"Your Love Is King" by Sade

Song#:  2368
Date:  06/22/1985
Debut:  77
Peak:  54
Weeks:  11
Genre:  Quiet Storm, Adult Contemporary



Pop Bits:  Sade broke through to the US Pop chart with the exotic #5 "Smooth Operator," the second single from their debut album Diamond Life. For a follow-up, this next track was chosen. This song was originally the first single released from the album in the UK. It did well there getting to #6 in the spring of '84. As a third US single, it didn't fare all that well. It got to #35 at R&B while staying outside of the Pop Top 50.  However, the track was a winner at AC where it peaked at #8. Despite only featuring one major hit, the album did quite well reaching #5 and eventually selling over four million copies.

ReduxReview:  This smooth, jazzy track is another winner from Sade, but it just didn't have that same exotic groove that set "Smooth Operator" apart from all the other songs on the Pop chart. Frankly, I'm surprised they didn't try to reissue the first single, "Hang on to Your Love" (#14 R&B), as it might have caught on following the success of "Smooth Operator." However, the one hit was all that Sade needed to get their career established and success would continue for them over the years.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  Sade's Diamond Life album won the Brit award for British Album of the Year in 1985. The Brits, which are awards from the British Phonographic Industry, were first awarded in 1977. It became an annual event beginning in 1982, however the awards were not televised. At the time they were still called the BPI awards. It wouldn't be until 1989 before the more common "Brit" would be used. The first televised awards ceremony of the annual event was in 1985, which was the year Sade took home Album of the Year honors. Since that time, the awards show has grown in stature and today is seen as the UK version of the Grammys. The artist that has won the most Brits over the years is Robbie Williams. He has won a total of 18, which includes 5 he won with his pre-solo band Take That.

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