The Sweetest Taboo

Last updated

"The Sweetest Taboo"
Sade - The Sweetest Taboo.png
Single by Sade
from the album Promise
B-side "You're Not the Man"
Released4 October 1985 (1985-10-04) [1]
Genre
Length4:37
Label Epic
Composer(s)
Lyricist(s) Sade Adu
Producer(s) Robin Millar
Sade singles chronology
"Hang On to Your Love"
(1984)		"The Sweetest Taboo"
(1985)		"Is It a Crime?"
(1985)
Music video
"The Sweetest Taboo" on YouTube

"The Sweetest Taboo" is a song by English band Sade from their second studio album, Promise (1985). It was released in October 1985 as the album's lead single. While the song peaked at number 31 on the UK Singles Chart, it fared considerably better in the United States, where it reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1986, remaining in the top 40 for 13 weeks. It also became the band's second consecutive number-one single on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, following "Smooth Operator".

Contents

Music Video

The music promo for the song, directed by Brian Ward, features the band playing in a New York jazz lounge whilst Sade reflects on a man who was a former lover. The storyline was continued in the video to follow-up single "Is It a Crime?".

Reception

Tanya Rena Jefferson of AXS stated, "The group allows the song to shine with its mellow and uptempo flavor. Sade sings proudly and boldly about how she is given love which brings out the best in her. The quiet storm vibe allows one to stand and groove dance to the soulful peaceful sound of the song." [5]

Track listings

A. "The Sweetest Taboo" – 4:25
B. "You're Not the Man" – 5:20
A. "The Sweetest Taboo" – 4:24
B. "You're Not the Man" – 5:09
A. "The Sweetest Taboo" (extended version) – 5:30
B. "You're Not the Man" – 5:20
A. "The Sweetest Taboo" (extended version) – 5:27
B. "You're Not the Man" – 5:09

Charts

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You're All I Need to Get By</span> 1968 single by Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye

"You're All I Need to Get By" is a song recorded by the American R&B/soul duo Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell and released on Motown Records' Tamla label in 1968. It was the basis for the 1995 single "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By" from Method Man and Mary J. Blige.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing</span> 1968 single by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

"Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" is a 1968 single released by American R&B/soul duo Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, on the Tamla label in 1968. The B-side of the single is "Little Ole Boy, Little Ole Girl" from the duo's United LP. The first release off the duo's second album: You're All I Need, the song—written and produced by regular Gaye/Terrell collaborators Ashford & Simpson—became a hit within weeks of release eventually peaking at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart, the first of the duo's two number-one R&B hits. In the UK "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing" reached number 34.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">When I Think of You</span> 1986 single by Janet Jackson

"When I Think of You" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her third studio album, Control (1986). It was released on July 28, 1986, as the album's third single. Composed by songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the song is about a person who finds relief and fun in a lover. It was Jackson's first number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100, and also peaked at number 10 in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyrie (song)</span> 1985 single by Mr. Mister

"Kyrie" is a song by American pop rock band Mr. Mister, from their album Welcome to the Real World. Released around Christmas in 1985, it hit the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1986, where it was number 1 for two weeks. It also hit the top spot on the Billboard Top Rock Tracks chart for one week. In the UK, the song peaked at number 11 in March 1986.

<i>Promise</i> (Sade album) 1985 studio album by Sade

Promise is the second studio album by English band Sade, released in the United Kingdom on 4 November 1985 by Epic Records and in the United States on 15 November 1985 by Portrait Records. Recording for the album began in February and lasted until August 1985. The band co-produced the album with the same team of producers they worked with on their debut album, Diamond Life, including Robin Millar, Mike Pela and Ben Rogan. The album's title comes from a letter from Sade Adu's father where he refers to the "promise of hope" to recover from cancer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How Am I Supposed to Live Without You</span> 1982 song written by Doug James and Michael Bolton

"How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" is a song co-written in 1982 by Doug James and Michael Bolton. The track was originally recorded by Laura Branigan in 1983, charting at number one in both the US and Canadian Adult Contemporary charts. Bolton later recorded his own version of the song that topped the US Billboard Hot 100 and became a worldwide hit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love the One You're With</span> 1970 single by Stephen Stills

