Customer Reviews

The Best of Sade

5 star:		(133)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I was never a big fan of Sade until her newest release LOVERS ROCK came out, took me ashore and then blew me away. I was never one to listen to anything associated with R&B either until Sade opened my doors into the world of neo-soul which just threw me for a loop. It's kind of like R&B except that it's more meaningful and mature. And while many might say that Sade has a voice that is thin and weak I would really like to differ. Her voice is low-key (I'm not gonna lie) but it's deeply sensuous and soultry with a smoky richness that is absolutely stunning. Her musical styling is also very interesting for it consists of smooth jazz (thanks in part to saxaphones and trumpets) with neo-soul (The Sweetest Taboo, No Ordinary Love) and urban beats (Never As Good As The First Time, Cherish The Day) that often sound like the perfect soundtrack for an island party (aka, Smooth Operator, Paradise). There are also some powerful ballads here like Jezebel and the haunting Pearls which often push me back into my chair as to melt into the melody.

This is an amazing album and it deserves a spot in everyone's collection.

This is highly recommended.

Sade's voice should be in the dictionary as a definition of sultry. When she sings in the style she does best she is absolutely phenomenal. Her voice is the ultimate in romantic music and is suitable for darkened restaurants, living rooms (a fireplace would be good) and even bedrooms. Her music can make you feel mellow and cozy and is great music to fall into the eyes of your significant other.

At least one other reviewer has commented that Sade is a one-trick pony because her vocal talent is generally limited to one style. On the flip side, she sings best when she sings in the style that is her trademark. As an example, in the song "Nothing Can Come Between Us" Sade tries a bit faster pace and a different style, and the music overruns her vocals. I listen to Sade's music to listen to her, and when the instruments become the primary voice in a song then I feel as though I am not listening to Sade. This particular song is also very derivative and somewhat lackluster as compared to most of her other songs.

Sade's voice is well exploited and at its best in songs such as "Smooth Operator," "The Sweetest Taboo," and the emotional, heartfelt "Jezebel." But the examples on this CD are numerous extend well beyond these songs. "No Ordinary Love" is powerful, Sade sings from some deep place inside of her that connects you to her soul. This song is more than seven minutes of passion and beauty. Try listening to this song in a completely dark room, preferably holding your significant other, and keeping your eyes closed. The power of this song will flow through you and give you a most amazing feeling.

There are so many other wonderful songs on this CD that I could easily extol the virtues of nearly all of them. "Please Send Me Someone to Love" is a wonderful blues song that is so sad and longing that it threatens to wrest tears from your eyes if you listen to it too long. "Pearls" is just that, a jewel of a song to cap off this collection. Once again Sade brings so much emotion to this song, perhaps the most emotion of any song in this collection. Dive deep into this song, it is worth it.

Sade is difficult to categorize, because she brings so many influences to her music. Some have classified her music as Jazz, and some of her music is Jazz-influenced. In some places she shows up as soft rock or easy listening, and both would be at least partially correct. However, in the end what matters is the music; classifications are merely a way of organizing, and we know that art sometimes defies organization because it goes where it will.

People my age, 17, tend to look at me unusually when I tell them that I love Sade, that is because they have no idea who I'm talking about. That to me in itself is quite sad, because I have never heard such raw emotion and beautiful simplicity emerge from music. Not to mention the most beautiful vocals by Sade herself, and the excellent music itself by the musicians of Sade.

I began my Sade adventure when I was really bored one day and I began to pull out my Dad's old records, to find two. They were the albums 'Diamond Life' and 'Promise', the first two albums released. I wanted to take these with me in my discman, though not possible, so I went out to find their 'best of' CD, so I could get a feel for all of Sade's music.

Off those two albums, I immediately found my most favourite tracks. From Diamond Life 'Your love is king' (really nice sax here), 'Hang on to your love' (very nice bass and lyrics very true to life), and of course what I think is my most favourite song of all time, and I'm sure many others feel the same 'Smooth Operator'. It's amazing how their songs are timeless...smooth, lush and soulful.

From Promise 'Jezabel' (really touching lyrics), 'The Sweetest Taboo' (honestly, listen to the lyrics...I wish! fabulously upbeat and positive), 'Is it a crime' (Can we relate people?!), and 'never as good as the first time' (nice harmonies here with great percussion). I'm glad to say as well how from all of these tracks that I've mentioned, how the lyrics people can relate to. This is what with the musicality and rythms created by the musicians creates the evoking of different emotions spoken of earlier. I feel that that is what makes music, you like it because you feel for it, you're able to delve into it's layers, which is why I like Sade's music so much.

The CD continiues taking the best songs from their following albums. From the album Stronger Than Pride, the title track 'Love is stronger than pride' is very calming and downtempo, with many layers of instrumental influences, giving it a very exotic feel with Sade's harmonic vocals acting as a cool flow, like a breez of sweet vocals on the wind. Gorgeous!

From Love Delux, who can ever pass by 'No Ordinary Love'? Very deep, hitting the soul very low, with a sultry overtone. An amazing song, puts me off guard. It's tracks like these that show how well Sade evolved together and can atill create the most amazing music today, just like with their album 'Lovers Rock'. But that in itself is another story.

It's an album I think that is great for all new-earers to Sade, to get a feel for all their albums, and the wonderful music they produced. For those old fans, why not get it to just have it, and have the best tracks on one CD. An amazing group, with amazing musicality and harmonies with lyrics that touch your soul.

If you, suprisingly enough, have no Sade in your album collection, then this best-of compilation could be a perfect start:

*Best Of Sade as a COMPILATION (4/5):
It's really hard to believe that a collection of the best moments of Sade could only include 16 songs. A double cd compilation woud be a more accurate realisation of that title. However, Sade have managed to put together all of their killer hits plus two or three numbers which were never big, but they're considered as the finest Sade moments (Jezebel, Pearls). A nice treat is the inclusion of 'Please Send me Someone to Love' which was originally released in the Philadelphia soundtrack. Moreover, some of their classic hits are different to the original album versions. For instance, Cherish the day provides you with one more minute of pleasurable trip-hop, which had been faded out at the original Love Deluxe version of this song. 'Paradise' has a slightly different sound mix and the versions of 'Never as Good as the First Time' & 'Smooth Operator' are actually the video ones (the latter one without the whispering Sade intro and the 'Red Eye' instrumental at the end of Smooth Operator I'm afraid). However, some really great numbers, such as Tar Baby, Maureen & Cherry Pie, which were measurable hits, have not been included here and you might have to get the albums to discover them. (believe me, it's worth it..)

* Best Of Sade as the MUSIC (5/5):
Well, Sade can do no wrong. And that's something that she herself confirmed with the release of 00's Lover's Rock. Most of the songs in this compilation have left their own mark in what we call pop music history. Your Love is King introduced to the public a new kind of smooth-martini music which the world had never heard before, Smooth Operator was an artsy display of how to use saxophone in pop music , the classy Is it a Crime? and the exotic-funky The Sweetest Taboo are amongst the biggest radio hits of pop/RnB music, while the Love Deluxe tracks included here remind us that this '92 album was one of the best moments in RnB music history.

* The Best Of Sade as a RE-MASTERED VERSION (5/5):
This '00 remastered version is worth buying, even for those who own the '94 original one. The sound is crispy and crystal clear, and you may discern sounds that you thought they never existed. The remastering work done on this compilation as well as on the rest of Sade's catalogue, is flawless and of an impeccable quality. In other artists' remasters, the sound is TOO bright or too boomed up through compression. Here, it's just pure music. It is just the songs, taken from the master tapes and offered a better treat (the best possible, actually) than they did ten or twenty years ago. Moreover, the Sade remasters might give you that spacious and warm feeling that one might recall from their original vinyl versions. It's just Sound-tastic!

All in all, The Best Of Sade is a great purchase for those interested in finding out more about Sade's music and need something to start from. The Fans, who own Sade's album catalogue need this for 'Please give me someone to love' and for the different versions of some of the tracks.
However, even if you're not interested in Sade this is a great plus for your collection, since a record collection without some Sade class in it can never be complete :)

Enjoy!

Until I came across this CD I didnt even know that Sade had a best of album, but I'm not surprised, seeing as how she's had hit's for over twenty years now. I love this album so much, it does three things for me. It put's me in the mood, It makes me slow down in whatever I'm doing, and it's what I listen to when I would want to go to sleep. Because the girl can sing but it's so soft I cant help but just sleep, and it relaxes me so much. The best songs are: Smooth opperater Sweetest Taboo, Is it a crime, Paradise, No ordinary love, and Kiss of life

A world of shady international playboys who break women's hearts for sport (Smooth Operator). Of ambitious starletts who barter their innocence for a shot at fame (Jezebel). Of interracial romance (purportedly, The Sweetest Taboo). Above all, it's a world of love that spins to a silky smooth soundtrack of European jazz fused with urban soul. Love with its ecstasies (Your Love Is King, Paradise), heartbreak (Is It A Crime), and ironies (Never As Good As The First Time). Her songs are filled with tension between joy and sadness, romance and heartache. They are populated by real people with their suffering and redemption: the Somalian famine victim who lives only to feed her child (Pearls, her most powerful moment on record), the war veteran facing a tidal wave of post-traumatic memories (Like A Tattoo). She may be the queen of romance, but her world is far from romanticized. This is the stuff of real love and real life - good, bad, beautiful, and ugly - delivered from ground zero in a compassionate voice ...This is classy, literate, and intelligent soul, the standard by which the rest of soul music should be judged.

