A Mood Called Sade | Playlist

Today, Sade is remembered as one of the smoothest, most timeless voices the world has ever known—an icon in every sense of the word. But behind that unmistakable voice is a band whose artistry helped shape the sound we’ve come to love. Paul Denman, Stuart Matthewman, and Andrew Hale each played an essential role in crafting the atmosphere and depth of these timeless records. Growing up, my mother would play Sade on repeat throughout our home. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what drew her so deeply to the music. It wasn’t until years later—when my ears had matured—that I began to truly appreciate the richness, subtlety, and emotion in her voice. On top of that I experienced life a little more as time went on and with that came love, passion, heartache and pain. Sade's music became the soundtrack to a lot of those moments. To be completely honest, the turning point came in 2013, when I heard Nipsey Hussle’s track If U Were Mine from the Crenshaw mixtape. The song samples Cherish the Day from the album Love Deluxe (1992), and hearing it in that context sparked something in me. That moment sent me digging deeper—back through the catalog—and I came to realize just how phenomenal both Sade and the band truly are. So with that, I’m sharing the first playlist: A Mood Called Sade. Take your time with it, sit with it, and let it speak to you. And wherever you are in the world listening from—I’d love to know. TRACKLIST Tar Baby Siempre Hay Esperanza Kiss of Life The Sweetest Taboo Paradise Why Can't We Live Together Cherry Pie I Couldn't Love You More Hang On to Your Love Love Mr Wrong Lovers Rock Cherish the Day Love Is Stronger Than Pride By Your Side (Neptunes Remix) Is It A Crime