REWIND

I have MTV to thank for a number of recordings in my collection. I grew up during the time when MTV was relevant. (translation: they actually played music) I looked to them for breaking new artists and offering the best that music had to offer. It was during my MTV heyday that I saw and heard this gorgeous woman with a rich, husky voice unlike anything I’d ever heard before. Her name is Helen Folasade Adu, but I came to know and love her by her group’s moniker, Sade. That afternoon, I stopped short when the video for the song “Smooth Operator” was played. Four minutes later, I knew that I had to have this album. Diamond Life became one of my favorite purchases that year and has remained one of my all-time favorite albums. The first three tracks (“Smooth Operator,” “Your Love is King,” and “Hang on to Your Love”) were the singles that were released from the album. These are fan faves and each of these songs is wonderfully crafted. However, the game changed as soon as I heard “Cherry Pie.” The hi-hat and bass line at the start of song gives me chills. If you have this one in your collection, stop what you’re doing and go listen to this song right now. Another stunner is “Sally,” which is a soulful, jazzy number that grips you in the depths of your soul. I could go on and on about all nine of the glorious songs on the album. Instead, I invite you to explore “Diamond Life” for yourself. If you own the album, pull it out and play it for old time’s sake. If you’ve yet to explore Sade, now is the time to do so.

Aural Notes™

REWIND

Other Articles of Interest