Sade was unique when she emerged in the 80's. While mainstream was focused on new wave, and the emerging hair bands, she instead focused on a smooth jazz, pop soul sound. She paved the way for artists like Tool, Pantera, and Korn, just to name a few.
The group started as Pride, with members Sade Adu, Stuart Matthewman, Paul Denman, and Paul Anthony Cooke in 1982. However, they soon changed the name to Sade and began writing material. While they would spend the year performing locally in London, by 1983 they made their way to the USA for their first appearance. It was here that they picked up Andrew Hale. In early 1984, Dave Early, would replace Cooke.
As Sade (the group), they were garnering far more attention than Pride, and by October of 1983 signed a deal with CBS Records. Prior to their July 1984 album debut, Your Love Is King, was released as a single, and became a top ten hit on the Billboard US Adult Contemporary charts. Additionally, it peaked on multiple chart lists, not only in the USA. Its follow-up, When Am I Going to Make A Living didn't fare as well, barely cracking the charts.
Regardless, when their debut, Diamond Life was released, it smashed the Billboard Hot 200, landing at number five. It would remain on the charts for two more years, dropping to twenty-four in 1985, and sixty-one in 1986. The single, Smooth Operator would not only be the first to receive a music video but also hit multiple charts. They would be nominated for Best Female Video, and Best New Artist, for the 1985 MTV Music Video Awards.
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Smooth and silky, with a funky beat. That's the best way I can explain it. As a singer, Sade has a sultry voice which easily cuts through the jazz infused tracks, and while it's certainly a calming experience, I won't say that it was my favorite album. Not by a long shot.
Sade was one of those, "Yeah, I know them," purchases. I wasn't necessarily chomping at the bit to have Smooth Operator, Your Love Is King, or in the case of her second album, The sweetest Taboo. But at the same time, I couldn't fathom building an 80's collection without them. Essentially, this is how her albums came to be in my collection. Not as a fan of her music, but a fan of the era in which it dominated.
Personally, I will probably never listen to this one again. I will, however, continue on through her other two from the 80's.
With a multi-platinum debut under their belts, Sade were sailing off to a grand start. All of this was aided by the continued success of singles from the album, Why Can't We Live Together, and Hang On To Your Love.
In July of 1985, Sade would perform at Live Aid, the UK portion, where they performed Why Can't We Live Together, Your Love Is King, and Is It A Crime. In between this, February to August, they worked on the tracks that would become their sophomore album, Promise.
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