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Smooth Operator
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| "Smooth Operator" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Sade | ||||
| from the album Diamond Life | ||||
| B-side |
| |||
| Released | 28 August 1984[1] | |||
| Recorded | 1983 | |||
| Studio | Power Plant (London) | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 4:58 (album version) 4:15 (single version) | |||
| Label | Epic | |||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producer | Robin Millar | |||
| Sade singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Smooth Operator" on YouTube | ||||
| "Smooth Operator" (12″ version) on YouTube | ||||
"Smooth Operator" is a song by English band Sade from their debut studio album, Diamond Life (1984), and was co-written by Sade Adu and Ray St. John. It was released as the album's third single in the United Kingdom as a 7-inch single with "Spirit" as its B-side, and as a 12-inch maxi single with "Smooth Operator" and "Red Eye" on side A and "Spirit" on side B. Released on 28 August 1984, it reached number 19 on the UK Singles Chart.
In the United States, "Smooth Operator" was released in February 1985, serving as the album's second US single. The song became Sade's first top-10 entry in the US, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in May 1985. It spent 13 weeks in the top 40, and also topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart for two weeks.
Although "Your Love Is King" remains Sade's highest-peaking single in the UK to date, "Smooth Operator" is the band's breakthrough single on the US charts, and their most successful single internationally.
Background
[edit]Ray St. John, who co-wrote "Smooth Operator" with Sade Adu, was a member of Adu's former band Pride, although he was not a member of the band Sade. The pair co-wrote the song in 1982 while still members of Pride, but did not get around to recording it.
Composition and lyrics
[edit]"Smooth Operator" is about a fashionable con-man who moves within high social circles. He is popular with women and breaks many hearts. The lyrics "Coast to coast, LA to Chicago, western male / Across the north and south, to Key Largo, love for sale"[6] imply that he also uses women to obtain his income. It is also clear that he does not hold sincere affection for these women, as Adu sings near the end, "his heart is cold".
The video to this song reinforces the message and the operator, played by actor Michael Feast, appears to be a professional criminal. In one scene, he displays a gun to an interested customer, and in others, he appears to be a pimp. Apparently, he succeeds in evading law enforcement, who have him under surveillance. In the video, the operator cheats on Sade with a waitress of the nightclub (played by actress Amanda Pays).
As revealed in the extended version of the video, which contains the composition "Red Eye" (the next song on 12-inch single), Sade, cooperating with the police, hides behind the nightclub equipment and sees the criminal return to the club. Then she bumps into a box, causing a noise, and the criminal chases after her. When the police arrive outside, he tries to escape from them from rooftop to rooftop until he is shot and then falls from a rooftop to his death. The video was directed by Julien Temple, who would later cast Sade in his 1986 film musical Absolute Beginners.
This song is noted for Adu's spoken recitation in the song's introduction. Some radio edits have omitted the spoken introduction and proceeded with the opening sung line of the title of the album, "Diamond Life". Some radio edits have shortened the instrumental saxophone solo, as well as the first repeat of the lines that come after the chorus portions.
The song's sheet music is in the key of D minor (D dorian for the intro).[7]
Reception
[edit]Tanya Rena Jefferson of AXS stated: "The warm tonal voice of Sade sings about a smooth operator con artist lover boy. 'Smooth Operator' reached number 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary charts in 1985."[8] Sophie Heawood of The Guardian commented: "Arguably the band's signature single, the accuracy with which its suave music, complete with sax solo, conveyed the business-class lifestyle of its subject set the tone for how they would be perceived over their entire career. As a credo, 'We move in space with minimum waste and maximum joy' remains revelatory."[9] Frank Guan of Vulture commented: "Along with an ace lead saxophone and winding bass line, the secret to success for Sade's biggest early hit is hiding in plain sight: the heartless playboy traversing cities and continents in search of pleasure that she narrates serves as an allegory for Global Capitalism, but also for herself: her international range and her voice – every time she croons 'smooth operator', there's a measure of self-reference. Her amoral protagonist's villainy is rendered in such lovely phrases that the listener can't help but be seduced."[10]
The song became associated with Spanish Formula One driver Carlos Sainz Jr., who often sang the song during his post-race radio celebrations, a tradition that dated back to the 2019 British Grand Prix.[11][12] Most recently, when Sainz achieved a podium in the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Sainz, on the post-race radio, exclaimed "This is my first Smooth Operation in Williams!"[13]
The song also became associated with professional wrestler Penta during his time in WWE after X user @HaangEmHiigh edited the song over Penta performing his signature walk.[14] The trend became popular on X and TikTok, and was acknowledged by fellow WWE wrestler Big E during the Backlash event countdown show.[15][16]
Track listings
[edit]
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Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
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Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[47] | Platinum | 90,000‡ |
| Germany (BVMI)[48] | Gold | 300,000‡ |
| Italy (FIMI)[49] sales since 2009 |
Gold | 50,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[50] | Platinum | 30,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[51] | Platinum | 600,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "New Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 25 August 1984. p. 20. ISSN 0265-1548 – via World Radio History.
