Sade – Promise (Vinyl LP, 1985, Portrait FR 40263, Pitman Pressing, Gatefold, Herb Powers Jr. Mastering)

Why This Record Matters
Promise is Sade’s second studio album and includes “The Sweetest Taboo,” “Never As Good As The First Time,” “Is It A Crime,” and “Jezebel.” The album continued the sophisticated soul sound established on Diamond Life, combining Sade Adu’s vocals with Stuart Matthewman, Paul S. Denman, and Andrew Hale. It became a major commercial success in the United States and internationally.

Collector Note
This 1985 US Portrait FR 40263 gatefold edition was pressed at Columbia Records Pressing Plant, Pitman. Both supplied variant 2 runouts carry the MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK stamp and Herbie Jr. signature with smiley face, identifying Herb Powers Jr.’s mastering work.

Availability
Single copy available—once it's gone, it's gone.

Condition & Details
Media: VG+
Sleeve: VG+

Technical Details
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo, Pitman Pressing, Gatefold
Label: Portrait – FR 40263
Country: US
Released: 1985
Genre: Funk / Soul, Pop
Style: Soul

Matrix / Runout
Label side A: AL 40263
Label side B: BL 40263
Side A runout, variant 2: AL-40263-1A MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK HERBIE Jr :-) P (AP)
Side B runout, variant 2: BL-40263-1B MASTERING BY FRANKFORD/WAYNE NEW YORK HERBIE Jr :-) P (AP)

Tracklist
Side A
A1 Is It A Crime – 6:18
A2 The Sweetest Taboo – 4:31
A3 War Of The Hearts – 6:46
A4 Jezebel – 5:27

Side B
B1 Mr. Wrong – 2:46
B2 Never As Good As The First Time – 4:57
B3 Fear – 4:06
B4 Tar Baby – 3:55
B5 Maureen – 4:18

Shipping & Handling
Ultrasonically cleaned using a Degritter Mark II prior to shipping.
Stored in protective inner and outer sleeves.
Shipped with vinyl protection and cardboard reinforcement.
Packed securely for safe delivery.

About Maple City Music
Maple City Music is a veteran-owned record store in Vermont focused on honest grading, fair pricing, and high-quality media. Every item is carefully inspected, cleaned, and prepared so it arrives exactly as described.