Sting, whose real name is Gordon Sumner, is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor born on October 2, 1951. He first rose to prominence as the lead vocalist and bassist for the rock band The Police, which gained massive success in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like “Roxanne,” “Message in a Bottle,” and “Every Breath You Take.”
Following The Police’s dissolution in 1986, Sting embarked on a successful solo career. His solo work is characterized by a diverse range of musical styles, incorporating elements of rock, pop, jazz, and world music. Some of his notable solo hits include “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free,” “Fields of Gold,” “Shape of My Heart,” and “Englishman in New York.”
Sting’s contributions to the music industry have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. Apart from his musical endeavors, he has also ventured into acting, philanthropy, and activism.
Sting’s solo career showcases his ability to explore various genres while maintaining a distinctive and recognizable style. His impact on the music world has solidified him as one of the most influential and enduring artists in contemporary music.
1. Roxanne
“Roxanne” is a classic song by The Police, written by Sting. It was released in 1978 as the debut single from their album “Outlandos d’Amour.” The song’s distinctive reggae-influenced beat and memorable chorus contributed to its success and enduring popularity.
“Roxanne” tells the story of a man pleading with a woman named Roxanne to reconsider her life choices, particularly her involvement in the world of prostitution. Sting’s raw and passionate vocals, coupled with the band’s tight instrumentation, create a captivating musical experience.
Despite its somewhat serious theme, the upbeat and catchy nature of the song helped it become one of The Police’s signature hits. “Roxanne” gained further recognition when it was featured in the soundtracks of various films and TV shows, solidifying its place as one of the band’s most iconic tracks.
Over the years, “Roxanne” has been covered and referenced by numerous artists, showcasing its enduring influence on the music industry. The song remains a timeless classic and a testament to The Police’s ability to blend rock, reggae, and new wave elements into a compelling and unforgettable sound.
2. Every Breath You Take
“Every Breath You Take” is a classic song by The Police, released in 1983 as a single from their album “Synchronicity.” The song was written by Sting, the band’s lead vocalist and bassist. It became one of The Police’s most well-known and commercially successful tracks.
“Every Breath You Take” is a ballad that explores themes of love, obsession, and surveillance. Despite its seemingly romantic melody, the lyrics depict a possessive and somewhat darker narrative. The chorus, with its memorable line “Every breath you take, every move you make, I’ll be watching you,” contributed to the song’s iconic status.
The track topped the charts in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1984 and became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
“Every Breath You Take” remains a staple on classic rock and pop playlists. Its popularity has endured over the years, and its impact on popular culture is evident through its frequent use in films, television shows, and advertisements. Despite its complex lyrical themes, the song’s melodic appeal and Sting’s evocative vocals continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
3. Fields of Gold
“Fields of Gold” is a beautiful ballad by Sting, released in 1993 as a single from his album “Ten Summoner’s Tales.” Written by Sting himself, the song is known for its evocative lyrics, gentle melody, and the artist’s soulful vocals.
The lyrics of “Fields of Gold” paint a vivid picture of a landscape and a love that stands the test of time. The metaphor of fields of gold suggests a timeless and enduring beauty. The song’s reflective and nostalgic tone, combined with Sting’s emotive delivery, creates a poignant and heartfelt musical experience.
“Fields of Gold” received critical acclaim and commercial success, becoming one of Sting’s signature songs. Its timeless quality has contributed to its enduring popularity, and the song has been covered by various artists across different genres.
The acoustic arrangement, featuring guitar and subtle orchestration, adds to the song’s intimate and contemplative atmosphere. “Fields of Gold” is often celebrated for its simplicity, emotional resonance, and the timeless themes of love and memory that it explores.
4. Shape of My Heart
“Shape of My Heart” is a poignant and introspective song by Sting, released in 1993 as part of his album “Ten Summoner’s Tales.” Written by Sting in collaboration with his guitarist Dominic Miller, the song features a distinctive guitar riff and explores themes of love, relationships, and the complexities of the human condition.
The lyrics of “Shape of My Heart” reflect on the impact of love, and how experiences shape the emotional landscape of an individual. The metaphor of playing cards is used throughout the song, emphasizing the unpredictability and gamble of relationships.
Sting’s expressive vocals, combined with the evocative guitar work and the subtle orchestration, create a melancholic yet beautiful musical atmosphere. The song received critical acclaim for its poetic lyrics, musical craftsmanship, and emotional depth.
“Shape of My Heart” has been widely praised for its universal themes and has become one of Sting’s most beloved and enduring songs. It has been covered by various artists and has been featured in films and television, cementing its place as a timeless ballad in contemporary music.
5. If I Ever Lose My Faith in You
“If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” is a song by Sting, released in 1993 as the lead single from his album “Ten Summoner’s Tales.” Written by Sting, the song explores themes of faith, doubt, and the search for meaning in a complex world.
The lyrics of “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” convey a sense of vulnerability and introspection. Sting’s distinctive vocals, coupled with the sophisticated arrangement featuring acoustic and electric elements, contribute to the song’s atmospheric and contemplative mood.
