I loved this edition! Your deep dive into Sade’s Diamond Life is pure gold (OK Diamond) The historical context of the Quiet Storm and how it influenced the album is fascinating. Highlights like “Smooth Operator” and “Why Can’t We Live Together” are perfectly described. You’ve made me fall in love with the album all over again even though I haven't heard it in years. Her voice really is something else. You set the bar of writing high you really do.
Fantastic piece Matt! I’m a Sade fan, not a huge fan, but a fan nonetheless. Not sure I’ve ever listened to the whole Diamond Life album but will certainly be doing so now on the back of this article. I was lucky enough to see her in concert at the O2 Arena in London in 2011 and she was incredible!
‘Diamond Life’ is one of my favorite albums of the decade. I actually remember where I was when I first heard “Smooth Operator”. I was riding down I-85 listening to my local album rock station. It was such a beautiful moment with the sun out and the windows down, its impact is still felt 40 years later.
Thanks for stirring up such a lovely memory with such a wonderful piece.
Thanks Matt. As someone who grew up in London just one step removed from Sade and her gang, I always felt that her music was bought by people who don't buy music. (See, also: Adele, Enya.) But just because they are popular doesn't mean they are not great, and I need to revisit Diamond Life in full, because you've sold me!
I very much agree Matt. It's a pretty spectacular album from start to finish. It was released when the "smooth jazz" format was getting quite big. In Chicago, WNUA was the station for all things Sade for several years. Wish she would record more! Once a decade is not enough!
Thanks for reading Dan :) I agree RE: they should record more, I'd love that. But, then again, it keeps their qualitative batting average super high at the current pace.
Lovely tribute and analysis. Big fan of the Timmy Thomas original of Why Can't We Live Together and it's interesting to compare TT, Sade and Steve Winwood's takes on the song.
Diamond Life drew some well-deserved attention in the world of audiophiles, the album sounds so sweet and clean. Producer Robin Millar did a great job on this as well as the Fine Young Cannibals, another sultry stack of hits.
It truly is a miracle that Diamond Life gained any traction in the 1984. I am just so glad that it did. It has been a part of my life ever since. Thanks for the great article.
I see this one is getting a lot of attention! That's because Sade is hot hot hot! I saw her in concert after the Love Deluxe album and it was like a reverse-gender Beatles scenario. I could swear that men were throwing their boxers on the stage.
I was in high-school when Diamond Life came out and I played this and The Smiths' self-titled debut more than any other albums. I don't want to believe that was 40 years ago.
Hit is out of the park again! We used Sade in a 109 Fashion Show Limelight '85. It signaled the change, but the change was coming, and she was ready for it. It started with Dexys Midnight Runners in June '82 to this in July '84. Always want to give you props when your work validates the actual experience of being there when it all happened in real time. https://soundcloud.com/stevegabe/live-from-the-vaut-9-supplemental-music-mix109-st-marks-place-fashion-show-limelight-85? @ 20:35 (I'm the DJ/mixer)
I loved this edition! Your deep dive into Sade’s Diamond Life is pure gold (OK Diamond) The historical context of the Quiet Storm and how it influenced the album is fascinating. Highlights like “Smooth Operator” and “Why Can’t We Live Together” are perfectly described. You’ve made me fall in love with the album all over again even though I haven't heard it in years. Her voice really is something else. You set the bar of writing high you really do.
Appreciate the very kind words, Jon. Thanks for reading!
Fantastic piece Matt! I’m a Sade fan, not a huge fan, but a fan nonetheless. Not sure I’ve ever listened to the whole Diamond Life album but will certainly be doing so now on the back of this article. I was lucky enough to see her in concert at the O2 Arena in London in 2011 and she was incredible!
Thanks for reading Mark! I've heard such great things about her live shows, hopefully I'll have the chance to see her one day.
‘Diamond Life’ is one of my favorite albums of the decade. I actually remember where I was when I first heard “Smooth Operator”. I was riding down I-85 listening to my local album rock station. It was such a beautiful moment with the sun out and the windows down, its impact is still felt 40 years later.
Thanks for stirring up such a lovely memory with such a wonderful piece.
Wow, that must've been an apex sensory moment right there. Thanks for sharing!
I have those sorts of recalls when music is involved. Otherwise, I have a hard time remembering why I walked into a room.
Ain't it always the way :)
Thanks Matt. As someone who grew up in London just one step removed from Sade and her gang, I always felt that her music was bought by people who don't buy music. (See, also: Adele, Enya.) But just because they are popular doesn't mean they are not great, and I need to revisit Diamond Life in full, because you've sold me!
Thanks for reading and commenting Tony :) I'd agree with the Adele comp, musically she definitely lifted a couple of tricks from Sade's catalog.
I very much agree Matt. It's a pretty spectacular album from start to finish. It was released when the "smooth jazz" format was getting quite big. In Chicago, WNUA was the station for all things Sade for several years. Wish she would record more! Once a decade is not enough!
Thanks for reading Dan :) I agree RE: they should record more, I'd love that. But, then again, it keeps their qualitative batting average super high at the current pace.
Yeah, good point. Their best albums were from the late 80s
Lovely tribute and analysis. Big fan of the Timmy Thomas original of Why Can't We Live Together and it's interesting to compare TT, Sade and Steve Winwood's takes on the song.
Diamond Life drew some well-deserved attention in the world of audiophiles, the album sounds so sweet and clean. Producer Robin Millar did a great job on this as well as the Fine Young Cannibals, another sultry stack of hits.
Well said Jeremy, thanks for reading and commenting!
It truly is a miracle that Diamond Life gained any traction in the 1984. I am just so glad that it did. It has been a part of my life ever since. Thanks for the great article.
Thank YOU for reading and supporting the newsletter! :)
I see this one is getting a lot of attention! That's because Sade is hot hot hot! I saw her in concert after the Love Deluxe album and it was like a reverse-gender Beatles scenario. I could swear that men were throwing their boxers on the stage.
I was in high-school when Diamond Life came out and I played this and The Smiths' self-titled debut more than any other albums. I don't want to believe that was 40 years ago.
Thanks Steve! Sade definitely striking a chord with folks this week. :)
Fab writing. This is probably one of my favourite albums of all time. It's simply exquisite, from start to finish.
Preach! :D
I have an early UK pressing (first or second press) and it sounds superb. The soundstage is just incredible.
Hit is out of the park again! We used Sade in a 109 Fashion Show Limelight '85. It signaled the change, but the change was coming, and she was ready for it. It started with Dexys Midnight Runners in June '82 to this in July '84. Always want to give you props when your work validates the actual experience of being there when it all happened in real time. https://soundcloud.com/stevegabe/live-from-the-vaut-9-supplemental-music-mix109-st-marks-place-fashion-show-limelight-85? @ 20:35 (I'm the DJ/mixer)
Thanks for sharing the great anecdote and link Steve! Appreciate it, as always.
Good record!
A great album and artist for sure.