The Sweetest Taboo


"The Sweetest Taboo" is a song by English band Sade from their second studio album, Promise. It was released on 30 September 1985 as the album's lead single. While the song peaked at number 31 on the UK Singles Chart, it fared considerably better in the United States, where it reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 in March 1986, remaining in the top 40 for 13 weeks. It also became the band's second consecutive number-one single on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, following "Smooth Operator". It fared better in New Zealand than Smooth Operator which reached #22 on the charts, but that time it fared better reaching #11 in the charts becoming Sade's 2nd highest chart performance in that country, after Your Love Is King reached #2.

Reception

Tanya Rena Jefferson of AXS stated, "The group allows the song to shine with its mellow and uptempo flavor. Sade sings proudly and boldly about how she is given love which brings out the best in her. The quiet storm vibe allows one to stand and groove dance to the soulful peaceful sound of the song."

Track listings

Weekly charts

Year-end charts