What makes Englishman in New York by Sting notable?

The song became one of Sting's signature tracks, reaching number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning critical acclaim for its lyrical depth and catchy melody. Its themes of cultural dislocation resonated widely, making it a staple in discussions about the immigrant experience. The track has also been covered by numerous artists, further cementing its influence in popular music. Released in 1988, 'Englishman in New York' came shortly after Sting's successful debut solo album, 'The Dream of the Blue Turtles'. At this point, he was solidifying his identity as a solo artist, moving away from The Police's rock sound and exploring more diverse influences. This single marked a continuation of his experimentation with various genres, including jazz and reggae.

How many songs are on Englishman in New York?

Englishman in New York has 3 tracks, running approximately 18 minutes.

Englishman in New York

Sting · 1988

18 min · 3 tracks · jazz

A blend of smooth jazz and pop, infused with the reflective storytelling that defines Sting's unique style.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Englishman in New York (edit) — This track encapsulates the album's theme of feeling out of place in a foreign land, blending smooth melodies with Sting's distinctive vocal delivery.
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If You Love Somebody Set Them Free (dance mix) — This dance mix showcases Sting's ability to merge thoughtful lyrics with an upbeat, engaging rhythm, highlighting the versatility of his songwriting.
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Englishman in New York — The extended version enhances the song's lush arrangements and deepens its exploration of identity and belonging through its evocative lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

49 /100

Foothills

Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong melodies but lacks cohesive flow due to its mixed versions.

What we noticed

The lead track features a prominent saxophone melody that carries the main theme, supported by a steady rhythm section.
The second track is a dance mix that alters the original's tempo and instrumentation, creating a different feel while maintaining the core melody.
The final track is a full version of the lead single, which expands on the themes introduced in the edit.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Sting's solo identity and reached wider recognition with its signature sound.
Themes: cultural dislocation· New York alienation· outsider perspective
Career context: Released in 1988, 'Englishman in New York' came shortly after Sting's successful debut solo album, 'The Dream of the Blue Turtles'. At this point, he was solidifying his identity as a solo artist, moving away from The Police's rock sound and exploring more diverse influences. This single marked a continuation of his experimentation with various genres, including jazz and reggae.
Stylistic neighbors: Peter Gabriel· David Bowie· Paul Simon