Sade's "Smooth Operator"

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 Subscribe to the One Song Patreon at patreon.com/onesong Check out the One Song Spotify playlist Recorded at Spotify Studios Engineering by Ryan Todd Produced by Eric Hicks and Demian Kendall Edited and mixed by Eric Hicks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices