What makes Smooth Operator by Sade notable?

The title track 'Smooth Operator' became a defining hit for Sade, reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying their presence in the mainstream. The album also received critical acclaim, contributing to the sophisti-pop movement of the 1980s and influencing numerous artists in the years that followed. Released as Sade's debut album, 'Smooth Operator' marked the band's entry into the music scene. The group was still relatively unknown, having formed just a year prior, and this album helped establish their signature sound and aesthetic.