Sting
25 Years
A&M Records
www.umusic.com
By George W. Harris

One of the most well known artists from the 70s until today, Sting’s
post Police career has been as an important leap forward as the new
wave trio was way back when. This multi-disc retrospective box/book
covers the solo career in quite a comprehensive way. Arguably, the
most creative music he made were the ones with saxist Branford
Marsalis, which successfully combined modern rock with jazz. A good
percentage of that material is included here; alas, no “lost” or
“unreleased” finds from the vaults.

The things that are most striking about the music here, especially if
you take it in one long 3+ hour sitting, is a) how strong Sting’s voice
actually Is, and b) how overly serious/self important so much of this
music is. Very little joy or light-heartedness exudes from the heart of
Sting in his various environments. I’m not sure what that means, except
that this music is to be taken in very soberly. Intriguing listening
for the heavy hearted.