"Love the One You're With" is a song by American folk rock musician Stephen Stills. It was released as the lead single from his debut self-titled studio album in November 1970. The song, inspired by a remark Stills heard from musician Billy Preston, became his biggest hit single, peaking at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1971. David Crosby and Graham Nash, Stills' fellow members of Crosby, Stills & Nash, provide background vocals on the song. Also providing the backups are Rita Coolidge, her sister Priscilla Jones, and John Sebastian. They all sing the "Do Dos" that come before the instrumental portion and the Outro. The song was also recorded by the Isley Brothers, The Meters, Bucks Fizz, Luther Vandross, Bob Seger and Richard Clapton, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Ordinary Love</span> 1992 single by Sade

"No Ordinary Love" is a song by English band Sade, released in September 1992 as the lead single and opening track from their fourth studio album, Love Deluxe (1992). The song is written by lead singer Sade Adu and Stuart Matthewman, and was a success in Europe and New Zealand. It reached number four in Italy, number 17 in New Zealand, number 19 in Finland and the Netherlands, number 20 in France and number 26 in the UK. In January 1993, the song peaked at number 15 in Canada and number 28 on the US Billboard Hot 100. When re-released in May 1993, "No Ordinary Love" reached a new peak of number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and number 21 in Australia. In the accompanying music video, directed by Sophie Muller, Sade Adu plays a mermaid who wants to be a bride.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kiss of Life (Sade song)</span> 1993 single by Sade

"Kiss of Life" is a song by English band Sade from their fourth studio album, Love Deluxe (1992). It was written by Sade Adu, Stuart Matthewman, Andrew Hale and Paul S. Denman, and produced by the band and Mike Pela.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known)</span> 1981 single by Juice Newton

"The Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known)" is a country-pop song written by Otha Young for Juice Newton in the mid-1970s. Newton was known for charting hits on the Hot 100, Adult Contemporary, and Hot Country charts - and this song has the distinction of being the only single of hers to reach the top 10 on all three of those charts, peaking at #1 on two of them.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Your Love Is King</span> 1984 single by Sade

"Your Love Is King" is a song by English band Sade from their debut studio album, Diamond Life (1984). The song was written by Sade Adu and Stuart Matthewman, and produced by Robin Millar. It was the album's lead single in the UK, released in January 1984, and the third single in the US, released there circa June 1985.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smooth Operator</span> 1984 single by Sade

"Smooth Operator" is a song by English band Sade from their debut studio album, Diamond Life (1984), and was co-written by Sade and Ray St. John. It was released as the album's third single in the United Kingdom 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. Released on 28 August 1984, it reached number 19 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Woman in Me (Donna Summer song)</span>

"The Woman in Me" is a song by American singer Donna Summer, released as the third and final single from her eponymous tenth studio album (1982). The song reached number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 30 on the Black Singles chart, and number 17 on the Adult Contemporary chart in early 1983. It was written by John Bettis of Carpenters fame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hands to Heaven</span> 1987 single by Breathe

"Hands to Heaven" is a ballad by English new wave band Breathe, taken from their debut studio album, All That Jazz (1987). The song released as their fifth UK single on 20 October 1987 by A&M Records and as the band's second single in the US the following year. It was written by group members David Glasper and Marcus Lillington, and produced by Bob Sargeant. The B-side features an instrumental track "Life and Times".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suddenly (Billy Ocean song)</span> 1985 song by Billy Ocean

"Suddenly" is a song from 1985 co-written and performed by UK-based singer Billy Ocean. Co-written and produced by Keith Diamond, it is the title track to Ocean's 1984 breakthrough album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paradise (Sade song)</span> 1988 single by Sade

"Paradise" is a song by English band Sade from their third studio album, Stronger Than Pride (1988). It was released in May 1988 by Epic as the album's second single. It is Sade's most successful track on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, peaking at number one for one week. The single also reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 21 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. Its music video was directed by Alex McDowell. "Paradise" is often considered one of the band's signature songs, alongside "Smooth Operator" (1984), "The Sweetest Taboo" (1985), and "No Ordinary Love" (1992).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nothing Can Come Between Us</span> 1988 single by Sade