- ^ Harvey, Eric (19 May 2012). "The Quiet Storm". Pitchfork. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
- ^ "Sophisti-Pop - The Bluffer's Guide". Stylus Magazine. 4 September 2011. Archived from the original on 4 September 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
- ^ Harrington, Jim (2005). "Sade - Diamond Life". In Dimery, Robert (ed.). 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. London: Cassell Illustrated. p. 518.
- ^ Pitchfork Staff (10 September 2018). "The 200 Best Albums of the 1980s". Pitchfork. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
Diamond Life, the group's debut, is impeccably balanced between honeyed smooth jazz and gripping pop—as its blockbuster singles, "Smooth Operator" and "Your Love is King," demonstrate.
- ^ "Smooth Operator". Sade.com. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
- ^ Smooth Operator
- ^ Jefferson, Tanya Rena (2 April 2015). "Sade's 10 best songs". AXS. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
- ^ Heawood, Sophie (13 March 2012). "Why Sade is bigger in the US than Adele". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 June 2019. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
- ^ Guan, Frank (26 October 2017). "All 73 Sade Songs, Ranked From Worst to Best". Vulture. Archived from the original on 21 June 2019. Retrieved 7 December 2019.
- ^ Karpov, Oleg; Benyon, Jack (25 December 2019). "Sainz explains his "Smooth Operator" McLaren F1 team radio messages". Autosport. Archived from the original on 1 September 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
- ^ Westbrook, Tom; Baldwin, Alan (17 September 2023). Ferris, Ken (ed.). "'Smooth operator' Sainz ends Red Bull's winning streak". Reuters. Singapore. Archived from the original on 21 September 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
- ^ ""This is my first Smooth Operation in Williams!" - Post-Race Team Radio in Azeraijan". Atlassian Williams Racing. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
- ^ @HaangEmHiigh (15 April 2025). "NO NEED TO ASK HE'S A SMOOOOOOOTH OPERATOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOR #WWERaw" (Tweet). Retrieved 13 May 2025 – via Twitter.
- ^ Joest, Mick (11 May 2025). "WWE's Big E Shouted Out The Awesome Penta Meme During Backlash, And I Really Hope The Viral Trend Sparks One Change". Cinemablend. Archived from the original on 13 May 2025. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
- ^ WWE (10 May 2025). Countdown to WWE Backlash: May 10, 2025. Retrieved 13 May 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 263. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- ^ "Sade – Smooth Operator" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "Sade – Smooth Operator" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0536". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 25 February 2019.
- ^ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 8332". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "European Top 100 Singles". Eurotipsheet. Vol. 1, no. 31. 29 October 1984. p. 4. OCLC 29800226.
- ^ "Sade – Smooth Operator" (in French). Le classement de singles. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Smooth Operator". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "Classifiche". Musica e dischi (in Italian). Retrieved 2 June 2022. Select "Singoli" in the "Tipo" field, type "Sade" in the "Artista" field and press "cerca".
- ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Sade" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "Sade – Smooth Operator" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "Sade – Smooth Operator". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ Currin, Brian. "SA Charts 1965–1989 (As presented on Springbok Radio/Radio Orion) – Acts S". The South African Rock Encyclopedia. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 11 October 2016.