The track received critical acclaim and commercial success, earning Sting several awards, including the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1994. Its melodic appeal and thought-provoking lyrics resonated with audiences, making it one of Sting’s notable solo hits.
“If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” showcases Sting’s ability to blend rock, pop, and jazz influences into a cohesive and emotionally resonant sound. The song remains a significant part of Sting’s solo repertoire and is often celebrated for its enduring quality and its reflection on the complexities of faith and trust.
6. If You Love Somebody Set Them Free
“If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” is a song by Sting, released in 1985 as the lead single from his debut solo album, “The Dream of the Blue Turtles.” The song marked Sting’s departure from The Police and his entry into a successful solo career.
Written by Sting, the lyrics convey a message of liberation and the importance of allowing individuals the freedom to make their own choices in love and life. The upbeat and energetic track features a fusion of rock, jazz, and world music influences, showcasing Sting’s versatility as a songwriter and musician.
“If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” became a major hit, reaching high positions on the charts and earning critical acclaim. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious rhythm contributed to its success, establishing Sting’s solo career as a force to be reckoned with.
Sting’s exploration of diverse musical styles and his thought-provoking lyrics in “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” set the tone for his solo ventures, and the track remains a staple in his repertoire, emblematic of his transition into a successful solo artist.
7. Desert Rose
“Desert Rose” is a song by Sting featuring Algerian singer Cheb Mami. It was released in 1999 as a single from Sting’s album “Brand New Day.” The song is a fusion of pop, rock, and world music, incorporating Middle Eastern and North African musical elements.
The lyrics of “Desert Rose” evoke a sense of longing and desire, with themes of love and mystique. Sting’s distinctive vocals are complemented by Cheb Mami’s powerful and soulful singing in Arabic. The blend of their voices, along with the rich instrumental arrangements, creates a captivating and exotic musical experience.
The music video for “Desert Rose” features stunning visuals that complement the song’s theme, with desert landscapes and symbolic imagery. The song received positive reviews for its innovative and cross-cultural approach to music.
“Desert Rose” achieved commercial success and won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals in 2000. The song’s global appeal, combining Western and Eastern musical traditions, has contributed to its lasting popularity. It remains a standout track in Sting’s discography and is celebrated for its unique sound and cross-cultural collaboration.
8. Message in a Bottle
“Message in a Bottle” is a classic song by The Police, released in 1979 as the lead single from their album “Reggatta de Blanc.” Written by Sting, the band’s lead vocalist and bassist, the song became one of The Police’s most iconic and successful tracks.
The lyrics of “Message in a Bottle” tell the story of a man stranded on an island who sends out an SOS message in a bottle, hoping for a response and connection. The song’s themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for human connection resonated with audiences.
The distinctive guitar riff, combined with Sting’s emotive vocals and the tight rhythm section, contributed to the song’s immediate and widespread appeal. “Message in a Bottle” topped the charts in multiple countries, solidifying The Police’s status as one of the leading bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The song’s popularity has endured over the years, and it remains a staple on classic rock playlists. Its universal themes, memorable melody, and the band’s signature sound make “Message in a Bottle” a timeless and influential piece in the history of rock music.
9. Englishman in New York
“Englishman in New York” is a song by Sting, released in 1988 as a single from his album “Nothing Like the Sun.” The song was inspired by Quentin Crisp, an eccentric English writer and raconteur who lived in New York City.
The lyrics of “Englishman in New York” celebrate Crisp’s unique personality and his unapologetic individuality. The song explores themes of identity, tolerance, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture. Sting’s admiration for Crisp’s resilience and his willingness to be himself in a foreign environment is evident in the lyrics.
Musically, the song features a jazzy and upbeat arrangement, with Sting’s distinct vocals at the forefront. The saxophone riff, played by Branford Marsalis, adds to the song’s sophisticated and cosmopolitan feel.
“Englishman in New York” became one of Sting’s solo hits, receiving positive reviews for its catchy melody and thoughtful lyrics. The song has remained a fan favorite and is often celebrated for its fusion of pop, jazz, and world music elements. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Sting’s ability to create music that resonates both lyrically and musically.
10. Fragile
“Fragile” is a song by Sting, released in 1987 as a single from his second solo album, “…Nothing Like the Sun.” The song is known for its poignant lyrics, delicate melody, and exploration of themes related to human vulnerability and the fragility of life.
The lyrics of “Fragile” touch on the transient nature of existence and the impact of various global issues, such as political instability and environmental concerns. The metaphor of fragility is beautifully woven into the song, emphasizing the delicate and interconnected nature of humanity.
Musically, “Fragile” features acoustic guitar arrangements and showcases Sting’s emotive vocals. The song’s heartfelt and introspective tone resonated with audiences, contributing to its critical acclaim and commercial success.
Over the years, “Fragile” has become one of Sting’s signature songs and is often praised for its poetic lyrics and musical elegance. It has been covered by various artists and continues to be a powerful and contemplative piece in Sting’s solo repertoire.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
