The Best of Sade

"The Best of Sade" is the first greatest hits album by the English band Sade. It was released on 26 October 1994 by Epic Records. The album compiles the most successful singles and popular tracks from the band's first four studio albums: Diamond Life (1984), Promise (1985), Stronger Than Pride (1988), and Love Deluxe (1992).

Background

By the mid-1990s, Sade had established themselves as a globally recognized act with their distinctive blend of smooth jazz, soul, R&B, and sophisticated pop. "The Best of Sade" was released to capitalize on their extensive catalog of hits and to serve as a comprehensive overview of their career up to that point. The album was not accompanied by new studio material, though it did feature "Please Send Me Someone to Love," a cover originally recorded by Percy Mayfield for the 1993 Philadelphia soundtrack, which was a new inclusion for a Sade album.

Track Listing

The album typically features 16 tracks, showcasing the band's most popular and critically acclaimed songs. The tracklist generally includes:

1. "Your Love Is King"
2. "Smooth Operator"
3. "Hang On to Your Love"
4. "The Sweetest Taboo"
5. "Is It a Crime"
6. "Never as Good as the First Time"
7. "Jezebel"
8. "Love Is Stronger Than Pride"
9. "Paradise"
10. "Nothing Can Come Between Us"
11. "No Ordinary Love"
12. "Kiss of Life"
13. "Feel No Pain"
14. "Bullet Proof Soul"
15. "Cherish the Day"
16. "Please Send Me Someone to Love"

(Note: Track order and specific inclusions may vary slightly by region and release edition.)

Commercial Performance

"The Best of Sade" was a significant commercial success worldwide. In the United States, it peaked at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified quadruple-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), indicating sales of over four million units. The album also performed strongly in the United Kingdom, reaching number 4 on the UK Albums Chart, and achieved multi-platinum status in numerous other countries across Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Its enduring popularity has led to continuous sales and certifications decades after its initial release.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, "The Best of Sade" garnered positive reviews from music critics. Reviewers often praised the album as a testament to Sade Adu's consistent vocal prowess and the band's unique, unvarying sound that managed to remain distinctive over their decade-long career. It was widely regarded as an excellent compilation for both long-time fans and new listeners seeking an introduction to the band's work.

Personnel

• Sade Adu: Vocals
• Stuart Matthewman: Guitar, saxophone
• Andrew Hale: Keyboards
• Paul S. Denman: Bass
• Various session musicians and producers across the compiled tracks.