Sade, originally known as Sade Adu, is a British-Nigerian singer, songwriter, and composer. Born Helen Folasade Adu on January 16, 1959, in Ibadan, Nigeria, she is best known as the lead vocalist of the band Sade, which formed in London in 1982.
Sade’s music is characterized by its smooth blend of soul, jazz, and R&B, often featuring mellow grooves, lush instrumentation, and Adu’s sultry vocals. The band’s debut album, “Diamond Life,” was released in 1984 and became an international success, earning widespread critical acclaim and producing hit singles like “Smooth Operator” and “Your Love Is King.”
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Sade released several more albums, including “Promise” (1985), “Stronger Than Pride” (1988), “Love Deluxe” (1992), and “Lovers Rock” (2000). Each album showcased the band’s signature sound and earned them a dedicated fan base around the world.
Despite long periods between album releases, Sade’s music has remained influential and enduring. The band has won numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards, and has sold over 75 million records worldwide. Sade’s contributions to music have earned them a place in the pantheon of soul and R&B legends.
In addition to her music career, Sade Adu is also known for her distinctive sense of style and her enigmatic persona. She has maintained a relatively private personal life, allowing her music to speak for itself and leaving a lasting impact on listeners with her soulful voice and timeless melodies.
1. Smooth Operator
“Smooth Operator” is a song by the British band Sade, released in 1984 as the third single from their debut album, “Diamond Life.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist Sade Adu and Ray St. John.
“Smooth Operator” is characterized by its sultry and sophisticated sound, blending elements of jazz, soul, and pop. The song features a smooth groove, jazzy instrumentation, and Adu’s captivating vocals, which exude confidence and allure.
The lyrics of “Smooth Operator” tell the story of a charming and mysterious man who captivates those around him with his smooth demeanor and charisma. The protagonist of the song is drawn to the smooth operator’s charm but is wary of his manipulative ways.
“Smooth Operator” became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The song’s stylish production and Adu’s mesmerizing vocals helped establish Sade as one of the most distinctive and influential acts of the 1980s.
“Smooth Operator” remains one of Sade’s most iconic and enduring songs, earning its place as a classic of the smooth jazz and soul genres. Its timeless appeal and sophisticated sound continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
2. No Ordinary Love
“No Ordinary Love” is a song by the British band Sade, released in 1992 as the lead single from their fourth studio album, “Love Deluxe.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist Sade Adu and their guitarist Stuart Matthewman.
“No Ordinary Love” is characterized by its haunting melody, soulful vocals, and atmospheric production. The song features a slow and hypnotic groove, with Adu’s emotive vocals conveying a sense of longing and vulnerability.
The lyrics of “No Ordinary Love” explore the complexities of love and desire, with the protagonist expressing a deep and intense connection to their partner. The song’s evocative imagery and poetic lyricism add to its emotional depth, creating a powerful and immersive listening experience.
“No Ordinary Love” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and became one of Sade’s most successful singles. It reached the top 40 on the charts in several countries and earned the band a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
The song’s haunting melody and soulful vocals have made it a favorite among fans of Sade’s music and a timeless classic of the soul and R&B genres. “No Ordinary Love” continues to resonate with audiences around the world, cementing its status as one of the band’s signature songs.
3. Sweetest Taboo
“Sweetest Taboo” is a song by Sade, released in 1985 as the lead single from their second studio album, “Promise.” Written by Sade Adu, Stuart Matthewman, and Martin Ditcham, the song became one of Sade’s most iconic and beloved tracks.
“Sweetest Taboo” is characterized by its smooth, sultry groove and Sade Adu’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics describe an intense and passionate love affair that is both irresistible and taboo, with references to the thrill of forbidden love and the longing to be with someone despite societal norms.
The song’s lush instrumentation, including saxophone and keyboard arrangements, adds to its sensual and atmospheric quality. “Sweetest Taboo” received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, earning praise for its sophisticated production and Adu’s emotive performance.
The song became a commercial success, reaching high positions on music charts around the world and solidifying Sade’s reputation as one of the premier acts in contemporary R&B and soul music.
“Sweetest Taboo” remains a fan favorite and a staple of Sade’s live performances. Its timeless appeal and evocative lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it one of the standout tracks in Sade’s illustrious discography.
4. By Your Side
“By Your Side” is a song by the British band Sade, released in 2000 as the lead single from their fifth studio album, “Lovers Rock.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist Sade Adu and their guitarist Stuart Matthewman.
“By Your Side” is characterized by its soulful melody, soothing vocals, and heartfelt lyrics. The song features a stripped-down arrangement, with acoustic guitar and gentle percussion providing the backdrop for Adu’s emotive vocals.
The lyrics of “By Your Side” express unwavering love and support, with the protagonist promising to stand by their partner through thick and thin. The song’s simple yet powerful message resonates with listeners, evoking feelings of comfort, reassurance, and devotion.
“By Your Side” received positive reviews from music critics upon its release and became one of Sade’s most successful singles. It reached the top 20 on the charts in several countries and earned the band a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
The song’s timeless appeal and universal themes of love and loyalty have made it a favorite among fans of Sade’s music. “By Your Side” remains a staple of the band’s live performances and continues to touch the hearts of listeners around the world.
5. Paradise
“Paradise” is a song by Sade, released in 1988 as the lead single from their third studio album, “Stronger Than Pride.” Written by Sade Adu and Stuart Matthewman, the song is known for its smooth, laid-back groove and soulful vocals.
In “Paradise,” Sade Adu sings about longing for a sense of escape and freedom, seeking solace in the idea of a utopian paradise where troubles are left behind. The lyrics evoke a dreamlike atmosphere, with references to exotic landscapes and the desire for a place of peace and tranquility.
