“Smooth Operator” is a song by the English group Sade, released as the fourth and final single from their debut album Diamond Life (1984). It was released (in both the US and the UK) as a 7-inch single with “Spirit” as its B-side, and as a 12-inch maxi single with “Smooth Operator” and “Red Eye” on side A and “Spirit” on side B. In the US it was the follow-up to “Hang On to Your Love”.
This was Sade’s first Top Ten hit in the US, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks in May 1985. The song spent 13 weeks in the Top 40, and also topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart for two weeks. Although “Your Love Is King” remains Sade’s biggest hit in the UK to date, “Smooth Operator” is the band’s breakthrough hit on the US charts, and their most successful single internationally.
Ray St. John, who co-wrote “Smooth Operator” with Sade, was previously a member of Adu’s former band Pride, although he was not a member of the band Sade. The pair co-wrote the song in 1982 while still members of Pride, yet did not get around to recording it because St. John left Pride shortly after Sade joined. St. John later went on to play guitar with the band Halo James, which scored a UK Top Ten hit with “Could Have Told You So” in February 1990.
“Smooth Operator” is about a fashionable man who lives a jet-set lifestyle. He is popular with women and breaks many hearts. The lyrics “Coast to Coast/LA to Chicago/Western Male/Across the North and South to Key Largo/Love for sale” imply that he is used by women to obtain his income. It is also clear that he does not hold affection for these women, as Adu sings near the end, “his heart is cold.”
This song is noted for Sade’s spoken recitation in the song’s introduction. Some radio edits have omitted the spoken introduction, and proceeded with the opening sung line of the title of the album, “Diamond Life”. Some radio edits have shortened the instrumental saxophone solo, as well as the first repeat of the lines that come after the Chorus portions. Wiki
Great, Great Sexy Song!!! Love it. Joni
Breathy indeed!
One of my favorites. I was so disappointed when she stopped putting out music. She really had something to say. Blessings and Peace.
Happy, blessed Sunday Claudia! Life signals many of our decisions. And with Sade, I assume it was family first. 🍃💗💐
Life presents to us choices and individually, we decide…💗💐
This is such an amazing song. I have been a Sade fan forever and this song particularly. This is also a fun song to sing. I love her sultry voice. Very interesting information always on the songs and bands you cover. Great post my friend. Love Joni
Thank you for stopping by. Sade music is so exotic. She’s outstanding! I am going to get a bold CUP! Cheers and hugs Joni! 🥀☕️☕️🌺🍂
With its seductive beat and infectious melody, ‘Smooth Operator’ still remains one of my favorites from this era of popular music.
Ditto for her exotic voice. Too bad she is not touring these days. 😞 Thank you for visiting and commenting. 💕☕️☕️🎶
Good morning AOC followers, it is so nice always to have you waking with us and enjoying what we share!
Oooo… one of my favorite sexy songs!
Thanks kindly Kally !🍵😎🍵
love this song, it could have been done in 2019 that’s how current it feels- her sound is undeniable, cuts through -all times and generations … She’s smooth like that! 😊✨
I definitely agree with you totally! We’ all love Sade! 👍🍵😎🍵
Ooooh yes talk about smooth Sade almost makes it look easy
Just adore Sade. Thank you for reminding me of that. All my best to you.
You are welcome! Thanks for stopping by!
I love Sade
America On Coffee appreciates her great sounds as well! Thank you for your comment! Have a spectacular, blessed new year!
You too. Bless you ;)
Reblogged this on Risque Bizness: Enter at Your Own Risque.
Thank you for the reblogs!