By Mark Nobes
Bringing a quality blend of smooth jazz and soul into the pop charts, "Your Love Is King" was Sade's lead single from the debut album Diamond Life, and reached #6 in the UK singles chart. In The U.S. the song was the last track to be released from the album, with "Hang On To Your Love" being the lead single.
The video is simple but classy, focusing mainly on Sade and her saxophonist Stuart Matthewman. There is a simple background and dozens of lightbulbs above her - I wouldn't want the electricity bill! Bassist Paul S. Denman and keyboardist Andrew Hale also appear briefly. In another scene, we see Sade sat at a table playing with a deck of cards and singling out the King. In a later scene, she throws the deck into the air, leaving the King on the table.
Released in July 1984 (February 1985 in the U.S.), Diamond Life achieved 4x Platinum in both the UK and U.S. It reached #2 in the UK album charts and spent a whopping six months in the Top Ten. In America, the album reached #5, but it topped the charts in several European countries.
Other tracks released as singles from the album in the UK were "How Am I Going To Make A Living?" which reached #36 and "Smooth Operator", which surprisingly peaked at #19 - that track should've been in the Top Ten, at least!
UK 7 inch vinyl sleeve front
UK 7 Inch Vinyl - EPIC - A 4137
A. Your Love Is King
B. Love Affair With Life (Live)
UK 12 Inch Vinyl - EPIC - TA 4137
A. Your Love Is King
B1. Smooth Operator
B2. Snake Bite (Instrumental)
B2. Love Affair With Life (Recorded Live)
The critics had high praise for the Diamond Life album which won the 1985 Brit award for Best British Album. It went on to sell six million copies worldwide.
Sade Adu on the cover of i-D magazine No.14 in 1983
Take a listen to this wonderful cover by Michelle Garthe
Copyright © 2009-2023 Simplyeighties.com