Artist: Sade
Video: Extended 8-minute version, with story.
With this song, we are beginning a stretch of some of my favorite songs of 1985.
I was fascinated by this mysterious “Smooth Operator” as a teenager. Breaking hearts worldwide, making high-stakes business deals, and leaving chaos in his wake. He has loved in seven languages (as stated in the spoken word intro). It seemed so exotic and glamorous.
Born in Nigeria and raised in England, Sade’s voice is beautiful and silky on this track. But it’s the saxophone that makes the song. Absolutely gorgeous, soulful sax play by Stuart Matthewman. The band’s first top 10 hit, “Smooth Operator” peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The video was directed by filmmaker Julien Temple. It has a distinctive mood, a sultry night club atmosphere, and is classically lit with deep shades of red throughout. Also weaved into the video were several scenes that did not make sense to me, as I had no idea that the short version it was part of a larger story.
After viewing the extended version, it still didn’t make that much sense to me, but at least I knew that it was intended to be part of a larger film. And I finally learned the fate of the “Smooth Operator”. SPOILER ALERT: The Smooth Operator dies at the end.
Also, there is a new poll posted! Vote for your favorite among songs #96 through #93.
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