Sade's "Smooth Operator"

About this episode

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