- ^ "Sade – Smooth Operator". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "Sade Songs and Albums | Full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
- ^ "Sade Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "Sade Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "Sade Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "Sade Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "Cash Box Top 100 Singles – Week ending June 1, 1985". Cash Box. Archived from the original on 16 March 2019. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "The Cash Box Top 100 Black Contemporary – Week ending May 18, 1985". Cash Box. Archived from the original on 29 January 2021. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
- ^ "Offizielle Deutsche Charts (West Germany)" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. To see the peak chart position, click 'TITEL VON', followed by the artist's name. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Week: 26/2023". IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on 5 July 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "2023 24-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. 16 June 2023. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
- ^ "RPM's Top 100 Singles of 1985". RPM. Vol. 43, no. 16. 28 December 1985. ISSN 0033-7064. Archived from the original on 2 April 2019 – via Library and Archives Canada.
- ^ "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 1985". Billboard. Archived from the original on 3 October 2019. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "Adult Contemporary Songs – Year-End 1985". Billboard. Archived from the original on 7 December 2019. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 1985". Billboard. Archived from the original on 31 August 2018. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "The Cash Box Year-End Charts: 1985 – Top 100 Pop Singles". Cash Box. 28 December 1985. Archived from the original on 26 March 2019. Retrieved 3 October 2019.
- ^ "The Cash Box Year-End Charts: 1985 – Top 50 Black Contemporary Singles". Cash Box. 28 December 1985. Archived from the original on 26 May 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
- ^ "Danish single certifications – Sade – Smooth Operator". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
- ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Sade; 'Smooth Operator')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved 6 February 2025.
- ^ "Italian single certifications – Sade – Smooth Operator" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
- ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Sade – Smooth Operator". Radioscope. Retrieved 19 January 2025. Type Smooth Operator in the "Search:" field and press Enter.
- ^ "British single certifications – Sade – Smooth Operator". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
Smooth Operator
View on GrokipediaBackground and development
Writing and inspiration
"Smooth Operator" was co-written by Sade Adu and Ray St. John in 1982, during Adu's tenure as a backup singer in the British funk band Pride, of which St. John was also a member; St. John provided the initial melody and chord progression for the track.[2] The song originated as part of Pride's stage repertoire, where Adu would step forward to perform it.[2][8] The inspiration for the song stemmed from observations of a charming yet unscrupulous "smooth operator" archetype who exploited women both emotionally and financially within high-society circles in London's social scene.[7][9] Adu drew on this figure's jet-set lifestyle and manipulative allure to craft the narrative, emphasizing themes of seduction and heartbreak.[7] An initial demo of the track was recorded as a rough, homemade four-track setup before Adu left Pride to form her own band in 1983.[10] As the primary lyricist, Adu adapted St. John's musical foundation to align with her vision of sophisticated soul, refining the lyrics to evoke elegance and cautionary intrigue.[2] This creative evolution carried into formal recording sessions with producer Robin Millar.[10]Recording and production
The recording of "Smooth Operator" took place between 1983 and 1984 as part of sessions for Sade's debut album Diamond Life, primarily at Power Plant Studios in London.[11][12] The album's production was helmed by Robin Millar, who collaborated closely with the band to capture their vision of sophisticated, understated soul-jazz.[13] These sessions built upon initial demos co-written by Sade Adu and Ray St. John, transforming rough sketches into polished tracks over approximately six weeks.[14] The core band members were central to the recording: Sade Adu on lead vocals, Stuart Matthewman on saxophone and guitar, Paul Denman on bass, and Andrew Hale on keyboards, providing the foundational live instrumentation that defined the song's elegant groove.[15] Additional contributors included drummer Dave Early and percussionist Martin Ditcham, whose subtle rhythms added depth without overwhelming the arrangement; other session players like Paul Cooke on drums for select tracks further supported the rhythm section.