Top tracks — play these first
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The Hounds of Winter Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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I Hung My Head — This track stands out for its haunting melody and poignant storytelling about regret and responsibility, effectively showcasing Sting's lyrical depth.
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I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying — This collaboration with Mary J. Blige blends pop and country influences while exploring complex emotions around happiness and sorrow, highlighting Sting's versatility.
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Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot — The song features an uplifting message about self-discovery and guidance, encapsulating the spiritual themes that underpin much of the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends pop and jazz elements with introspective lyrics, creating a varied but cohesive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The first four tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the subsequent tracks introduce varied instrumentation and tempo shifts.
- Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies alongside instrumental sections, creating a rich sound texture.
- The album closes with 'Lithium Sunset,' which features an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady flow with gradual resolution
- introspective reflections on relationships
- suitable for evening relaxation
- rich melodies for quiet moments
- contemplative listening on rainy days
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Offers a blend of styles but is not as recognized as earlier albums.
- Themes
- regret and redemption· spiritual self-discovery
- Career context
- Released on March 8, 1996, 'Mercury Falling' marked Sting's fifth solo studio album, following the commercially successful 'Ten Summoner's Tales.' At this point in his career, he was exploring deeper emotional themes and varied musical styles, building on his established reputation as a solo artist after years with The Police.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Peter Gabriel· David Bowie· Paul Simon
Tracklist
- 1 The Hounds of Winter Start here 5:26
- 2 I Hung My Head 4:40
- 3 Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot 6:43
- 4 I Was Brought to My Senses 5:50
- 5 You Still Touch Me 3:46
- 6 I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying 3:57
- 7 All Four Seasons 4:28
- 8 Twenty Five to Midnight 4:08
- 9 La Belle Dame sans regrets 5:16
- 10 Valparaiso 5:27
- 11 Lithium Sunset 2:37
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
White Ladder
David Gray
Shares introspective lyrics and a blend of soft rock with acoustic and electronic elements.
Come Away with Me
Norah Jones
Combines jazz-inflected melodies with reflective themes of love and self-discovery.
Hourglass
James Taylor
Explores personal themes through rich melodies and a soft rock/jazz fusion style.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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