Sting, born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner on October 2, 1951, is an English musician, singer-songwriter, and actor. He first gained fame as the lead vocalist and bassist for the rock band The Police, which formed in 1977 and disbanded in 1986. Following the breakup of The Police, Sting embarked on a successful solo career that has spanned several decades.
Sting’s solo music is characterized by its eclectic blend of rock, pop, jazz, reggae, and world music influences. His distinctive voice, thoughtful lyrics, and innovative songwriting have earned him critical acclaim and commercial success.
Some of Sting’s most famous solo hits include “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free,” “Fields of Gold,” “Englishman in New York,” “Shape of My Heart,” and “Desert Rose.” These songs showcase his versatility as a musician and his ability to explore a wide range of musical styles and themes.
In addition to his music career, Sting has also pursued acting and philanthropy. He has appeared in several films and television shows, earning praise for his performances. Sting is also involved in various charitable causes, particularly environmental activism and human rights advocacy.
Throughout his career, Sting has received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, and Golden Globe Awards. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Sting’s influence on popular music is immeasurable, and his legacy as a musician and cultural icon continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
1. Every Breath You Take
“Every Breath You Take” is a song by Sting, released in 1983 as a single from the album “Synchronicity” by his band, The Police. The song was written by Sting and is widely regarded as one of the band’s most iconic and enduring tracks.
“Every Breath You Take” is characterized by its haunting melody, atmospheric arrangement, and introspective lyrics. The song’s instrumentation features a distinctive guitar riff, subtle synthesizers, and a steady drumbeat, creating a sense of tension and longing.
Lyrically, “Every Breath You Take” explores themes of obsession, possessiveness, and surveillance. Sting’s lyrics depict a narrator who is watching and monitoring their former lover’s every move, expressing a sense of longing and yearning for the person they have lost.
Despite its seemingly romantic melody, “Every Breath You Take” is often interpreted as a dark and introspective meditation on the complexities of love and relationships. The song’s juxtaposition of catchy hooks and melancholic lyrics has resonated with audiences worldwide, making it one of The Police’s most enduring and beloved songs.
“Every Breath You Take” became a massive commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and winning the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1984. It remains one of the most recognizable and frequently played songs in popular music, cementing its status as a classic in the rock and pop canon.
2. Fields of Gold
“Fields of Gold” is a song by English musician Sting, released in 1993 as a single from his album “Ten Summoner’s Tales.” Sting wrote the song, and it was produced by him along with Hugh Padgham.
“Fields of Gold” is a poignant ballad with folk and soft rock influences. The song’s lyrics evoke themes of nostalgia, love, and the passage of time. It describes a fleeting romance set against the backdrop of golden fields, with the narrator reminiscing about a past love and reflecting on the beauty of the natural world.
The chorus features the memorable refrain, “You’ll remember me when the west wind moves upon the fields of barley, you’ll forget the sun in his jealous sky as we walk in fields of gold.” Sting’s emotive vocals, coupled with acoustic guitar accompaniment and subtle orchestration, contribute to the song’s evocative atmosphere.
“Fields of Gold” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and receiving critical acclaim for its songwriting and musicality. It has since become one of Sting’s most beloved songs and is often regarded as a classic in his solo repertoire.
3. Englishman in New York
“Englishman in New York” is a song by Sting, released in 1988 as part of his album “…Nothing Like the Sun.” The song is known for its catchy melody, jazzy instrumentation, and witty lyrics, as well as its celebration of individuality and diversity.
“Englishman in New York” features a lively arrangement, with Sting’s smooth vocals accompanied by saxophone, piano, and percussion. The song’s upbeat tempo and jazzy groove create a sense of energy and sophistication, reflecting the cosmopolitan atmosphere of New York City.
Lyrically, “Englishman in New York” is inspired by the experiences of Quentin Crisp, a British writer and eccentric who lived in New York City in the 1980s. The song’s lyrics celebrate Crisp’s unapologetic embrace of his own identity and eccentricities, while also exploring themes of acceptance, tolerance, and cultural differences.
“Englishman in New York” has been praised for its clever wordplay and infectious charm, with its message of individuality and acceptance resonating with audiences around the world. The song became a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the charts in several countries and earning critical acclaim from music critics.
In addition to its popularity as a standalone song, “Englishman in New York” has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as one of Sting’s most beloved and enduring tracks.
4. Shape of My Heart
“Shape of My Heart” is a song by Sting, released in 1993 as part of his album “Ten Summoner’s Tales.” The song was co-written by Sting and his guitarist, Dominic Miller, and is known for its poignant lyrics and beautiful melody.
“Shape of My Heart” is characterized by its acoustic guitar-driven arrangement, featuring intricate fingerpicking by Miller. The song’s instrumentation is complemented by Sting’s emotive vocals, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
Lyrically, “Shape of My Heart” explores themes of introspection, regret, and redemption. The song’s narrator reflects on the nature of love and relationships, acknowledging his own flaws and mistakes while yearning for a deeper connection.
“Shape of My Heart” has been praised for its lyrical depth and musical craftsmanship, with its evocative melody and heartfelt lyrics resonating with listeners around the world. The song has become one of Sting’s most beloved and enduring tracks, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
In addition to its popularity as a standalone song, “Shape of My Heart” has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a timeless classic in the singer-songwriter genre.
5. If You Love Somebody Set Them Free
“If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” is a song by English musician Sting, released in 1985 as the lead single from his debut solo album “The Dream of the Blue Turtles.” Sting wrote the song and also produced it alongside Pete Smith.
