Album Reviews

When Diamond Life burst onto the scene in 1984/1985 it provided a calm oasis. This was not post-punk or techno-pop. This was an album of lush and lovely music with smooth jazz moods and world beat underpinnings. Superficially cool, the Latin tempos trapped in the grooves simmered with a passion just waiting to explode.

The debut album by Sade (a name used by both the lead singer and the band) contains songs that are soulful, silky, shimmering, sultry, sensuous and seductive – and every other sexy word that starts with an “S”.

This record is probably best remembered as the ultimate in mid-80’s dinner party background music – along with Roxy Music’s Avalon. Yet given the right mood along with some moonlight, candlelight and a little romance, it was also a favorite of young bachelors looking to close the deal. And I’m not talking about selling vacuum cleaners.

Sporting a retro-cool gatefold cover in black and dark blue, Diamond Life harkened back to the UK club scene from which Sade emerged. On the outer jacket was an evocative portrait of the exotic looking, Nigerian born Helen Folasade (Sade) Adu, female songwriter, composer, and lead vocalist for the UK group. Inside were more traditional photos of the other band members.

This breakout album was released in England on Epic seven months before Portrait, the US label, became convinced it would sell in America. It did, making it to #5 in the spring of 1985 and eventually selling four million copies. FM radio hits included “Smooth Operator”, “Your Love is King”, and “Hang On to Your Love”, which were all on side one in that order.

The original US and UK LPs are close to reference quality, inexpensive and easy to find, so mastering engineer and lacquer cutter Kevin Gray had to outdo even himself on this reissue. The short verdict is the Audio Fidelity LP is now the one to beat.

The US pressing has always been an audio salon fave (my copy has “Herbie Jr” inscribed in the dead wax), and the UK original on Epic is sonically even better. The US LP has a very dynamic presentation with upfront vocals and the occasional splashy sibilant. The UK record is more laid back and cut a bit lower in volume. When you turn up the volume on the American version things can get a bit hard sounding. When you do this with the British pressing, greater inner detail and resolution are revealed without ever becoming edgy. The UK vinyl is also more involving, with very realistic vocals, a convincing saxophone, life-like instrumental details, and a deeper soundstage. Bass reproduction, which is essential to the propulsive beat on many of the songs, is essentially the same on both pressings – taut and deep.

The Audio Fidelity reissue combines the best qualities of the US and UK original masterings, while adding improved microdynamics and even greater resolution. It is not quite as smooth as the UK original, but it is significantly more dynamic without sounding bright or overly detailed. The funky bass has greater authority, saxophones sing even more sweetly, Latin drums sound more real, and Sade’s smoky vocals are enticingly convincing with “you are there” palpability. It’s eargasmic.

Take the dance song “Hang On to Your Love” for example. On the new mastering, the night train vibe has gained momentum and believability. Any artificiality is gone, and it comes off sounding more sincere and heart-felt. “Frankie’s First Affair” literally spills from the speakers with a delicate liquidity that will have you lifting the cue arm before the next song, just to hear it all over again. “Cherry Pie” on side two is conveyed as an even more charming portrayal of a broken heart that somehow remained intact.

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.

So, cue up this sophisticated record, turn the lights down low, relax next to your significant other, and see what happens. You might just get lucky.