The debut that shoulda been

This, the follow-up to "Dream Of The Blue Turtles" was Sting's REAL debut LP, or at least, where he finally arrived at true artistic brilliance.



His pop sensibilities are still present, here... check out 'Englishman In New York' and 'We'll Be Together' for evidence, but added to all this is a bit of picked guitar ("Fragile"), some jazzy polyrhythms ("They Dance Alone"), and a great cover of Jimi Hendrix' "Little Wing".



It's as essential an 80s document as Peter Gabriel's "So" album was, and still holds up, even nearly 20 years later.

Sophomore jinx?

While I like this album in essence I feel that Sting was in a process of finding his own way on this collection of songs. No doubt that there are high points. "They dance alone" is a wonderful, haunting gem; "Fragile" has shown itself to be a true classic; "We'll be together" is one very funky and fun cut; and "Rock Steady" is a great example of his great sense of humor and clever phrasing. Other than that, however, the songs sink into a jazzy mediocrity that doesn't age well at all. And the half-hearted cover of "Little Wing" should have been left for some future box set. It just doesn't measure up to even Derek and the Dominoes version. After this Sting evidently had a true epiphany and set out to create his most personal and creative album to date - The power-packed "Soul Cages."

a masterpiece

One of the best crafted pop albums of the last 20 years - a true masterpiece. Sting is a genius. Track for track this is one amazing recording.

This New Yorker's favorite Englishman!

One of Sting's most brilliant albums. Both musically and lyrically among the finest. It is also one of his most personal and thought-provoking albums. You WILL want to read all the lyrics with the songs. And each song is a rare gem. Who can dispute the power contained in the ballads "Fragile" and "Secret Marriage?" Sting is also unafraid of tackling political issues in song, as in "They Dance Alone. " This album is a prime showcase of Sting's great intelligence and competence as a musician, and his affection for life and love. I have never listened to any other album as much as I have to this one. If you don't already have it, buy it. The enhanced CD even has a bonus video. You will not be disappointed.