[16][17] Millar and production engineer Mike Pela emphasized live takes to preserve an organic feel.[14] Production choices highlighted a commitment to clean, airy mixes that prioritized space and subtlety, using live instrumentation over heavy effects to evoke a jazz-inflected sophistication. Matthewman's tenor saxophone solo, overdubbed to enhance the song's sultry flair, became a standout element, layered carefully to integrate seamlessly with the ensemble.[18] During the sessions, Adu insisted on a minimalist approach to prevent overproduction, advocating for restraint in arrangements and instrumentation, which shaped the final single edit to a concise 4:17 length.[19] This focus on simplicity addressed challenges like balancing the band's improvisational tendencies with commercial polish, resulting in a sound that felt both intimate and expansive.[14]Composition
Musical elements
"Smooth Operator" exemplifies the sophisti-pop genre, blending sophisticated pop arrangements with influences from jazz, soul, and R&B to create a polished, urbane sound.[20] The track unfolds in common time at a tempo of 120 beats per minute, contributing to its relaxed yet engaging groove.[21] This measured pace allows the song's subtle rhythmic pulse to drive the composition without overwhelming its atmospheric quality.[22] Structurally, "Smooth Operator" adheres to a verse-chorus form, opening with a brief intro that sets a moody tone before proceeding through two verses, multiple choruses, a bridge, and culminating in an extended saxophone solo.[23] The arrangement builds tension gradually through understated dynamic shifts, layering elements to heighten emotional depth while maintaining a consistent flow.[23] Instrumentation plays a central role, with Paul S. Denman's prominent bassline providing a melodic foundation that anchors the track's sophisticated rhythm.[24] Andrew Hale's atmospheric keyboards add lush, ambient textures, evoking a sense of intimacy and space.[25] Stuart Matthewman's tenor saxophone riff serves as the song's signature hook, delivering a sultry, improvisational flair that elevates the overall mood.[25] Harmonically, the song is rooted in D minor, employing smooth seventh chords such as Dm7, Am7, and Gm7 to foster a laid-back, cosmopolitan vibe.[26] This progression, with its rich extensions and minor tonality, underscores the track's elegance and draws parallels to the quiet storm radio format, known for its mellow, jazz-inflected R&B selections.[27]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of "Smooth Operator" portray a charismatic yet manipulative hustler who seduces women across international locales, using his charm and sophistication to exploit them for personal gain without emotional attachment.[3][7] Key lines such as "Diamond life lover boy / City lights and business nights" evoke his polished, urbane allure, symbolizing a lifestyle of luxury and deception amid high-stakes social environments.[1] The narrative unfolds through vignettes of his jet-setting pursuits—"Coast to coast, L.A. to Chicago / Western male"—highlighting his effortless navigation of relationships, leaving heartbreak in his wake as he "plays with another heart" and keeps lovers "on hold."[1][28] Central themes revolve around exploitation and fleeting romance, where the protagonist's angelic eyes mask a cold heart, critiquing the superficiality of transient connections in elite circles.[3] These elements intersect with urban sophistication, drawing from the glamour and intrigue of 1980s London nightlife, including gender dynamics that position women as vulnerable to the hustler's calculated seduction.[7] The song's understated irony underscores the dangers of such charm, portraying the "smooth operator" as both enviable and predatory in a world of "city tax and city sex."[1] Sade Adu's vocal delivery amplifies these themes through sultry, understated phrasing that mirrors the subject's deceptive smoothness while injecting subtle irony and emotional distance.[29] Her languid, intimate style—characterized by breathy tones and precise enunciation—contrasts the hustler's coldness, drawing listeners into the narrative's seductive yet cautionary tone.[30] The song evolved from early demos written during Adu's time in the band Pride, where co-writer Ray St. John contributed to the rhythmic phrasing and structure, infusing a sense of fluid movement that complemented the lyrical flow.[31] Adu refined the lyrics for greater emotional depth, transforming initial versions—evident in 1983 live performances with slight variations—into the polished, evocative final recording on Diamond Life.[32]Release and promotion
Single formats and track listings
