Elegance, class, and sophistication barely begins to describe the sound of Sade. Her 1984 debut album, Diamond Life, shimmers with glamour and style, a sleek, catchy hybrid of pop, soul and jazz. The album was driven by an irresistible sound, mood music that crosses over to dance with excellent musicianship and clever lyrics.

Diamond Life spawned her first Top 10 U.S. hit, the bossa nova-tinged, ”Smooth Operator,” with its unforgettable sax work, a true classic. Other standouts are the swinging horn-peppered ”Your Love Is King,” the retro-funk of ”When Am I Going To Make A Living,” the tender and lovely ”I Will Be Your Friend,” as well as an imaginative remake of Timmy Thomas’ 1971 hit ”Why Can’t We Live Together” (with an extremely long, brilliant jazzy intro heavy with congas).

Diamond Life had international sales of over six million, becoming one of the top-selling debut recordings of the ’80s and the best selling debut ever by a British female vocalist. There has never been a lead singer quite like former model Sade Adu, her cool vocals and exotic looks grabbed everyone’s attention. Her ponytails, large hoop earrings and backless dresses, and the fantastic blue-tinged black and white cover art offered up a retro look to match the sound. Everything shimmers here with a sultry yet subtle beauty, pulling you into an atmosphere of a midnight lounge or the club scene from which Sade first emerged. Diamond Life is the album that started it all!

Limited numbered edition 180-gram. Gatefold Vinyl.

Dokument: Den amerikanska nyutgåvan av Sades debutalbum har gjort små audiofila underverk med originalet.

Tillverkare/märke: Audio Fidelity (US)