When Sade burst onto the music scene in the 1980s, their sophisticated adult contemporary sound was a breath of fresh air. While the radio airwaves were filled with the sounds of new wave music, Sade’s music was in a class of its own, offering a polished and refined sound that captured the hearts of listeners around the world. Following the success of their debut album, the band released Promise, which featured the lead single The Sweetest Taboo.
Although The Sweetest Taboo only reached number 31 on the UK Singles Chart upon its release in September 1985, it quickly gained momentum in the US, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 by March 1986 and remaining in the top 40 for an impressive 13 weeks. The song also became the band’s second consecutive number one single on the Adult Contemporary chart, following the success of Smooth Operator.
To create the signature sound of The Sweetest Taboo, the band used a range of recording techniques and effects. The AMS DMX 15-80 was used for sampling duties on the drums, while the vocals were recorded through a Neumann U87 microphone. To add depth and texture to the vocals, a delayed EMT 140 plate reverb was used in conjunction with a DBX 160 compressor. In addition, an AMS RMX 16 digital reverb was used to enhance the middle section of the song, adding to the overall dreamy and atmospheric vibe of the track.
Despite not being an immediate chart success in the UK, The Sweetest Taboo went on to become a classic track that has stood the test of time. It remains a beloved part of Sade’s discography and a shining example of the band’s ability to craft sophisticated, timeless music that transcends genres and decades.
