About Sade:
Sade is a British band fronted by Nigerian-born singer Sade Adu, renowned for their smooth blend of soul, jazz, R&B, and soft rock. Formed in the early 1980s, the group quickly gained international acclaim with their debut album Diamond Life (1984), which featured hits like “Smooth Operator” and “Your Love Is King.” Sade Adu’s distinct, smoky vocals paired with the band’s elegant, understated arrangements created a unique and instantly recognizable sound that stood apart from the flashy pop and synth-heavy trends of the decade.
Over the years, Sade has maintained both critical respect and commercial success with a small but powerful discography, including albums like Promise (1985), Love Deluxe (1992), and Soldier of Love (2010). Known for their consistency, emotional depth, and timeless style, the band has built a loyal global following. Sade’s music often explores themes of love, resilience, and longing, delivered with a quiet intensity that has influenced generations of artists. Despite long gaps between releases, their work continues to resonate deeply with listeners around the world.
About “The Sweetest Taboo”:
“The Sweetest Taboo” is a signature track by British band Sade, released in 1985 as the lead single from their second album, Promise. With its silky blend of jazz, soul, and quiet storm R&B, the song builds a sensual, hypnotic mood through understated rhythms and Sade Adu’s velvety, expressive vocals. Lyrically, it explores a love so intense and fulfilling that it feels almost forbidden, captured in the recurring line, “There’s a quiet storm / And it never felt like this before.” The song’s sophisticated arrangement and emotional restraint helped define Sade’s distinctive sound.
The track was a commercial and critical success, becoming a top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and further solidifying Sade’s place as a leading voice in smooth, emotionally rich pop music. “The Sweetest Taboo” is often praised for its elegance and timelessness, with its gentle groove and sultry tone making it a staple of romantic playlists and late-night listening. Its influence can be heard in the work of many artists across genres who strive to balance emotional depth with musical sophistication.
🎶 “The Sweetest Taboo” Intermediate Lyrical Version
Key features of this version:
- Extended version with repeats of sections
- In the original key of D-flat major
- Vocal-line is set an octave higher for a sparkling sound
- 11 total pages
- Includes full lyrics
- Run time is approximately 5:30
 - Intermediate Lyrical Version Extended/images/Cover--sweetesttaboo-int-lyr-MN.png)
🧐 Sheet music sneak peek:
🎶 “The Sweetest Taboo” Intermediate Piano Solo
Key features of this version:
- Mirrors the original recorded version
- Transposed to the key of D major
- Vocal-line is set an octave higher for a sparkling sound
- 9 total pages
- Includes full lyrics
- Run time is approximately 5:00
 - Intermediate/images/Cover--sweetesttaboo-int-MN.png)
🧐 Sheet music sneak peek:
🎶 “The Sweetest Taboo” Easy Piano Solo
Key features of this version:
- Abridged version for late beginners & early intermediates
- Transposed to the key of D major
- Vocal-line is set in recorded range
- 5 total pages
- Includes lyrics
- Run time is approximately 3:15
 - Easy Abridged/images/Cover--sweetesttaboo-ez-MN.png)
🧐 Sheet music sneak peek:
 - MN/images/Cover--smoothoperator-Int-MN.png)
 - Intermediate Lyrical Version/images/Cover--smoothoperator-Int-LYR-MN.png)
 - MN/images/Cover--smoothoperator-LateInt-MN.png)
 - Intermediate Lyrical Version/images/Cover--endless-bummer-in-thesun-MN.png)
 - Intermediate Lyrical Version/images/Cover--soundofsilence-INT-LYR-MN.png)
 - Extended Lyrical Version/images/Cover--santeria-EXT-LYR-MN.png)
 - Intermediate Extended Lyrical Version/images/Cover--nightsarebetter-INT-Ext-LYR-MN.png)
 - Intermediate Lyrical Version/images/Cover--difftcorner-INT-LYR-MN.png)
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