Sade's "Smooth Operator"
Show notes
How many words can we use to describe Sade’s voice? Hint: the answer is more than ten. We’re kicking off a new season of One Song with an all-timer: Sade’s 1984 jazz-soul-pop classic, “Smooth Operator”.
Diallo and LUXXURY discuss the origin and evolution of Sade from a backing singer to a star who blended style, sophistication, and sexiness in one iconic force of nature. We also argue a lot about how to pronounce her name (and there’s technically one correct answer).
Then, we dive into the stems and get into a the bass line that never breaks a sweat, the chords that make you feel sexy even when you’re alone, the epitome of 80s saxophone, and of course, the unmistakable vocals of Helen Folasade Adu, aka Sade.
Songs Discussed:
“Searching” (1980) - Change feat. Luther Vandross
“Like A Tattoo” (1992) - Sade
“Pride (When You Can’t Back Down)” (1982) - Pride
“Love Is Stronger Than Pride” (1988) - Sade
“Don’t You Want Me Baby” (1981) - The Human League
“Venceremos (We Will Win)” (1984) - Working Week
“When Am I Going to Make a Living” (1985) - Sade
“Is It A Crime (Live Aid at Wembley Stadium, London)” (1985) - Sade
“Kiss of Life” (1992) - Sade
“War of Hearts” (1985) - Sade
“Sweetest Taboo” (1985) - Sade
“Maureen” (1985) - Sade
“Paradise” (1988) - Sade
“No Ordinary Love” (1992) - Sade
“You Will Rise” (1996) - Sweetback feat. Amel Larrieux
“Manhood” (2000) - Victor Duplaix
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Recorded at Spotify Studios
Engineering by Ryan Todd
Produced by Eric Hicks and Demian Kendall
Edited and mixed by Eric Hicks
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