Sade, originally named Sade Adu, is a British-Nigerian singer, songwriter, and actress, born on January 16, 1959, in Ibadan, Nigeria. She is best known as the lead vocalist of the band bearing her name, Sade. The band’s music is characterized by a smooth blend of soul, jazz, and R&B, often featuring sultry vocals and laid-back instrumentation.
Sade gained widespread recognition with the release of the band’s debut album, “Diamond Life,” in 1984, which featured the hit singles “Smooth Operator” and “Your Love Is King.” The album was a critical and commercial success, establishing Sade as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Sade continued to release highly acclaimed albums, including “Promise” (1985), “Stronger Than Pride” (1988), and “Love Deluxe” (1992). The band’s music received praise for its sophisticated sound and Sade’s emotive vocals.
Despite relatively long periods between album releases, Sade’s music has maintained a loyal fan base and has had a lasting impact on the music industry. The band has sold over 75 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards.
In addition to her music career, Sade has also pursued acting, appearing in the 2000 film “Absolute Beginners” and the 2018 film “Widows.”
Sade’s smooth vocals, timeless music, and distinctive style have solidified her status as one of the most iconic and influential artists in contemporary music.
1. Hang On to Your Love
“Hang On to Your Love” is a song by the band Sade, included on their debut album “Diamond Life” released in 1984. The track showcases Sade Adu’s smooth and sultry vocals over a blend of soul, jazz, and R&B instrumentation.
In “Hang On to Your Love,” Sade delivers a message of resilience and determination in the face of adversity in relationships. The lyrics encourage listeners to hold onto their love despite challenges and to remain strong amidst uncertainties.
The song’s mellow groove, punctuated by jazzy guitar licks and subtle percussion, creates an atmospheric backdrop for Sade’s emotive vocals. “Hang On to Your Love” became one of the standout tracks on “Diamond Life” and contributed to the album’s critical and commercial success.
With its smooth sound and poignant lyrics, “Hang On to Your Love” exemplifies the sophisticated style that has become synonymous with Sade’s music. It remains a beloved track among fans and continues to be a staple of the band’s live performances.
2. Kiss of Life
“Kiss of Life” is a song by the English band Sade, released in 1993 as the second single from their fourth studio album, “Love Deluxe.” Led by the sultry vocals of lead singer Sade Adu, the song is characterized by its smooth and sensual melody, which is complemented by its understated instrumentation and lush production.
Lyrically, “Kiss of Life” explores themes of love, desire, and intimacy. The lyrics express gratitude for the transformative power of love, likening it to a life-giving force that breathes new meaning and vitality into existence. The song’s romantic sentiments are conveyed through Adu’s emotive delivery and the dreamy atmosphere created by the band’s instrumentation.
“Kiss of Life” received positive reviews from music critics and became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries. It has since become one of Sade’s signature songs and remains a fan favorite, known for its timeless elegance and evocative sound.
3. Cherish the Day
“Cherish the Day” is a soulful ballad by the English band Sade, released in 1993 as part of their fourth studio album, “Love Deluxe.” Led by the smooth and mesmerizing vocals of lead singer Sade Adu, the song is renowned for its lush instrumentation and emotive lyrics.
“Cherish the Day” is a romantic and introspective track that explores the depth of love and the importance of cherishing each moment spent with a loved one. The lyrics convey a sense of intimacy and devotion, urging listeners to embrace the present and savor the beauty of love. Adu’s soulful delivery, accompanied by the band’s trademark blend of jazz, soul, and R&B influences, creates a mesmerizing and evocative atmosphere.
The song received critical acclaim for its sophisticated production, lyrical depth, and Adu’s captivating performance. While it wasn’t released as a single in all markets, “Cherish the Day” remains a standout track in Sade’s discography and has become a fan favorite, appreciated for its timeless elegance and heartfelt sentiment.
4. Smooth Operator
“Smooth Operator” is a song by the band Sade, released as the lead single from their debut album “Diamond Life” in 1984. The track is one of Sade’s most iconic and recognizable songs, known for its seductive groove and smooth, soulful vocals.
In “Smooth Operator,” Sade Adu portrays the character of a sophisticated and enigmatic lover, described as a “smooth operator.” The lyrics depict the allure and mystique of this character, who effortlessly navigates the world of romance and intrigue. Sade’s sultry vocals and the song’s laid-back instrumentation create an atmospheric and captivating listening experience.
“Smooth Operator” became a major hit for Sade, reaching the top 10 on charts worldwide and helping to propel the success of the “Diamond Life” album. Its stylish and sophisticated sound, combined with Sade’s magnetic presence, solidified the band’s reputation as one of the most distinctive and influential acts of the 1980s.
Over the years, “Smooth Operator” has remained a fan favorite and a staple of Sade’s live performances. Its timeless appeal and undeniable charm continue to resonate with audiences, cementing its status as a classic in the realm of smooth and soulful music.
5. No Ordinary Love
“No Ordinary Love” is a soulful and emotive song by the English band Sade, released in 1992 as the lead single from their fourth studio album, “Love Deluxe.” Led by the mesmerizing vocals of lead singer Sade Adu, the song is characterized by its haunting melody, atmospheric production, and poignant lyrics.
