[Diamond Life] -- On July 16, 1984, the English band, Sade, released their debut album, Diamond Life. Sade assumed their moniker from the professional name of their lead vocalist, Sade Adu (Helen Folasade Adu).
I like to refer to Diamond Life as a jazz album masquerading as a pop record by way of R&B. And to make my case, I point out that this album peaked at #5 on the US Billboard 200, #5 on the US Top Jazz Albums, and #3 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. Diamond Life also reached at least the top 20 in charts around the world, and it won the 1985 Brit Award for Best British Album. The album's third single, or its second in the US, "Smooth Operator," was a worldwide smash hit and music video. "Smooth Operator" reached #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts.
In my opinion, this is a record that largely holds up, even after 40 years. And that is largely due to Sade Adu's sultry contralto.
Come for "Smooth Operator." Stay for "I Will Be Your Friend" and "Cherry Pie."
Flashback: Diamond Life (July 16, 1984)
And that's all till next week. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.
I'll see you in seven!
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