"Nothing Can Come Between Us" is a song by English band Sade from their third studio album, Stronger Than Pride (1988). It was released as the album's third single on 5 November 1988 by Epic, reaching number 92 on the UK Singles Chart and number three on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never as Good as the First Time</span> 1986 single by Sade

"Never as Good as the First Time" is a song by English band Sade from their second studio album, Promise (1985). It was released as the album's third single and contained a vocal intro not included on the original album version, as well as a slightly different vocal mix. The song reached number 8 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart and number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye (song)</span> 1983 single by Dionne Warwick and Luther Vandross

"How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye" is a 1983 song by Dionne Warwick and Luther Vandross. The ballad was issued as the lead single of Warwick's album How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye, later appearing on Vandross' album Busy Body, both of which were released in 1983.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Is It a Crime?</span> 1985 single by Sade

"Is It a Crime?" is a song by English band Sade from their second studio album, Promise (1985). It was written by Sade Adu, Andrew Hale and Stuart Matthewman, and produced by Robin Miller. The song was released as the album's second single by Epic Records.

References

  1. ↑ "Great Rock Discography". p. 712.
  2. ↑ Pitchfork Staff (24 August 2015). "The 200 Best Songs of the 1980s". Pitchfork . Retrieved 18 October 2022. Quiet storm" had existed as an idea since Smokey Robinson, and there it is at the heart of the song's chorus: "There's a quiet storm, and it's never felt like this before.
  3. ↑ Eddy, Chuck (22 March 1997). "Refried Dreams". The Accidental Evolution of Rock 'n' Roll: A Misguided Tour Through Popular Music. Da Capo Press. p. 185. ISBN   0-306-80741-6. ...bossa nova did manage to mingle with soft rock tunes like...Sade's "The Sweetest Taboo"...
  4. ↑ Considine, J.D.; Coleman, Mark; Evans, Paul; McGee, David (1992). "Sade". In DeCurtis, Anthony; Henke, James; George-Warren, Holly (eds.). Rolling Stone Album Guide. New York: Random House. p. 263.
  5. ↑ Jefferson, Tanya Rena. "Sade's 10 best songs". AXS . Retrieved 21 June 2019.
  6. ↑ "Las canciones más populares en Latinoamérica". La Opinión (Los Angeles) (in Spanish). 7 April 1986. p. 22. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
  7. ↑ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 263. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  8. ↑ "Sade – The Sweetest Taboo" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  9. ↑ "Sade – The Sweetest Taboo" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  10. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0640." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  11. ↑ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 9373." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  12. ↑ "European Top 100 Singles" (PDF). Eurotipsheet . Vol. 2, no. 44. 4 November 1985. p. 12. OCLC   29800226 – via World Radio History.
  13. ↑ Pennanen, Timo (2006). Sisältää hitin – levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972 (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. ISBN   978-951-1-21053-5.
  14. ↑ "Sade – The Sweetest Taboo" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  15. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Sweetest Taboo". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  16. ↑ "Classifiche". Musica e dischi (in Italian). Retrieved 2 June 2022.Select "Singoli" in the "Tipo" field, type "Sade" in the "Artista" field and press "cerca".
  17. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Sade" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  18. ↑ "Sade – The Sweetest Taboo" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  19. ↑ "Sade – The Sweetest Taboo". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  20. ↑ "Sade – The Sweetest Taboo". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  21. ↑ "Sade: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2 September 2017.
  22. ↑ "Sade Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  23. ↑ "Sade Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  24. ↑ "Sade Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  25. ↑ "Cash Box Top 100 Singles – Week ending March 8, 1986". Cash Box . Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  26. ↑ "The Cash Box Top 100 Black Contemporary – Week ending February 8, 1986". Cash Box. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
  27. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – Sade – The Sweetest Taboo" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  28. ↑ "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 1986". Billboard. Archived from the original on 23 January 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  29. ↑ "Adult Contemporary Songs – Year-End 1986". Billboard. Archived from the original on 21 May 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  30. ↑ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1986". Billboard. Archived from the original on 17 July 2021. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  31. ↑ "The Cash Box Year-End Charts: 1986 – Top 100 Pop Singles". Cash Box. 27 December 1986. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
  32. ↑ "The Cash Box Year-End Charts: 1986 – Top 50 Black Contemporary Singles". Cash Box. 27 December 1986. Retrieved 4 June 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.