Sade
Sade, born Helen Folasade Adu on January 16, 1959, in Ibadan, Nigeria, has a rich cultural background that informs her musical artistry. Her father was a Nigerian economics professor, and her mother was an English nurse. When she was four years old, Sade moved to England with her mother, where she would spend her formative years.
She attended Saint Martin's School of Art in London, where she studied fashion design. This artistic background contributed to her distinctive style, both in music and visual presentation. Early in her career, Sade worked as a fashion designer and began performing with a band called Pride, where she honed her vocal skills and stage presence.
Sade's breakthrough came in the early 1980s when she formed the band Sade and released their debut album, "Diamond Life," in 1984. The album was a commercial success, featuring hits like "Smooth Operator" and "Your Love Is King." Sade's unique sound, characterized by a blend of soul, funk, jazz, and Afro-Cuban rhythms, quickly garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.
Throughout her career, Sade has released several successful albums, including "Promise" (1985), "Stronger Than Pride" (1988), "Love Deluxe" (1992), and "Soldier of Love" (2010). Her work has earned numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in contemporary music.
She is known for her sultry voice and sophisticated compositions, which often explore themes of love and emotional depth. Her music has influenced numerous artists across various genres, establishing her as a seminal figure in the realms of soul and jazz.
She has generally maintained a low profile regarding her personal life. She has a daughter, Ila Adu, from her relationship with Spanish filmmaker Carlos Scola, and has also been involved in other relationships over the years. Known for her strong sense of privacy, she often separates her personal life from her professional persona.
Sade's influence on music continues to resonate. With her distinctive sound and artistic vision, she has remained relevant and respected within the music industry for decades, and she is celebrated for her ability to connect with audiences through her emotive performances.
Overall, Sade's biography reflects a journey of artistic evolution, cultural fusion, and the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries.
Love Deluxe
Music By – Adu, Matthewman
Percussion – Martin Ditcham
7:20
2 Feel No Pain
Music By – Hale, Adu, Matthewman
5:09
3 I Couldn't Love You More
Music By – Hale, Denman, Adu, Matthewman
3:50
4 Like A Tattoo
Music By – Hale, Adu, Matthewman
3:39
5 Kiss Of Life
Arranged By [Strings] – Nick Ingman
Music By – Hale, Denman, Adu, Matthewman
Percussion, Drums – Martin Ditcham
5:51
6 Cherish The Day
Music By – Hale, Adu, Matthewman
5:35
7 Pearls
Arranged By [Strings] – Nick Ingman
Cello [Solo] – Tony Pleeth
Music By – Hale, Adu
4:34
8 Bullet Proof Soul
Music By – Hale, Adu, Matthewman
5:26
9 Mermaid
Engineer, Mixed By – Chris Lord-Alge
Music By – Hale, Denman, Adu, Matthewman
4:24
Label: Epic – EK 53178
Format: CD, Album, Stereo
Country: US
Released: 1992
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul, Pop
Style: Smooth Jazz, Soul, Neo Soul
Sade's Love Deluxe (1992) is widely hailed as a masterpiece, praised for its immersive, dreamy atmosphere, exquisite production, and Sade Adu's iconic, velvety voice, blending themes of love, loss, and longing with lush soundscapes, fluid instrumentation (especially guitar, sax, bass, piano), and deep emotional resonance, creating a cohesive, no-filler experience perfect for sophisticated R&B/Sophisti-Pop fans seeking blissful, immersive listening.
Described as an "ocean of feeling," "blissful abstraction," and a "dreamy, atmospheric, and immersive" experience, inviting listeners to float.
Some find the focus purely on romance a potential drawback, or that minimalist tracks can feel slightly sparse, though still beautiful.
Production: Gorgeous, warm, and rich, with subtle layers, perfect soundscapes, and immaculate detail, featuring fluid dynamics from the band.
Vocals: Sade's voice is consistently lauded as one of the best ever – smooth, convincing, emotional, and capable of conveying deep feeling.
Instrumentation: Features iconic saxophone, deep bass, subtle guitar (like Spanish-style on "Like a Tattoo"), and piano, all perfectly arranged.
Themes: Explores deep aspects of love, heartbreak, longing, pleasure, and trauma with poetic, captivating lyrics.
Cohesion: Considered a perfectly focused album with no filler, a strong statement, and an "absolute masterpiece".
Standout Tracks:-
"No Ordinary Love": Iconic, haunting, sensual, and a benchmark for the album's deep bass and atmosphere.
"Kiss of Life": Radiant, uplifting, and a highlight for many.
"Like a Tattoo": A poetic, soulful, and deeply emotional track with subtle guitar work.
"Cherish the Day": Magical and a consistent favorite.
"Pearls": Considered one of the most beautiful and emotional songs ever written, touching on struggle.
Many reviewers call it Sade's masterpiece and one of the greatest R&B/Sophisti-Pop albums ever. The album's sound is so deep it feels like swimming, perfect for sound system showcases.