lows and this turned out to be a pretty high 3
I almost like Smooth Operator, Hang on to Your Love, Cherry Pie (instrumental parts, especially intro), Why Can’t We Live Together (especially intro)
2.75
The loveliest taboo. 3 stars.
I have very vivid memories from when I was a kid of smashing my head against a wall waiting for my mom to finish up shopping in the Lord and Taylor in the mall a few towns away. I am convinced this is the album they were playing in the store. I associate this type of music with that stale department store smell and the cinnamon from an Aunt Annie's pretzel. That's all to say that as oddly nostalgic as this album feels, it's so safe. I can't speak to whether or not this was 'revolutionary' when it came out, but nowadays it sounds pretty unremarkable. Pretty standard commercial music coming out for the decade.
While I really enjoy Sade's voice and smooth operator is a banger, the rest of the album didn't wow me. Definitely great for more relaxed listening.
A little groovy here and there. Not my genre so doubt I'll give it another go. Good for a one time listen from me. Will I listen to again: 0.1%
Sade should team up with Slade from Teen Titans
Super smooth. I liked the similar songs that Spotify found as well.
I like this artist more than I thought I would.
Es tönt alles easy guet, aber au sehr ähnlich und für mich irgendwie z langwilig
Feels like if you told ChatGPT to make a jazz album with Nico’s vocals. This album confuses me. Sometimes I really enjoy the unique vocals, then sometimes I find them abrasive. This can change even mid song. Instrumentals are solid though.
Good I guess? Kind of a blur
This album felt like elevator music, which made me wonder if elevator music in the 2060s will be Beyoncé, Cardi B, SZA, etc. I never wanted to turn this off, but probably won’t listen again.
A fun thought experiment here is, what would this album sound like if it came out today and someone was like, “hey maybe cool it with the sax?”
Me ha gustado... lo justo
It's OK. She's obviously very talented and has a great, smooth voice. But the songs sound quite dated to me. I'm actually a little disappointed, to be honest, because I've always known Sade to put out masterpieces - but apparently they haven't aged well to my ear.
How the heck did I not know that Sade was the artist behind Smooth Operator?! Also that Smooth Operator is now a 40 year old song (!) as is this album. What a wild time when I hit play on Diamond Life. I was also shocked to note that on Spotify Smooth Operator was not the most listened to song on the album! At the end of the day, who can resist the smooth sounds of Sade with her stellar debut, whilst it wouldn't be on my regular rotation, it is lovely to hear every now and then. Best: Smooth Operator Worst: Cherry Pie
It's very pleasant and chilled. Smooth songs, sung very nicely. I wouldn't usually go along with this level of sensual 80's sax, but you know what? It's working. 3.5 rounded down.
Unexpectedly good. It makes you wonder if you’ve already hear it somewhere else. I won’t put it more than three-stars because those qualifications are reserved only for albums that I would listen by my own and that I would REMEMBER to play. I doubt this would ever happen with this…
Sexy and engaging
Very much the silk sheets of 80s music
I expected to enjoy this more than I did. Smooth sounding with decent melodies, but ultimately a little too boring for my taste.
Bah, normal. Agradable. Electro-R&Balternative R&Belectronica.
Smooth, jazzy, repetitive
Nice and smooth. Despite is not my main music style I really liked listening.
Smooth Operator bangs, naturally.
Always thought Sade would be neo soul Erykah Badu-esque but this had an older soul sound to it. Good voice and made me want to listen to more
Sade is cool
Love her voice, the smooth bass and jazzy saxophone are great. I've hear Smooth Operator countless times, but never with the spoken word intro, they must cut it out for a radio edit. I also liked "I will be your friend " off this album. It was pretty good, definitely different from what was being played on the radio at the time. Best track Smooth Operator
B- Smooth Operator 4 Your Love Is King 3 Hang On To Your Love 3 Frankie's First Affair 3 When Am I Going To Make A Living 3 Cherry Pie 3 Sally 4 I Will Be Your Friend 3 Why Can't We Live Together 3 To quote Tom Hardy in the timeless film This Means War, "Sade is not exclusive, my friend."
The music here was alright, not bad. Biggest problem here is that the production is way to clean for my personal taste.
It’s unfair to be judgy about this album because Sade has a gorgeous voice and the musical choices completely work. Dinner by candle light? Put it on, open the wine, and let everything breathe. This album will deliver the right notes. Except.. just like the line in Your Love is King, “I’m crying out for more” here. I kept wanting stretch in this album. I wanted her to climb tougher hills instead of blending in with the admittedly lush sax notes. As I said, it’s not fair of me to judge, but I wanted it to take bigger steps.
5.5/10
Smooth soul and it doesn't get any smoother than this, especially "Smooth Operator" and "Your Love Is King".
3/5