Smooth Operator

Smooth Operator

Sade

“Smooth Operator” was the third single from Sade’s blockbuster debut album Diamond Life, which takes its title from the first line of this song. The single reached #5 on the US Billboard 100 charts, and #19 on the UK Singles Chart.

The song is about a dominant, alpha-male lover who is no good for her, but still irresistible. The song’s lyrics and title would be referenced regularly by hip-hop artists, including Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, and Snoop Dogg.

Though the singles for the song list Sade Adu, Stuart Matthewman and Raymond St. John as the writers, PRS credits only list Sade and Raymond St. John. Supposedly, the two wrote the song in 1982 with members of Sade’s previous band, Pride. They didn’t record it then because St. John left Pride shortly after Sade joined.