Top Ten Songs by Sade : Beautiful Yearning? or Codependency?

Sade has to be one of my all time favorite artists. Without a doubt, she is one of the few artists whose music miraculously transcends time. Known primarily for her exotic looks and husky voice, Helen Folasade Adu is also famous for her angst-infused lyrics. Crooning ethereally about the woes of love has been one of Sade's specialties. Ironically, if you pay close attention to my top ten favorite Sade songs, you'll notice that these intricacies of love border on codependency----and maybe even obsession. Either way, Sade presents these emotions in the most beautiful manner possible. But just for kicks, let's see how my top ten favorite Sade songs represent love that often seems one-sided...

#1- "Mr. Wrong"

The title of this song in and of itself should have been a huge hint for millions of women who fell in love with noncommittal men. In this jazz-inspired number, Sade advises her female listeners to "Say so long.....to Mr.Wrong." While the lyrics themselves are fairly sparse in this song (found on Adu's 1985 Promise album), they cut to the chase quickly.

#2- "Smooth Operator"

Again, Sade warns the listener (and perhaps even herself) about the wayward romantic habits of her latest paramour. She claims that this international player has "... eyes [like angels], but his heart is cold." Still that doesn't stop this suave gentleman from "loving in seven languages..."

#3- "Sweetest Taboo"

In this song, Sade calls attention to the obvious strong hold that her lover has on her. In fact, the feeling is so strong, that she likens it to a "taboo." The bottom line here is that anything considered to be taboo should probably be avoided, and usually hints at problems to come.

#4- "Paradise"

"I'd wash the sand off the shore---give you the world if it was mine..." These 1988 lyrics practically embody the motto of many female romantic codependents. As is evidenced by this Sade song, the dizzying effects of love often make people do things they would not ordinarily do.

#5-"Cherish The Day"