“If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and reggae-influenced rhythm. The song’s lyrics explore themes of freedom and independence in relationships, encouraging listeners to let go of their loved ones if they truly care about them.
The chorus features the memorable refrain, “If you love somebody, set them free, free, free, free, free,” which emphasizes the importance of allowing individuals to pursue their own paths and make their own choices. Sting’s distinctive vocals, coupled with the song’s infectious groove, helped propel it to commercial success.
“If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” was a chart-topping hit, reaching the top 10 in multiple countries and becoming one of Sting’s most successful solo singles. It has since become a classic in his repertoire and is often cited as one of his signature songs. The song’s message of love and liberation continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
6. Fragile
“Fragile” is a song by Sting, released in 1987 as part of his album “…Nothing Like the Sun.” The song is known for its poignant lyrics and beautiful melody, as well as its exploration of themes such as mortality, vulnerability, and the fragility of life.
Musically, “Fragile” features a sparse arrangement, with Sting’s gentle vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar and subtle orchestration. The song’s understated instrumentation creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, allowing the poignant lyrics to take center stage.
Lyrically, “Fragile” reflects on the delicate balance of life and the transient nature of existence. The song’s narrator reflects on the fragility of the world and the need for compassion and understanding in the face of adversity. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “fragile,” serves as a reminder of the vulnerability inherent in the human condition.
“Fragile” has been praised for its emotional depth and universal appeal, with its themes resonating with listeners of all ages and backgrounds. The song has become one of Sting’s most beloved and enduring tracks, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
In addition to its popularity as a standalone song, “Fragile” has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a timeless classic in the singer-songwriter genre.
7. Desert Rose
“Desert Rose” is a song by British musician Sting, featuring Algerian singer Cheb Mami. It was released in 1999 as the lead single from Sting’s album “Brand New Day.” Sting co-wrote the song with the producer, Kipper.
“Desert Rose” combines elements of pop, worldbeat, and Middle Eastern music. The song’s lyrics evoke images of the desert and a sense of longing, with Sting singing about a mythical “desert rose” that he seeks to find. Cheb Mami’s vocals add an authentic Arabic flavor to the song, complementing Sting’s voice.
The chorus features the memorable refrain, “I dream of rain, I dream of gardens in the desert sand, I wake in vain,” which captures the song’s theme of yearning and desire. “Desert Rose” features lush instrumentation, including strings, percussion, and a distinctive Arabic flute.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and earning critical acclaim for its innovative fusion of musical styles. The music video for “Desert Rose,” featuring Sting and Cheb Mami in a desert landscape, also received widespread praise for its artistic direction.
“Desert Rose” remains one of Sting’s most popular songs and is often cited as a highlight of his solo career. Its unique sound and evocative lyrics continue to captivate listeners around the world.
8. Russians
“Russians” is a song by Sting, released in 1985 as part of his debut solo album “The Dream of the Blue Turtles.” The song is known for its thought-provoking lyrics and haunting melody, as well as its exploration of Cold War tensions and nuclear disarmament.
“Russians” features a somber arrangement, with Sting’s emotive vocals accompanied by piano, synthesizers, and orchestration. The song’s atmospheric instrumentation sets a contemplative mood, allowing the powerful lyrics to resonate with listeners.
Lyrically, “Russians” reflects on the anxieties and fears surrounding the Cold War era, with Sting expressing a desire for peace and understanding between East and West. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I hope the Russians love their children too,” serves as a poignant reminder of the shared humanity that transcends political divides.
“Russians” has been praised for its lyrical depth and timely message, with its themes of peace and reconciliation resonating with audiences around the world. The song became a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the charts in several countries and earning critical acclaim from music critics.
In addition to its popularity as a standalone song, “Russians” has been featured in various films, television shows, and documentaries, further cementing its status as a timeless classic in Sting’s discography.
9. All This Time
“All This Time” is a song by English musician Sting, released in 1991 as the lead single from his album “The Soul Cages.” Sting wrote the song, and it was produced by Hugh Padgham.
“All This Time” is characterized by its contemplative lyrics and haunting melody. The song explores themes of loss, grief, and the passage of time, with Sting reflecting on the death of his father and the impact it had on him. The narrator grapples with feelings of sadness and regret, pondering the meaning of life and the inevitability of mortality.
The chorus features the repeated refrain, “All this time, the river flowed, endlessly to the sea,” which serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life. Sting’s emotive vocals, coupled with the song’s atmospheric instrumentation, create a somber and introspective mood.
“All This Time” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and earning critical acclaim for its songwriting and musicality. The song’s poignant lyrics and powerful imagery resonated with listeners, making it one of Sting’s most beloved songs. It remains a standout track in his solo discography and is often cited as a highlight of his career.
10. Brand New Day
“Brand New Day” is a song by British musician Sting, released in 1999 as the title track and lead single from his album “Brand New Day.” Sting wrote the song, and it was produced by him along with Kipper.
“Brand New Day” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and optimistic lyrics. The song celebrates the dawn of a new beginning and the possibilities that come with each day. The narrator expresses a sense of hope and renewal, encouraging listeners to embrace change and seize the opportunities that life presents.
The chorus features the memorable refrain, “It’s a brand new day, it’s a brand new day for me, yeah,” which captures the song’s theme of optimism and positivity. Sting’s energetic vocals, coupled with the song’s lively instrumentation, create a feel-good vibe that invites listeners to dance and celebrate.
“Brand New Day” was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 in several countries and earning critical acclaim for its infectious groove and uplifting message. The song’s joyful spirit and catchy melody have made it a favorite among fans, and it remains a staple of Sting’s live performances.
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.
