Sade - Promise

The 1985 album is anchored by the internationally successful single "The Sweetest Taboo," which received heavy rotation on radio and MTV. Another major track from the record is "Never as Good as the First Time." Both songs reached the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Yes, Promise was a massive commercial success, reaching number one on both the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200. It solidified the British band's global superstardom following their breakthrough debut, *Diamond Life*. The album's massive success proved the band was not a one-hit wonder.

The title of Sade's second studio album was actually inspired by a personal letter from lead singer Sade Adu to her mother. She reportedly promised her parents she would one day return home to study fashion after initially moving to London. The band simply named the record *Promise* as a nod to that childhood letter.

The 1985 album is a classic example of smooth jazz, sophisti-pop, and soul music. It relies heavily on the sultry, understated vocals of lead singer Sade Adu and Stuart Matthewman's smooth saxophone playing. This unique blend created a sophisticated, atmospheric mood that defined the band's career.