Ungh! Debut album from Sade, fully remastered and pressed on 180 gram virgin vinyl. Diamond Life is an essential, soulful, jazzy, smooth R&B classic that practically defined the genre in the 80s. The band had a huge impact when the album dropped, winning over fans from London to the Balearic islands and eventually the US. Led by Sade Adu, the former model and fashion maven, the band composed an alluring mix of jazz, pop, soul and funk. Sade's vocals were smooth and husky, adding to the quiet storm of R&B. Singles "Your Love Is King," "Smooth Operator," "Hang on to Your Love" and "When Am I Going to Make a Living" presented different sides of Sade's story. From lady killer vibes, to Thatcher-era desperation, this was multifaceted music. And there is so much more there. Recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• original release year: 1984
• music label: Epic 2024

reviewed by Michu Meszaros 11/2014