Description
2024 reissue, 12 LP, Epic/Sony.
Promise (1985) is Sade’s second album, featuring the singles “The Sweetest Taboo”, “Is It A Crime?”, and “Never As Good As The First Time.” The album was recorded at Power Plant Studios (England) and Studio Miraval (France). The vinyl audio uses high resolution digital transfers of the stereo master mixes, from the original studio recordings, remastered at half-speed at Abbey Road Studios. The elaborate, half-speed mastering process has produced exceptionally clean and detailed audio whilst remaining faithful to the band’s intended sound. No additional digital limiting was used in the mastering process, so the album benefits from the advantage of extra clarity and pure fidelity, preserving the dynamic range of the original mixes, presented on pure 180-gram heavyweight black vinyl. The original album sleeve and packaging elements have been meticulously reproduced in exact detail with authentic paper and printing methods.
Promise solidified Sade’s signature sound with lush, unhurried compositions that blended jazz, Brazilian pop, and soul. Building on the success of their debut, Diamond Life, this album established Sade as masters of mood music, transporting listeners with their sophisticated arrangements and Sade Adu’s soft-touch vocals. The lead single, ‘The Sweetest Taboo,’ epitomizes the album’s accessibility, with its infectious midtempo groove and breathy vocals. However, it’s the opener, ‘Is It a Crime,’ that steals the spotlight, showcasing Sweetback’s (the trio behind Sade) talents with Hammond organs and djembes, while Adu’s vocals soar over big band-style crescendos. Throughout Promise, Sade explores the varied stages of love and relationships, with Adu’s autobiographical lyrics conveying melancholy and introspection. Tracks like ‘War of the Hearts’ and Jezebel’ delve into the complexities of human emotion, while ‘Tar Baby’ addresses themes of racial identity and unexpected pregnancy with sensitivity and depth. With each track, the band reaffirms their commitment to crafting music that moves and transports listeners – an approach that continues to resonate with audiences today.
