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Michael Fremer Rated 9/10 Music, 10/10 Sonics!

Featured in Michael Fremer's Heavy Rotation in the May 2012 Issue of Stereophile!

Limited Edition 180 Gram Virgin Vinyl Mastered by Kevin Gray!

Elegance, class, and sophistication barely begins to describe the sound of Sade, the woman and the band. The 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 the band's 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. Right from the group's image (her ponytails, large hoop earrings and backless dresses), and the fantastic blue-tinged black and white cover art (giving a retro look to match the sound), everything shimmers with a sultry yet subtle beauty, pulling you into an atmosphere of a midnight lounge or the club scene from which Sade emerged.

"Straddling R&B and pop to create the hooks and sultry allure that became Sade's souldful standard - intelligent and sexy at the same time."

"...one of the best debut recordings ever made, a ground breaker - Sade's truly gifted songwriting and talent proved to match her exotic looks."

"Diamond Life" is the album that started it all!

"Sade’s debut album, Diamond Life, confirmed that she was more than just a beautifully sculpted face. For a start, she could sing, although instead of the ostentatious melismas we’ve become accustomed to from soul singers these days, Sade’s voice was husky and restrained, oozing class and suggestive of hard-won experience, making her sound like a Wardour Street Billie Holiday. And she could write songs to match, songs that were sufficiently soulful and jazzy yet poppy, funky yet easy listening, to appeal to fans of all those genres." - BBC Music

"If you thought the previous masterings of Diamond Life were demo discs, you’ll be amazed by how much can be gained when a pop album that sounds this good is given the latest mastering techniques. It’s as if a fine veil has been removed, and you can now hear deeper into the mix. Background instruments are now clearly fleshed out with newfound depth and impact. My copy was perfectly pressed and played superbly. As a bonus, the sleek cover now reproduces the songs’ lyrics on the inside gatefold. This reissue offers up a fantastic aural soundscape that is a combination of smooth jazz, Latin rhythms, and funk. Sexy stuff." - Michael Fremer, analogplanet Music 9/10, Sound 10/10!

Features:
• 180g Virgin Vinyl
• Mastered by Kevin Gray
• Limited Edition
• Gatefold Jacket

Selections:
Side 1:
1. Smooth Operator
2. Your Love Is King
3. Hang On To Your Love
4. Frankie's First Affair
5. When Am I Going To Make A Living
Side 2:
1. Cherry Pie
2. Sally
3. I Will Be Your Friend
4. Why Can't We Live Together