How did singer Sade get so popular in the 80's?

[Hawkee]

In 1984 we were introduced to a lovely singer named Sade when she released her debut album Diamond Life and though the album listed the disclaimer "pronounced shar-day" people would have no trouble pronouncing Sade but what Sade actually is a group named for Sade Adu who is the lead singer. I remember when Smooth Operator would always play on the radio and I never knew how Sade got big in the 80's? Was it because Sade had a unique sound or was it because Sade was beautiful? I think in all honesty once Diamond Life came out in 1984 people were prepared for a unique style of R&B and pop and I think Sade brought that to the table. I didn't even know who Sade was until I saw her No Ordinary Love video in 1992 and one of the scenes showed Sade dressed as a mermaid and it was so pretty that I referred to her as the mermaid. But I think Sade made a huge impact in the 80's because she seemed to release hit after hit. And what's surprising is how Sade is still singing with that unique sound today

[Dude111]

I dunno but I love her first album!!