Diamond Life - Sade

WHO'S THIS THEN? Sade Adu was/is an Anglo-Nigerian singer and owner of a silken voice. The album is a Marmite case: you either love it or hate it. Much maligned as "cocktail bar" music, she recorded Diamond Life in late 1983 ready for assault on the burgeoning "yuppie" scene of the 80's. Needless to say the Filofax and brick-like "mobile" phone brigade bought it in their droves. So did the soul boys and girls up and down the country as a soundtrack for a little bit of white-towelling socked late night loving! Go Darren and Tracey! WHAT'S THE TRACKLISTING? 1. Smooth Operator 2. Your Love Is King 3. Hang On To ...  Read the complete review

Apparently, it's not fashionable to like Sade. Whenever this album has been seen in my collection, people usually raise an eyebrow. Dunno why. This was Sade's first album, and I happen to really like it. For those unfamiliar with her, she possess a deep, smokey voice that sounds as though it's one step up from Paul Robeson's (ask your Grandmother). The songs demonstrate her silky tones, and that she really can hit the occasional top note too. "Your Love Is King" and "Smooth Operator" were chart hits in the early 80's, and the slow jazzy style was in deep contrast to the other sounds of that decade. Most ...  Read the complete review