Download Instrumental  This song is an acquired taste – much like 12-year-old Scotch and pickled pigs feet.  This particular tune is what I call a “three S’er” – subtle, sultry and sexy.  In this case you could also add sophisticated, which would put it in the very rare category of “four S’er”.  Are you following this?  Doesn’t matter.  This Latin-flavored masterpiece just oozes steamy romance (there’s another S) and it’s a beautiful thing when all those emotions are put to music.

“Sweetest Taboo” was recorded in 1985 by the British-Nigerian singer Helen Folasade Adu – better known by her professional name Sade.  She thought it would be a good idea to name her band “Sade” as well, which I think is just a bit narcissistic. (that would be like me forming another band and calling it “David”… hmmm).  I just noticed that there are three S’s in the word narcissistic – coincidence?

There are a variety of rumors that seek to explain the meaning of “Sweetest Taboo”.  What is this taboo that she finds so sweet?  Some say it’s an addiction to heroin (seems like drugs are always lurking somewhere in the background).  Others maintain it was a lesbian relationship – certainly taboo back in the day.  But these people would be wrong.  In the music video, she lusts after a man who is obviously involved with another woman – most likely his wife – and that’s certainly frowned upon, even today. That’s my interpretation and I’m sticking to it.

If you’ve got the Sophistication to pull this one off onstage, you need to be performing this jazz crossover hit.  Three repetitive chords on a midi grand piano pretty much carry the song and the rhythm track is oh, so interesting.  The backup vocals are Subtle and the lead line is best described as Sultry.  The lady is certainly Sexy – so you have all the components you need to “Wow” your audience.  Go for it!