Monday, April 25, 2011

My Music Monday

While I don't ever remember seeing a video for this song, "Is It a Crime" remains my favourite song by Sade.

 Taken from their second disk, Promise, back in  - wait for it - 1985 (!!!!),  it has that same jazzy-pop style that the group is known for, but at least with this song, for me, had an extra element of artistry.

There are times during the song where Sade's vocals are not the strongest, but they're not supposed to be.   Clearly there are times during the song when they are a force, but vulnerability plays a key to her singing with this piece.

For the most part, I'm not a fan of the saxophone, but it is put to good use here and I do love the rising and cascading horn arrangement.  It's well done.

I also like the percussion.  Some really subtle work going on in the background.

I don't know if the song was a hit or not.  If it was, it was not on the level of something like "Smooth Operator", but I also think it has more character than that one.

The first 1:15 or so of the video has no music.  So, sorry if you have to sit through that.  You can always let it buffer and start at that mark, if you only want to hear the song.

...and as is standard, sorry if you have to sit through any ad before the song begins.


3 comments:

Anonymous said...

When I think of you, Sade, and a sax, the song I want is "Your Love is King."

Anonymous said...

"Is It A Crime" was released as a single but didn't chart. This album however went number 1 in both the US and UK in 1985.

Its a great song and great post.

tornwordo said...

War of the Hearts was my fave tune from that album.