Sade ‎– Diamond Life

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!

This album is so suave, Í almost can't take it.

Thank everybody for your replies and comments on the Sade track "Smooth Operator". I had thought that I was losing my mind at one point! Am glad that my ears (and mind!) were still on the right track when I got your replies. Appreciate it much!

Indeed, I really hope that the would bother to remaster all Sade single mixes (both 7" and 12" - if they are different from the official LP versions), B-sides and all the rarities than constantly re-hashing all the so called "best of" CDs. True fans and true collectors would appreciate these rarities more than a re-packaged release. Even when remastering, I really wish that they bother to remember that when fans (old and new alike) would appreciate a better sound than what they had before - more clarity and dynamics rather than flaws and distortion.

This is on the EPIC label although CBS is mentioned on the bottom of the back cover.

Can anyone help me? I have the Portrait Canadian Pressing of Sade's Diamond Life LP on vinyl. Recently, I had purchased the "remastered" CD of the same album (Epic 500595 2). Strangely, the version/mix of "Smooth Operator" sounded very different. Initially, I thought it was my memory going, but I dug out and old cassette tape recorded from the original vinyl and played it. It was remarkably different!

The Canadian Portrait pressing had more saxophones (and maybe even more percussions) making the sound "jazzier". While the "remastered" CD version was a little "raw" to me. Even Sade's vocals were a little "distorted".

Does anyone have more info about which pressing I am to get the "original" Portrait LP Version of "Smooth Operator"?