What makes Be Still My Beating Heart by Sting notable?

The album received critical acclaim and peaked at number 10 on the UK Albums Chart, solidifying Sting's position as a solo artist. It also showcased his growing artistry through sophisticated arrangements and lyrical depth, influencing subsequent artists in the pop and jazz genres. Released on December 1, 1987, Be Still My Beating Heart is Sting's first solo album following the critical and commercial success of his debut, The Dream of the Blue Turtles. This album marks a transitional phase for Sting as he began to explore deeper personal themes while moving further away from the rock influences of The Police.

How many songs are on Be Still My Beating Heart?

Be Still My Beating Heart has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Be Still My Beating Heart

Sting · 1987

7 min · 2 tracks · jazz

A soulful blend of jazz-inflected pop and introspective lyricism that captures the essence of late '80s emotional exploration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Be Still My Beating Heart — This title track encapsulates the album's emotional core, blending poignant lyrics with a haunting melody that highlights Sting's vocal range and lyrical vulnerability.
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Ghost in the Strand — This track features an intricate arrangement that complements its reflective lyrics, showcasing Sting's skill in merging storytelling with musicality.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases sophisticated arrangements and strong melodies, reflecting Sting's transition into solo artistry.

What we noticed

The first track features a prominent saxophone melody that carries the emotional weight, while the second track introduces a more rhythmic piano line.
Both tracks employ complex chord progressions typical of jazz, with shifts in dynamics that create a conversational feel between instruments.
The arrangement includes layered instrumentation, with strings and brass adding depth to the overall sound without overshadowing the lead melodies.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.