"Smooth Operator" was released in the United Kingdom in September 1984 by Epic Records as the third single from Sade's debut album Diamond Life.[7] In the United States, the single followed in February 1985, serving as the second single from the album in that market. The track was issued in multiple physical formats, primarily vinyl singles, with the standard single edit running 4:17 and the album version at 4:58.[33] The original 7-inch vinyl single featured a picture sleeve and included the single edit of "Smooth Operator" on the A-side, backed by the B-side track "Spirit".[34] Promotional copies distributed to radio stations often contained the full album version.[35] The UK pressing of the 7-inch single was notable for its unique fold-out poster sleeve design, which incorporated artwork aligned with the album's aesthetic.[36] For the 12-inch vinyl format, the release offered an extended version of "Smooth Operator" clocking in at 7:25, featuring additional instrumental passages that segued into "Red Eye" on the same side, with "Spirit" on the B-side.[37] An earlier recording of an extended "Smooth Operator" (7:28) paired with the instrumental "Snake Bite" appeared on the 12-inch single for "Your Love Is King" in February 1984, but this was distinct from the official single release.[38] Later reissues expanded availability to digital and CD formats. A 1999 special edition CD single in France included the standard tracks alongside remastered audio.[39] The 2000 remastered edition of Diamond Life incorporated bonus mixes and outtakes, influencing subsequent single re-releases that featured enhanced audio and collectible packaging, though no picture disc was produced for the initial 1984 run—such variants emerged only in later collector's editions.[40]7-inch vinyl single (UK, Epic A 4655, 1984)
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | "Smooth Operator" | Sade Adu, Ray St. John | 4:17 |
| B | "Spirit" | Sade Adu et al. | 4:34 |
12-inch vinyl single (UK, Epic TA 4655, 1984)
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | "Smooth Operator" (Extended) | Sade Adu, Ray St. John | 7:25 |
| A2 | "Red Eye" (Instrumental) | Sade Adu et al. | (segue) |
| B | "Spirit" | Sade Adu et al. | 4:34 |
CD single reissue (France, Epic 668282 1, 1999)
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Smooth Operator" | Sade Adu, Ray St. John | 4:58 |
| 2 | "Spirit" | Sade Adu et al. | 4:34 |
Music video and marketing
The music video for "Smooth Operator," directed by Julien Temple in 1984, presents a narrative-driven storyline that complements the song's themes of suave deception and high-society intrigue.[41] Starring Sade alongside actor Michael Feast as a charismatic con-man and pimp, and Amanda Pays as a nightclub waitress, the video depicts scenes of betrayal, with the protagonist cheating on Sade while engaging in criminal activities, culminating in a tense police chase across rooftops where he meets his demise.[7] Filmed primarily in urban London settings like nightclubs, the production showcases Sade in elegant attire amid luxurious yet shadowy environments, emphasizing her poised presence.[42] Employing color cinematography with dramatic lighting and slow-motion sequences to heighten the atmosphere of seduction and elegance, the video runs for 4:16, synchronized with the single's edit length.[43] These stylistic choices underscore the lyrical portrayal of a charming yet dangerous operator navigating elite social circles.[7] As part of Epic Records' promotional strategy, the video received heavy rotation on MTV and BBC channels, bolstering Sade's breakthrough in the U.S. and UK markets.[44] It earned nominations for Best Female Video and Best New Artist at the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards, highlighting its visual appeal.[44] Complementing this, Sade's live performance of the track on BBC's Top of the Pops in September 1984 further reinforced her image as a sophisticated icon, integral to the album Diamond Life's international campaign.[45]Commercial performance
Chart performance
"Smooth Operator" entered the UK Singles Chart on 15 September 1984, peaking at number 19 and spending 10 weeks on the chart.[4] In the United States, the single debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 83 on 2 March 1985, slowly climbing to a peak of number 5 for two weeks in May 1985, ultimately spending 20 weeks on the chart; this gradual ascent was influenced by the band's initial focus on the UK market and the delayed US release of their debut album Diamond Life in February 1985.[46][10][47] The track also reached number 1 on the US Adult Contemporary chart for two weeks beginning 11 May 1985 and peaked at number 5 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[48] Its performance was further boosted by substantial radio airplay following the album's US launch, which helped propel it to prominence despite the slower initial trajectory.[47] Internationally, "Smooth Operator" peaked at number 5 on Canada's RPM Top Singles chart, number 12 on the Dutch Top 40, and number 20 on Australia's Kent Music Report chart; it ranked number 62 on the 1985 US Billboard Hot 100 year-end chart.[49][50]| Chart (1984–1985) | Peak Position | Weeks on Chart |
|---|---|---|
| UK Singles Chart | 19 | 10 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 5 | 20 |
| US Adult Contemporary | 1 | N/A |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs | 5 | N/A |
| Canada Top Singles (RPM) | 5 | N/A |
| Netherlands Top 40 | 12 | N/A |
| Australia (Kent Music Report) | 20 | N/A |
