Top Ten Songs by Sade

Sade burst on the scene in the early 1980’s accompanied by a very talented band of the same name that mixed their smooth London-based rhythm and blues sound with jazz influences. Helen Folasade Adu, the Nigerian-born daughter of a Nigerian father and an English mother, grew up in London, where she was influenced by the assorted sounds of soul, jazz, and blues that were prevalent in London clubs. Her band, made up of Stewart Matthewman, Paul Denman, and Andrew Hale, created a fresh sound that allowed them to not only demonstrate their musical abilities as they backed up her distinctive voice but also their writing skills as well. Sade’s smooth, smoky voice coupled with her beautiful runway model looks brought a new dimension to the music world.

Her first album, “Diamond Life,” produced the hits, “Hang On To Your Love” which reached the Top Ten on Billboard’s Dance charts and “Smooth Operator” which became a number one hit on the Adult contemporary charts. “Smooth Operator” told of an urbane playboy who broke hearts as he jet-sets around the world. The song evoked the feel of music sang in smoke-filled cabarets from an early time period. Sade followed up with another successful album, “Promise,” in 1985 and it fulfilled the declaration of the album’s title. “The Sweetest Taboo” reached number one of the adult contemporary and “Never As Good As The First Time” also reached the top ten. The albums helped to establish Sade’s style and foreshadowed what was yet to come. She also won a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1985.

Sade’s third album, “Stronger Than Pride,” was released in 1988 and continued the streak of successful albums. The song “Paradise” reached the top of the R&B charts and was number three on the adult contemporary chart. “Nothing Can Come Between Us” reached number three on the R&B charts, while the album itself also reached number three on the R&B charts.

Her fourth album, “Love Deluxe,” was released in 1992 after a four-year hiatus during which time, Sade spent touring and working in the studio. The haunting “No Ordinary Love” rose to the top of the charts and won a 1993 Grammy for Best R&B Performance by Duo or Group. The songs from this album helped to solidify Sade’s stature as a singer and as a group that combined exquisite vocals with lush instrumentation. Sade’s voice was described in many ways – smooth, icy, smoky, hypnotic, and the list could go on and on.

After “Love Deluxe” it would be eight years before Sade would release another album that contained new songs. During this period, the studio released a compilation of her past hits, in the form of “The Best of Sade,” which came out in 1994. This set did extremely well and reached the top of the charts indicating a hunger for more music from the dormant group. It was also during this time that the Sade band released the eponymous titled CD under the name “Sweetback” in 1996. The CD was very successful and helped to establish the band’s own musical identity. Sade spent this period, getting divorced, having a baby and encountering some minor legal problems.

Finally in 2000, Sade released another highly successful album, “Lovers Rock,” that brought a rock-influenced dimension to Sade’s sound. This album satisfied the long-awaiting fans and brought another Grammy award in 2001 for the Best Pop Vocal Album. The single”By Your Side” reached number two on the Hot Dance Music charts. She had a successful concert tour that sold out numerous venues around the world.

By the time of the new millennium, Sade had reached superstar status. To this day, her name conjures up images of a performer singing poignant ballads and tunes of heartbreak, regret, and the possibility of finding love. Just as the title of her early hit denotes, Sade has been one smooth operator. She has thrilled the world with her smooth, smoky sound, thoughtful song lyrics, and as the leader of a multi-talented band.