Burning The Ground Exclusive
Released in late 1985 as the lead single from Promise, Sade’s sophomore album, “The Sweetest Taboo” is a silky, sunlit groove that effortlessly blends jazz, pop, and soul into one of the most distinctive sounds of the decade. The track was written by Sade Adu and bandmate Martin Ditcham and produced by Robin Millar, who also helmed their debut Diamond Life.
Where Diamond Life introduced the world to Sade’s cool sophistication, Promise deepened the palette—more organic, more textured, and more confident. “The Sweetest Taboo” perfectly captures that evolution. Built around a gentle Latin-tinged rhythm, velvety guitar, and understated percussion, the song creates a mood that feels both romantic and timeless.
Lyrically, Sade describes a love so deep it feels almost forbidden—a passion that transcends words. Her vocal delivery is intimate and soothing, floating effortlessly over the groove. “There’s a quiet storm / And it never felt like this before,” she sings, inviting listeners into a serene emotional space few artists could craft so delicately.
The single became one of Sade’s signature hits, reaching #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart in early 1986. It also found success across Europe, further cementing the group’s status as global icons of refined, emotive pop. The accompanying music video, directed by Brian Ward, mirrors the song’s warmth—featuring Sade in desert landscapes and dreamlike imagery that evoke both freedom and longing.
“The Sweetest Taboo” is more than just a hit single; it’s a defining moment in 1980s music—smooth yet soulful, intimate yet sophisticated. Nearly forty years later, its gentle rhythm and Sade’s unmistakable voice still sound like the essence of quiet passion.
SIDE A:
The Sweetest Taboo (Short Version) 4:24
SIDE B:
The Sweetest Taboo (Long Version) 5:27
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
| Chart | Peak Position | Date |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Billboard Hot 100 | #5 | 1985/86 |
| US Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary | #1 | 1985/86 |
| US Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | #3 | 1985/86 |
| UK Singles Chart | #31 | 1985/86 |
| Canada Top Singles (RPM) | #12 | 1985/86 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Portrait – RAS 2219
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Jazz, Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Smooth Jazz, Soul
CREDITS:
- Engineer [Production] – Mike Pela
- Producer – Robin Millar
- Written-By – Ditcham*, Adu*
- Pressed By – Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Pitman
- Lacquer Cut At – Frankford/Wayne Mastering Labs
- Produced For – Modern Media Ltd.
- Published By – Silver Angel Music, Inc.
NOTES:
DEMONSTRATION
NOT FOR SALE
Taken From The Portrait Lp: “PROMISE”
“Long Version” is also known as “Extended Version”.
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for BURNING THE GROUND
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
You can help show your support for this blog by donating using PayPal. I appreciate your help.
What an amazing transfer, Paul. Thank you. What makes it even more special is Sade’s lack of interest in releasing album box sets with all the singles & maxi versions for each album. You won’t find these on any stream.
By the way, I’ve always viewed 12″ Remixes as a vehicle to make songs dancefloor-friendly and give them the extra oomph, but recently you have opened my eyes to the fact that they can also be used to open songs up and allow them to breathe. Makes you wonder if some of these extended versions are the actually the original versions (as intended by the artist) and the single/album versions are the edited versions to make them fit a commercial format.
I guess, I’m trying to say that I appreciate that you always deliver the best of both worlds: the dancefloor bangers as well as the more emotionally appealing remixes!
Sha-day!! I don’t think I have ever heard the long version of this one. It really adds a little something extra. I was never a huge Sade fan or anything but she sure had some great singles, and her style grew on me over the years.
You sure are a smooth operator Dj Paul, thanks for this one 🙂
Sha-day indeed, JP! 😄 The long version really does open the track up, doesn’t it? It keeps that smooth vibe but gives everything a little more room to breathe. I totally get not being a big Sade fan at first — she’s one of those artists who sneaks up on you over time. Those singles were undeniable, though, and they still sound so effortless today.
And thank you for the kind words! Always happy to spin something smooth for you 🎧✨
Sade was almost impossible to avoid on the radio in the mid-80s! This was such a big hit… The soulful, Caribbean rhythms seemed to usher in the age of world beats culminating in Paul Simon’s Graceland as it seemed to me. Thank you for your loving transfer of this promo Paul!
You’re so right — Sade was absolutely everywhere in the mid-80s, and for good reason! This one really did feel like a shift in the airwaves. Those smooth, worldly rhythms were such a fresh sound at the time, and I love the connection you made to the wave that led into Graceland — that’s spot-on.
So glad you enjoyed the transfer! Always a pleasure to share these gems. Thanks for listening and for the great insight!
This song has a mysterious “suction power.”
For example, Prince sings in “S.S.T.”: “Like the groove in Sade’s sweetest taboo.”
Or Wyclef Jean. In the song “Rear View,” he sings, “Listening to Sade Sweetest Taboo.”
I can’t recall who it was, but I’ve heard a rapper intentionally reference this Sade song title too.
It must be a song that captivates artists themselves.