Musically, “Paradise” features Sade’s signature blend of jazz, soul, and R&B, with lush instrumentation and Adu’s emotive vocals taking center stage. The song’s mellow groove and infectious melody make it a standout track on “Stronger Than Pride” and a favorite among fans of Sade’s music.
“Paradise” was well-received by critics and became a commercial success, reaching high positions on music charts around the world. Its evocative lyrics and smooth, sophisticated sound continue to captivate listeners, making it one of the standout tracks in Sade’s illustrious discography.
6. Is It a Crime
“Is It a Crime” is a song by the British band Sade, released in 1985 as the second single from their second studio album, “Promise.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist Sade Adu and their guitarist Stuart Matthewman.
“Is It a Crime” is characterized by its sultry and atmospheric sound, blending elements of jazz, soul, and pop. The song features a slow and seductive groove, with Adu’s haunting vocals conveying a sense of passion and longing.
The lyrics of “Is It a Crime” explore the complexities of love and desire, with the protagonist expressing intense emotions and questioning the nature of their relationship. The song’s evocative imagery and poetic lyricism add to its emotional depth, creating a powerful and immersive listening experience.
“Is It a Crime” received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and became one of Sade’s most successful singles. It reached the top 10 on the charts in several countries and helped establish the band as one of the most distinctive and influential acts of the 1980s.
The song’s sensual melody and Adu’s mesmerizing vocals have made it a favorite among fans of Sade’s music and a timeless classic of the soul and R&B genres. “Is It a Crime” continues to resonate with audiences around the world, cementing its status as one of the band’s signature songs.
7. Cherish the Day
“Cherish the Day” is a song by the British band Sade, released in 1993 as the third single from their fourth studio album, “Love Deluxe.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist Sade Adu and their guitarist Stuart Matthewman.
“Cherish the Day” is characterized by its smooth and atmospheric sound, blending elements of jazz, soul, and pop. The song features a slow and hypnotic groove, with Adu’s sultry vocals conveying a sense of passion and longing.
The lyrics of “Cherish the Day” celebrate the power of love and the importance of living in the moment. The protagonist expresses a desire to savor every moment with their partner, cherishing the time they spend together and reveling in the joy of their connection.
“Cherish the Day” received positive reviews from music critics upon its release and became one of Sade’s most successful singles. It reached the top 20 on the charts in several countries and helped solidify the band’s reputation as one of the most distinctive and influential acts of the 1980s and 1990s.
The song’s sensual melody and Adu’s mesmerizing vocals have made it a favorite among fans of Sade’s music and a timeless classic of the soul and R&B genres. “Cherish the Day” continues to resonate with audiences around the world, evoking feelings of romance, passion, and nostalgia.
8. The Sweetest Gift
“The Sweetest Gift” is a song by Sade, but it’s often confused with another song called “The Sweetest Gift (A Mother’s Smile)” which is a gospel song written by James B. Coats in 1939. This gospel song has been covered by various artists over the years, including Sade.
Sade’s rendition of “The Sweetest Gift” is a heartfelt and tender rendition of the gospel classic. Her smooth vocals and emotive delivery add depth and warmth to the song, making it a moving tribute to motherhood and the love between a parent and child. The song is often associated with themes of gratitude, love, and appreciation for maternal figures.
While Sade’s version of “The Sweetest Gift” may not be as well-known as some of her other songs, it remains a poignant and touching addition to her repertoire. It showcases her versatility as an artist and her ability to interpret a wide range of musical styles with grace and sincerity.
9. King of Sorrow
“King of Sorrow” is a song by Sade, released in 2000 as part of their fifth studio album, “Lovers Rock.” Written by Sade Adu and Stuart Matthewman, the song is known for its soulful vocals and melancholic lyrics.
In “King of Sorrow,” Sade Adu sings about heartbreak and the pain of lost love. The lyrics reflect on the emotional turmoil of a failed relationship, with references to feelings of loneliness, regret, and despair. Despite the sadness expressed in the song, there is also a sense of resilience and inner strength as the narrator grapples with their sorrow.
Musically, “King of Sorrow” features Sade’s trademark blend of smooth jazz, soul, and R&B, with Adu’s haunting vocals accompanied by lush instrumentation. The song’s atmospheric production and emotive performance contribute to its emotional impact, resonating with listeners on a deep level.
“King of Sorrow” received positive reviews from critics and became a fan favorite, earning praise for its introspective lyrics and soul-stirring melody. The song’s themes of heartache and resilience have made it a standout track in Sade’s discography, showcasing the band’s ability to evoke complex emotions through their music.
10. Love Is Stronger Than Pride
“Love Is Stronger Than Pride” is a song by Sade, released in 1988 on her album “Stronger Than Pride.” The song was written by Sade Adu, Stuart Matthewman, and Andrew Hale.
“Love Is Stronger Than Pride” is characterized by its mellow and atmospheric sound, blending elements of soul, jazz, and pop. The song features a slow and hypnotic groove, with Sade’s smooth vocals conveying a sense of vulnerability and longing.
The lyrics of “Love Is Stronger Than Pride” explore the complexities of love and relationships, with the protagonist expressing a desire to reconcile with their partner despite past hurts and misunderstandings. The song’s evocative imagery and emotive lyricism add to its emotional depth, creating a powerful and immersive listening experience.
“Love Is Stronger Than Pride” received positive reviews from music critics upon its release and became one of Sade’s most successful singles. It reached the top 10 on the charts in several countries and helped solidify the band’s reputation as one of the most distinctive and influential acts of the 1980s and 1990s.
The song’s smooth melody and Sade’s mesmerizing vocals have made it a favorite among fans of her music and a timeless classic of the soul and R&B genres. “Love Is Stronger Than Pride” continues to resonate with audiences around the world, evoking feelings of love, longing, and emotional resilience.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.