Sting, whose real name is Gordon Sumner, is an English musician, singer, and songwriter. While he initially gained fame as the lead vocalist and bassist for the rock band The Police, he later embarked on a successful solo career.
As a solo artist, Sting has explored various genres including rock, pop, jazz, and world music. His backing band has varied throughout his solo career, often consisting of talented musicians adept at playing different styles. Some notable members of Sting’s backing bands over the years have included guitarist Dominic Miller, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, keyboardist David Sancious, and guitarist Branford Marsalis, among others.
Sting’s solo performances often feature a blend of his solo material alongside some of The Police’s greatest hits. His concerts are known for their musical versatility, dynamic performances, and Sting’s charismatic stage presence.
1. Every Breath You Take
“Every Breath You Take” is a song by the British rock band The Police, released in 1983 as a single from their album “Synchronicity.” The song was written by the band’s lead vocalist and bassist, Sting.
“Every Breath You Take” is characterized by its distinctive melody, minimalist arrangement, and haunting lyrics. The song features a simple yet memorable guitar riff played by Andy Summers, along with a steady drumbeat provided by Stewart Copeland. Sting’s emotive vocals express themes of obsession, possessiveness, and surveillance, creating a sense of tension and unease.
Despite its seemingly romantic sound, “Every Breath You Take” is actually a song about obsession and control. Sting has described it as being inspired by his own experiences with surveillance and control in his personal life.
Upon its release, “Every Breath You Take” became one of The Police’s most successful and enduring songs. It topped the charts in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, and won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1984.
The song’s popularity has endured over the years, and it remains one of the most iconic and frequently played songs in popular music history. Its haunting melody and evocative lyrics continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
2. Fields of Gold
“Fields of Gold” is a song by the British musician Sting, released in 1993 as a single from his album “Ten Summoner’s Tales.” Sting wrote the song, which is known for its folk-pop sound and evocative lyrics.
“Fields of Gold” features acoustic guitar and subtle orchestration, creating a warm and atmospheric backdrop for Sting’s emotive vocals. The song’s melody is gentle and melodic, with a nostalgic quality that reflects its themes of love, loss, and longing.
The lyrics of “Fields of Gold” evoke images of fields of wheat swaying in the wind, serving as a metaphor for the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. The song’s narrator reflects on a past love and expresses a desire to return to a simpler time.
“Fields of Gold” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. It has since become one of Sting’s most beloved and enduring songs, often cited as a classic in his solo repertoire.
The song has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials. Its timeless melody and poignant lyrics continue to resonate with audiences around the world, making it a staple of contemporary pop music.
3. Englishman in New York
“Englishman in New York” is a song by the British musician Sting, released in 1988 as a single from his album “…Nothing Like the Sun.” Sting wrote the song, which was inspired by the life and experiences of the English writer and eccentric Quentin Crisp.
“Englishman in New York” features a jazz-influenced pop sound, with a prominent saxophone riff played by Branford Marsalis. The song’s lyrics celebrate individuality, tolerance, and the courage to be oneself, as exemplified by Crisp’s unapologetic embrace of his own identity.
The song’s narrator, representing Crisp, faces the challenges of being an outsider in New York City, yet remains true to himself despite societal expectations. The lyrics convey a message of acceptance and respect for those who dare to be different.
“Englishman in New York” was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 in several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. It has since become one of Sting’s most iconic and enduring songs, often cited as a classic in his solo repertoire.
The song’s catchy melody, memorable lyrics, and uplifting message have resonated with audiences around the world, making it a beloved anthem of individuality and tolerance. It has been covered by various artists and remains a staple of contemporary pop music.
4. Shape of My Heart
“Shape of My Heart” is a song by Sting, released in 1993 as a single from his album “Ten Summoner’s Tales.” Sting co-wrote the song with his guitarist, Dominic Miller.
“Shape of My Heart” features a soft acoustic guitar riff and a melancholic melody, creating a reflective and introspective atmosphere. The lyrics explore themes of love, regret, and redemption, with the narrator reflecting on the nature of his relationships and the impact they have had on his life.
The song’s title refers to the idea that the experiences and emotions we go through shape who we are as individuals. The narrator acknowledges his mistakes and vulnerabilities, yet finds strength and resilience in facing his own truths.
“Shape of My Heart” was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It has since become one of Sting’s most beloved and enduring songs, often cited as a classic in his solo repertoire.
The song’s haunting melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Sting’s emotive vocals have resonated with audiences around the world, making it a timeless ballad that continues to captivate listeners to this day. “Shape of My Heart” has been covered by various artists and featured in films, TV shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a contemporary pop music classic.
5. 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.” Sting wrote the song, which features a fusion of rock, pop, and jazz elements.
“If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” features a catchy and upbeat rhythm, driven by a lively bassline and punctuated by brass instrumentation. The song’s lyrics convey a message of freedom and independence in relationships, urging listeners to let go of possessiveness and allow their loved ones to pursue their own paths.