You nailed it — this song really does have a mysterious pull to it. There’s something about that groove that gets under the skin, and it’s amazing how many artists have felt the need to call it out directly. The Prince reference in “S.S.T.” is such a cool nod, and Wyclef’s line in “Rear View” fits perfectly too. I’ve heard a few rappers drop the title as well, so you’re definitely onto something — “The Sweetest Taboo” isn’t just a classic for listeners, it’s one that inspires other artists as well.
Thanks for sharing those great connections!
Mos Def raps in his track Ms. Fat Booty (from 1999)… “Showin’ me her tan line and her tattoo Playin’ Sade, “Sweetest Taboo”…”
My first post… Hi Paul and all!
Oh, right, it was Mos Def! Thanks for reminding me, Rob! Dear Paul, This song isn’t “Imagine” not “Like A Rolling Stone” or “What’s Going On” either—in other words, I don’t think it can be called a truly great song that symbolizes an era or society. When I consider whether it stands out as exceptionally captivating among Sade’s songs, it’s difficult to say (or rather, it’s hard to rank them because all of Sade’s songs are wonderful!). Yet the fact that this song receives so much attention is truly a mystery to me, and I feel that this unsolved mystery… Read more »
My pleasure Hato… I love Sade too. One of my favourite releases where the tracks are only available on that single’s release is Smooth Operator 12”. We have “Smooth Operator” paired with “Red Eye” on the A. side, and on Side B. we have “Spirit”… where Sade sings “Let the spirit move me, Keep that coming to me, Feel that running through me, Gotta keep the faith.” Thank you Paul and all BTG fans…
Great to see this pop up … I believe this is Sade’s debut on Burning The Ground, yes? I’d love any other posts you might make of her music, especially the later albums – thank you as always Paul!
Hey Grant! I’ve actually shared a handful of Sade singles over the years — “Paradise,” “Never As Good As the First Time,” “Smooth Operator” (US 12″ Promo), and “Hang On to Your Love.” Always a joy to bring those back into rotation!
But it has been a while, so it’s great to finally have another Sade post pop up. I definitely plan on doing more, especially some of the later-era material. Thank you as always for the support — means a lot!
Hey Paul Thanks For This Slow Jamm!! This Song Sounded Great When I Listened To It On The Beach!! With The Waves Crashing!! Thanks Paul!!!
That sounds perfect — this track was made for a beach listen! The smooth groove with the sound of waves in the background… couldn’t ask for a better setting. Really glad it hit the spot for you. Thanks so much for listening! 🌊🎶
Sade Adu. The sophisticated, taciturn, and whispering voice of the 80s. I must confess that I was, and still am, in love with that voice.
Regarding the song, I keep wondering: Why, if it was a resounding success in the United States, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, remaining in the US Top 40 for 13 weeks, was it only a moderate success in the UK, reaching number 31?
Many things to analyze.
Ruben, you summed it up beautifully — that voice really was (and still is) something unforgettable. Smooth, understated, and instantly recognizable. I think a lot of us fell in love with Sade for exactly those reasons. As for the chart difference, it really is fascinating. In the U.S., “The Sweetest Taboo” hit right at the sweet spot of radio trends — adult contemporary, smooth jazz influences, and that growing appetite for sophisticated pop. American radio embraced her in a huge way. The UK, on the other hand, was leaning more toward dance-pop, new wave, and emerging club sounds in 1985–86.… Read more »
This brings back memories. Sade definitely had a stage presence. I recall her lovely voice and how elegant she looked, almost dainty.
I think of how much my mother really liked Sade (and Basia).
I also remember people tripping over her name, pronouncing it like she was some kind of punk rocker, or maybe related to Grace Jones?
Thanks for The Sweetest Taboo!
Those are great memories — Sade really did have such an elegant, almost effortless presence on stage. That combination of poise and that gorgeous, delicate voice made her stand out instantly. And I love that your mom was into Sade (and Basia!) — that’s some excellent taste right there.
And yes, the name confusion was everywhere back then! So many people saying “SAD-ee” or assuming she was some kind of edgy punk artist. Once you heard her, though, there was no mistaking who she was.
Glad this one brought those memories back for you. Thanks for sharing them!
