Sade has captivated listeners with her soulful voice and timeless music since the 1980s. Backed by her talented band, Sweetback, she made an unforgettable debut with Diamond Life in 1984, which earned her the Brit Award for Best British Album. 

Over the decades, her groundbreaking work has been recognized with four Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist in 1986 and Best R&B Performance for Lovers Rock in 2002. Albums like Promise, Stronger Than Pride, Love Deluxe, Lovers Rock, and Soldier of Love have solidified her status as a global music icon. With her unmatched ability to blend jazz, soul, and pop, Sade’s catalog remains as fresh and influential today as it was when she first started. 

To celebrate her 66th birthday, here’s a look at her most essential songs that continue to define her legacy.

“Smooth Operator”

Possibly the first song that comes to mind when thinking of Sade, the jazzy sheen of the “Diamond Life” opener “Smooth Operator” belongs on every classic songs list dedicated to the soul icon–no need to ask.

“The Sweetest Taboo”

If the Quiet Storm subgenre originated at Howard University, it was Sade who confirmed the music’s reach on “The Sweetest Taboo.” The song name-checks the quiet storm in the hook while being a defining song in the subgenre for its passionate nature.

“Your Love Is King”

Soundtracking every Valentine’s Day is “Your Love Is King,” a smooth track honoring the keeper of Sade’s heart. Balanced in its feelings of sensuality and bliss, the “Diamond Life” staple demonstrates why the British artist is a love song luminary.

“Is It a Crime?”

Sade took the “Diamond Life” introduction “Smooth Operator” and turned up the drama on the smoky, organ-imbued “Is It a Crime?” from her sophomore album “Promise.” Although mysterious in tone, Sade’s message is simple: she wants her former lover back, and she’s willing to go the distance.

“Babyfather”

An island-tinged standout from Sade’s sixth and most recent album, “Soldier of Love,” “Babyfather,” is a sweet tribute to her son, Izaak, who even contributes backing vocals on the 2010 single.

“By Your Side”

Wedding first dances were never the same after Sade unveiled “By Your Side,” the first song from her fifth album, “Lovers Rock.” Drenched in a reggae-esque melody, Sade comforts her partner through their insecurities, showing that she’s endlessly dedicated.

“Hang On to Your Love”

Sade’s heartfelt pleading on “Hang On to Your Love” makes her the ultimate lover girl. In the funk-inspired song, Sade begs, urges, and warns listeners not to “walk out” on romance before it’s too late. We hear her loud and clear.

“Cherish the Day”

It was the music video that gave us the gorgeous cover art for “The Best of Sade.” “Cherish the Day” is Sade at her finest, and she dedicatedly looks to her lover to show her how “deep love can be.” We'd fall hard if it’s any deeper than the song’s airy production.

“Keep Looking” 

Among Sade’s deeper cuts is “Keep Looking,” where the singer reminds fans not to wallow in misery but to trust their instincts. More free-flowing and non-conceptual than a traditional Sade track, the song fits the laid-back rhythm of “Stronger Than Pride.” 

“Nothing Can Come Between Us”

Sade proves just how strong of a loving foundation she has on coffee shop favorite, “Nothing Can Come Between Us.” A funk guitar delicately emphasizes the singer’s insistence about love being about “faith” and trust” by the song’s pre-chorus.

“I Couldn’t Love You More”

Sade seamlessly entered the 1990s with a futuristic approach while staying faithful to her message of pure devotion. On “I Couldn’t Love You More,” Sade’s love is eternal, with an atmospheric groove to match.

“War of the Hearts”

In facing a conflict with her partner, Sade chooses to go heart-to-heart with them on “War of the Hearts,” waiting to “make the peace.” With the song’s bossa nova-inspired quality, Sade softens herself while contemplating whether to end the relationship or not.