40 years ago today (7/16/84), the world was introduced to Sade Adu’s silky smooth sounds with the debut Diamond Life. This debut made a remarkable dent in pop music culture at the time, and it also influenced the direction of contemporary R&B and pop music. The album includes several standout tracks that have become classics, such as “Smooth Operator,” “Your Love is King,” and “Hang On to Your Love.” These songs showcase Sade’s ability to blend lyrical storytelling with emotive vocals and rich instrumentation. Watch the British diva perform “Your Love Is King at Live Aid 1985