“No Ordinary Love” explores themes of love, longing, and vulnerability, capturing the complexities of romantic relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of yearning and devotion, expressing a desire for a love that transcends the ordinary and withstands the tests of time. Adu’s soulful delivery, combined with the band’s smooth instrumentation and lush arrangements, creates a deeply atmospheric and evocative listening experience.
The song received widespread critical acclaim and became one of Sade’s most successful singles, reaching the top 40 in several countries. Its haunting melody and emotional resonance have made it a timeless classic, earning it a place as one of Sade’s signature songs and a favorite among fans of the band.
6. The Sweetest Taboo
“The Sweetest Taboo” is a song by the band Sade, released in 1985 as the lead single from their second studio album, “Promise.” The track is characterized by its smooth and sensual groove, incorporating elements of soul, jazz, and R&B.
In “The Sweetest Taboo,” Sade Adu sings about a forbidden love that is irresistible and intoxicating. The lyrics convey the complexity of desire and the allure of the unknown, as the narrator finds herself drawn to someone who is off-limits. The song’s seductive melody and hypnotic rhythm create an atmospheric and evocative listening experience.
“The Sweetest Taboo” became one of Sade’s most successful songs, reaching the top 10 on charts worldwide and receiving critical acclaim for its sophisticated production and Sade’s sultry vocals. The song’s distinctive sound helped solidify Sade’s reputation as one of the premier acts in contemporary music.
Over the years, “The Sweetest Taboo” has remained a fan favorite and a staple of Sade’s live performances. Its timeless appeal and enduring popularity have cemented its status as one of the band’s signature songs, continuing to captivate audiences with its irresistible charm and allure.
7. By Your Side
“By Your Side” is a soulful ballad by the English band Sade, released in 2000 as the lead single from their fifth studio album, “Lovers Rock.” Led by the distinctive vocals of lead singer Sade Adu, the song is characterized by its intimate and heartfelt lyrics, as well as its understated instrumentation.
“By Your Side” is a tender love song that expresses unwavering support and devotion. The lyrics convey a sense of comfort and reassurance, promising to stand by a loved one through both joy and adversity. Adu’s emotive delivery, accompanied by the band’s smooth blend of jazz, soul, and R&B influences, creates a deeply moving and heartfelt listening experience.
The song received critical acclaim for its sincerity and emotional depth, as well as its stripped-down production that allows Adu’s vocals to take center stage. “By Your Side” became a commercial success, reaching the top 20 in several countries and earning Sade a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It remains one of the band’s most beloved and enduring songs, cherished for its timeless message of love and support.
8. Jezebel
“Jezebel” is a song by the band Sade, included on their album “Promise,” released in 1985. The track is known for its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, exploring themes of betrayal, longing, and emotional pain.
In “Jezebel,” Sade Adu sings from the perspective of a woman who has been betrayed by her lover. The lyrics depict the narrator’s anguish and heartache as she grapples with the realization that she has been deceived. The song’s somber tone and emotive vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and despair, capturing the raw emotion of betrayal.
“Jezebel” is notable for its stripped-down instrumentation, featuring delicate piano chords and subtle percussion that complement Sade’s haunting vocals. The song’s minimalist arrangement allows the emotional depth of the lyrics to take center stage, creating a powerful and evocative listening experience.
Despite its melancholy subject matter, “Jezebel” received critical acclaim for its beautiful melody and Sade’s captivating performance. The song remains a fan favorite and is often regarded as one of the standout tracks on the “Promise” album. Its haunting beauty and emotional resonance continue to captivate listeners, making it a timeless classic in Sade’s discography.
9. Is It a Crime
“Is It a Crime” is a captivating and soulful song by the English band Sade, released in 1985 as part of their second studio album, “Promise.” Led by the mesmerizing vocals of lead singer Sade Adu, the song is characterized by its lush instrumentation, haunting melody, and emotive lyrics.
“Is It a Crime” explores themes of desire, longing, and forbidden love. The lyrics convey a sense of emotional turmoil and vulnerability, as the protagonist grapples with the intensity of their feelings and the fear of societal judgment. Adu’s soulful delivery, accompanied by the band’s smooth blend of jazz, soul, and R&B influences, creates a deeply atmospheric and evocative listening experience.
The song received critical acclaim for its sophisticated production, lyrical depth, and Adu’s captivating performance. While it wasn’t released as a single in all markets, “Is It a Crime” remains a standout track in Sade’s discography and has become a fan favorite, appreciated for its timeless elegance and emotional resonance.
10. Paradise
“Paradise” is a song by the English band Coldplay, released in 2011 as the second single from their fifth studio album, “Mylo Xyloto.” The song is characterized by its uplifting melody, anthemic chorus, and vibrant production.
“Paradise” explores themes of escapism and longing for a better life. The lyrics tell the story of a girl who dreams of leaving her mundane life behind and escaping to a place of freedom and happiness, symbolized by “paradise.” Lead vocalist Chris Martin delivers the verses with a sense of yearning, while the chorus soars with optimism and hope.
Musically, “Paradise” features a driving rhythm section, atmospheric synthesizers, and catchy guitar riffs, creating a dynamic and energetic sound. The song’s anthemic quality and infectious melody made it a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries.
“Paradise” remains one of Coldplay’s most popular and enduring songs, known for its uplifting message and memorable melody. It has been praised by critics and fans alike for its anthemic quality and ability to evoke a sense of euphoria.
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.