I first heard of Sade back in 1984 on a music program called Top 40 Videos. They were showing the song that began her western exposure called Hang on to Your Love. It was very silky and soulful. But it was Smooth Operator that made her a chart topping success. Her exposure lead to a singing role in the musical flop (but guilty pleasure nonetheless) Absoulte Beginners where she performed a jazzy number called Killer Blow. Sade is truly a musician with a gift. Her voice is enchanting and the lyrics are inviting. The Greatest Hits CD has a lot of great numbers and none of them are too harsh for the ears. Like many musicians who hit it big in the 80s and early 90s, Sade has sadly been demoted to adult contemporary and smooth jazz radio playlists. This music is perfect for mellowing out or cuddling with another. Sade is a classy lady with a lot on her mind, which she puts in her music. No doubt about it, this CD is king.

If I were restricted to review Sade's music in just five words they would be sensual, passionate, feminine, melodious and soulful. Removing one word from the list would not do full justice to her style of music making.

The first time I heard Sade was in the early 90's and the song was Smooth Operator. I guess I was late in discovering her music but I knew this was one singer I should not disregard. Over the years and after so many songs one of my personal favourite remains "Cherish the day". I was floored when I heard this song for the first time and could not really make out what was so magical about this that makes me want to listen to it again and again. Later it dawned on me that the lyrics and the bass line were perfectly synchronised at 1:36 into the song when she sings "Show me how deep love can be" and at this very instant the bass guitar kicks in producing very low and deep bass. It is not powerful as on some other tracks notably "No Ordinary Love", but to me it is deep enough having the capability to penetrate the marrow. Another surprise was the voice of Sade suddenly envelops you from all sides instead of the dead centre when again the lyrics are repeated at 3:48 into the song. The other favourite of mine is "No ordinary Love" which I already mentioned earlier. This song has a very good beat throughout, deep and powerful bass, soulful lyrics, and a melody to match the package.

I would say the overall quality of the album is first class. In fact better than some of the complete albums, let alone compilations. I consider it to be one of the best compilations that I have had the pleasure of laying my hands on. I personally detest compilations, as they never do justice to the sound quality. Why? Basically the engineer has to ensure that all the songs more or less have similar output, meaning, the volume remains same all the way from first to the last track. This actually disturbs the sanctity of the original album's dynamic range. Since this CD is not a complete album but a compilation; I must evaluate it accordingly. The mastering engineer has done a commendable job of making this CD sound like a complete album, surely no sign of compression. I would rate this album very highly as I found the sound quality in general to be exceptionally good. Bass aficionados would certainly not be disappointed.

You come across two types of compilations, one being greatest hits, comprising of songs mainly doing well in the charts, the other being best of, songs that are critically acclaimed but not necessarily the hits. This CD is not just a very good sounding collection of Sade's greatest hits but also happens to be superbly compiled with just the best of what Sade has to offer- A String of Pearls!

I'm fourteen and I love this CD. My parents love it as well. Sade's voice is soothing to your ears and a remarkable listening experience.

Every song is my favorite because every song is wonderful.
Once you hear the chorus you will be singing the song inside your head continually. This CD a great jazzy beat with outstanding vocals.

"Pearls" tells a remarkable story about a woman in Somalia parched in the hot sun. It makes me think of Sade being the little girl. Maybe it is her!

"Smooth Operator" is always on the radio and probably the most popular Sade song. There's no reason to wonder why.

The sax in the beginning of "Your Love Is King" is timeless. You just know that song is coming on and you just cannot wait to hear the rest of the melodic tune.

Each and every song tells a story.
Once you learn all the lyrics, you can decipher each song's meaning and learn to appreciate the song more.
You realize the time and effort. Sade delivers the song in a unique way. She sounds unlike any other vocalist you have ever heard before.

Again, I am fourteen and I can love this music like any other baby boomer would.
It's just lovely music that is dying to be shared.

In fact, this CD was originally my father's and I took it from him to listen.

Out of all the Sade CDs, The Best Of Sade is ultimately the must have of your collection.
I reccommend you start off with TBOS before you buy any other Sade CDs.

It would make a lovely gift for any jazz fan.

You won't regret owning it in your home to entertain folks of all ages.

The first song I remember hearing from her was when I was little, not sure how old I was, but the song was 'Smooth Operator'. I asked my mom who was singing that, and she told me it was Sade. I finally got to hear some more of her music later on (19), since I really didn't follow up (I was like 8 or 9). I started listening to the smooth jazz station and heard some of her songs. I had to find out what they were. I got the titles down of the songs I liked. My favorite from her, is 'Is It A Crime'. I can listen to that song over and over. I don't have the cd yet, but I know for a fact I like 11 of the 16 songs. And in my book, that's a cd to have. =) So, do I recommend it? Without a doubt. I plan on getting her other 4 cds, already have Lovers Rock.