The song’s title became a memorable catchphrase, encapsulating its central theme of letting go and allowing love to flourish naturally. Sting’s smooth vocals and the song’s infectious groove contributed to its commercial success, with the track reaching the top 10 on the charts in multiple countries.
“If You Love Somebody Set Them Free” remains one of Sting’s most iconic and enduring songs, often cited as a classic in his solo repertoire. Its empowering message and energetic musicality continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless anthem of love and liberation.
6. Fragile
“Fragile” is a song by Sting, released in 1987 as a single from his second solo studio album, “…Nothing Like the Sun.” Sting wrote the song, which features a gentle and contemplative melody accompanied by acoustic guitar and orchestral arrangements.
“Fragile” is known for its poignant lyrics, which explore themes of vulnerability, impermanence, and the fragility of life. The song was inspired by Sting’s observations of political and social unrest around the world, particularly in Latin America, during the 1980s.
The lyrics of “Fragile” contain evocative imagery and poetic language, conveying a sense of empathy and compassion for those affected by violence and conflict. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “fragile,” serves as a reminder of the delicate nature of human existence.
“Fragile” received critical acclaim upon its release and has since become one of Sting’s most beloved and enduring songs. Its timeless message and heartfelt delivery have resonated with audiences around the world, making it a staple of Sting’s live performances and a classic in his solo repertoire.
7. Desert Rose
“Desert Rose” is a song by Sting featuring Algerian singer Cheb Mami, released in 1999 as a single from Sting’s album “Brand New Day.” The song combines elements of pop, rock, and world music, incorporating Middle Eastern and North African influences.
“Desert Rose” is characterized by its mesmerizing melody, exotic instrumentation, and haunting vocals. Sting’s smooth vocals blend seamlessly with Cheb Mami’s powerful Arabic singing, creating a captivating and atmospheric sound.
The lyrics of “Desert Rose” evoke images of the desert landscape and themes of love, longing, and desire. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I dream of rain,” conjures a sense of yearning and anticipation.
“Desert Rose” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. The song’s innovative fusion of musical styles and its evocative lyrics earned it critical acclaim and cemented its status as one of Sting’s most iconic and memorable songs.
The music video for “Desert Rose” features stunning visuals inspired by Middle Eastern art and culture, further enhancing the song’s mystical and exotic atmosphere.
8. Russians
“Russians” 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 was inspired by the Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the 1980s.
“Russians” features a somber melody and introspective lyrics, with Sting reflecting on the fears and anxieties of living in a world overshadowed by the threat of nuclear war. The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “I hope the Russians love their children too,” underscores the universal desire for peace and the recognition of shared humanity.
The lyrics of “Russians” touch on themes of political ideology, propaganda, and the consequences of war, offering a poignant commentary on the human condition. Sting’s emotive vocals and the song’s minimalist arrangement contribute to its powerful and thought-provoking impact.
“Russians” received critical acclaim upon its release and became one of Sting’s most socially conscious and politically charged songs. While it reached the top 20 in several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, its real impact lies in its message of peace and the hope for a better world free from the threat of nuclear conflict.
9. All This Time
“All This Time” is a song by Sting, released in 1991 as a single from his album “The Soul Cages.” The song was written by Sting and reflects themes of loss, grief, and coming to terms with mortality.
“All This Time” features a melodic and reflective sound, with Sting’s emotive vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar and subtle orchestration. The lyrics of the song are introspective, with Sting reflecting on the passing of time and the memories of his father’s death.
The song’s chorus, with its repeated refrain of “All this time, the river flowed endlessly to the sea,” serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the inevitability of change. Sting’s poignant lyrics and heartfelt delivery resonate with listeners, evoking a sense of nostalgia and introspection.
“All This Time” was well-received by critics and fans alike, and it became one of Sting’s most beloved and enduring songs. Its introspective themes and emotive melody have made it a staple of Sting’s live performances and a classic in his solo repertoire.
10. Brand New Day
“Brand New Day” is a song by Sting, released in 1999 as the title track of his album of the same name. The song was written by Sting and features a mix of pop, world music, and electronic elements.
“Brand New Day” is characterized by its upbeat and optimistic vibe, with a catchy melody and infectious rhythm. The song’s lyrics convey a message of hope, renewal, and embracing new beginnings, reflecting themes of personal growth and positivity.
The chorus of “Brand New Day” features the repeated refrain of “It’s a brand new day,” emphasizing the idea of starting fresh and leaving behind the past. Sting’s smooth vocals and the song’s lively instrumentation contribute to its uplifting and feel-good atmosphere.
“Brand New Day” was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 in several countries and winning the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 2000. The song’s positive message and catchy melody have made it one of Sting’s most popular and enduring songs, often cited as a favorite among fans.
The song’s title and themes have also been embraced beyond the realm of music, serving as inspiration for various projects and initiatives centered around positivity, personal growth, and new beginnings.
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.