This is a great single, and you really nailed it on the description. The really accomplished something unusual here in the mid 80’s creating an organic atmosphere that is smooth but also not overly produced. It has a lot of soul and nuance, it is basically jazz pop song and it is done perfectly. I had the promo 7″ which also had the long version on the flip, which I quickly adopted as “The Version”. As I quickly became more of a fan, I got the UK 12″ of this that had “You’re Not The Man” on the b-side, a… Read more »
Joey, thank you — beautifully said. They really did create something rare for the mid-80s. That organic, airy atmosphere feels so natural, yet it’s crafted with such subtlety and restraint. It’s smooth, but never slick… soulful without overstatement. That “jazz-pop” balance is exactly why it still holds up so well. Very cool that your promo 7″ had the long version — I can totally see how that would become the version for you. And the UK 12″ with “You’re Not the Man” is a fantastic pickup; such a great bonus track that too few people know. There’s definitely something about… Read more »
PAUL!! You’re giving me “ear-gasms” over this 12-inch!! And it’s uncanny too, because I was looking through your BTG archives the last week and couldn’t find the Sade descriptions at all. I know they haven’t been available for a while now, which I understand, but they weren’t listed at all. I am thrilled by this surprise!! I’m guessing that this is new. Great that, Fred commented about it, for I realize that this rip is something special!! WOW!! I’m really stimulated!! I’ve always imagined what the “sweetest taboo” is. I have my own ideas, and I bet you and the… Read more »
Jeff!! 😂 You always know how to make an entrance! I’m glad this one hit you right in the sonic sweet spot — the long version really is something special, and I’m thrilled the timing lined up with you digging through the archives. You’re right, the older Sade posts have been tucked away for a bit, so yes — this one is freshly posted, hot off the turntable. Fred absolutely nailed the details, and it made me even happier to share such a clean rip of this mix. Hearing how excited you (and others) are just reminds me why these… Read more »
Wow!! Thanks so much, Paul!! I’ve always loved this Long Version and I’ve only heard it once, yes, ONCE and that was back when it was back in 1985 on the David Lawrence show’s Big 12 Inch section. It was very sad that it was never played on the radio after that. Add that it has never been released on cd (as far as I know) and that’s why we never hear this on 80s flashback shows, too. I was so eager to hear this before I posted…I was exactly right in my 40 year memory of this mix…the longer… Read more »
Fred, this comment absolutely made my day. 🌧️✨ I love that you remembered this mix so vividly from a single play on David Lawrence’s Big 12 Inch back in ’85 — right down to the break at 3:17 and that wild little effect at 4:28. That’s the power of a great mix burned into the brain for 40 years. You described it perfectly: the longer intro, that gorgeous mid-song break, and how the whole thing just opens up in the last stretch. It really is a shame this version never made it onto CD or a proper compilation. It deserved… Read more »
Cool Paul, this song is so timeless. I’m so glad it made it to your shores. Can’t believe it only scraped in at #31 in the UK (at a time when only the Top 40 really mattered)
Absolutely, Jermajesty — it really is timeless. I’m glad it finally got a proper spotlight here too! And yes, that UK chart peak always seems a bit unfair, especially given how massive it was in the U.S. and how enduring its appeal has been. Some songs just take a little longer to be fully appreciated at home, I guess!
Sade are ‘defining moments’ in music, period. Not unlike Kate Bush, they exist in a realm all their own and have only given us such a limited amount of fantastic music. I could use more of Sade any day. Thanks for this transfer!
Absolutely, ING — Sade really does occupy their own rarefied space, much like Kate Bush. Every release feels like an event, and even with a relatively small catalog, each track leaves a lasting mark. I could use more Sade any day too. Glad you enjoyed the transfer — it’s a pleasure to share these gems with fellow fans!
Oh wow, I can’t wait to listen to this amazing song in pristine DJ PaulT quality!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! Every Sade song is masterfully crafted, and this is by far one of her best, but I’ve always suspected that a lot of the sound gets lost in the digital conversion.
Axel, I’m thrilled you’re excited! 😄 You’re absolutely right — Sade’s music is so meticulously crafted that every subtle layer matters, and sometimes digital conversions don’t quite capture that warmth. That’s exactly why I love sharing these transfers — to bring out all the nuance, the depth, and the smoothness just like it was meant to be heard. Enjoy every second of it!
You absolutely nailed it with this one (actually, you always nail it)! It almost sounds like a different version altogether compared to my CD version. WOW!
Oh, thank you! I sure hope this means more Sade to come. Any chance you have the Your Love is King 12″ that has the original recording of Smooth Operator (with Snake Bite) as its B-side?
Dean, you’re very welcome! And yes — more Sade is definitely on the horizon. As for the Your Love Is King 12″ with the original Smooth Operator (Snake Bite) on the B-side, I don’t have that one in my collection at the moment, but it’s such a fantastic release. Definitely one of those rare 12″s that deserves a proper listen. I’ll keep an eye out and share it if it comes my way!
Sade is another one of those that took me a while to appreciate. Her videos came out during my 80s MTV phase where all I wanted was new wave and 80s metal. I knew who Sade was and knew the songs but it just wasn’t my thing. Fast forward to a couple of years ago and I somehow stumbled across videos of her 2011 tour on YouTube. Unbelievable musicianship, stunning vocals and she looked incredible. I bought a greatest hits CD soon after!
Here is one of the videos that converted me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au8rHGvytn8
As always thanks for this Paul!
Mikey, I love hearing that journey! It’s amazing how some artists take a little time to click, especially when the 80s MTV diet was heavy on new wave and metal. But once Sade’s voice, musicianship, and stage presence hit you… wow. That 2011 tour footage really shows what makes her timeless. Glad you tracked down a greatest hits CD — it’s hard to resist once you hear her live energy and subtle brilliance!
The link you shared is my all-time favorite song by Sade. I can see why it pulled you in.