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Before there was Freddy Adu, Ghana-born, US-naturalized soccer phenom, there was in pop culture another Adu. Her appearance, her sound, and her band made for a tight package of sight and sound.The little-known `Why Can't We Live Together' may be the gem in the mix. It's first two tracks, `Smooth Operator' and `Your Love is King', were significant hits.Twenty-four years after the fact, Sade's sound comes understated and suggestive.
Her name is Folasade. It is mood music that crosses over to dance. Hardly anyone knew it though, for she was one of those artists whose given name seems to say it all.
There are no vocal or instrumental pyrotechnics. We know her, and the English band that took her name as its own in the country to which she emigrated, as Sade.Sade the band and Sade the singer had an unmistakably smooth, steady-rhythm sound that came to be frequently heard on the airwaves. Released in 1984, Diamond Life was the band's debut album.
No doubt the striking looks of the band's eponymous front lady played its part in the group's success yet it would be mistaken to reduce this remarkable artist to eye candy. The lengthy eeriness of its instrumental intro makes the listener long for the vocal entrance which, when it comes, is plaintive.This is a modest landmark CD from the music scene of the 1980s and worth owning for its gentle pleasures.
Of course shortly afterwards, everyone I know had to have it. I remember when this first came out. I still love this disc almost 25 years later (jeez). I had heard Smooth Operator in a bar in New York and had to find out what it was. When I was able to get the album (yes, still albums back then) I think I wore it thin. Beautiful, sultry, sexy, smokey - a preview of great hings to come. It's time for something new - it's been a while, but I'll wait.
Additionally, unlike most other winners of the Grammy newcomer award, every subsequent studio release by Sade has been brilliant and gone platinum, confirming that they (the Grammys that is) definitely got it right that time. Opening cut (and a favourite of mine), the aptly titled dramatic "Smooth operator" with percolating percussion, spoken intro with dramatic flourishes, sprinkled with tenor sax, and that dusky Blues-y voice telling the tale of this western male who goes from "Coast to coast, LA to Chicago" is still a classic to this day, much like anything by Ella or Billie I daresay.Other standouts are the swinging horn-peppered "Your love is king", the retro funk of "When am I going to make a living" (with semi-biographical lyrics about perseverance despite the hard times the band faced before hitting the limelight, this was well before American Idol remember), the tender and lovely "I will be your friend", and the reworking of Timmy Thomas' paean for racial harmony "Why can't we live together" (with an extremely long brilliant jazzy intro, and rich in congas).
but I was reminded of it while preparing my first Listmania list, for my 40 favourite albums (yes, it definitely made the list). This is an old album (I never thought 1984 would become old, lol).
It showcased excellent musicianship and clever lyrics, rarely bettered even today.Right from the group's image (her ponytails, large hoop earrings and backless dresses), and the fantastic blue-tinged black and white cover art (giving a retro look to match the sound), everything about this album reeked sheer class, which permeated right through the nine tracks on the album. This album reminds me of UK music magazines Smash Hits, Record Mirror, and Blues & Soul (ah, the days when hardcopies of magazines and music ruled) as it came out while these were the magazines of the day, and Sade was a regular visitor to their pages."Diamond Life" is the debut release from Nigerian chanteuse Folasade Adu and her Band, simply known by the moniker Sade (an abbreviation of her first name).
A sleek catchy hybrid of Pop, Soul and Jazz, the album was a multi-million seller and won Sade the Grammy for best newcomer. Another favourite of mine is the groovy "Cherry pie" with a killer bassline and dreamy echoing vocal effects.This album stood out when it came out (and that was a time crowded with great music mind you; Prince, MJ, Madonna, Duran Duran, Bowie, Kool & the Gang) and it is easy to see why.
The music scene (in the UK at least) has come full cycle with loads of young girls (Amy Winehouse, Adele, Duffy et all) hearkening back to a time when music was, well, music.
appealing.the music to fall in love and be in love.Much like Marisa Monte. not strident.
anyway, I usually studied in this time and this was great music to have as a background. My Profile: No qualifications as a music expertIn the mid 80's there was this fabulous radio program (on AM) that displayed an unsual repertoire of music ranging from jazz (Manhattan Transfer - Al Di Meola) to Klaus Schlutz.
like hearing brazilian contemporary.yet this had its unique style. then I hear Sade.
what a refreshing change of pace. sensous.
Sade will be style you will keep as your favorite
This CD's fantastic and has been on my wish list for sometime. It's the best of all Sade and if you're a true fan this CD and or grouping of the original releases is a must. I didn't feel my collection was complete without Diamond Life and I'm sure once you purchase the original release (not the re-mastered) you'll understand why you've always felt like something was missing.
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