Is ...Nothing Like the Sun a good place to start with Sting?

Yes, ...Nothing Like the Sun is recommended as a starting point for new Sting listeners. A fusion of jazz-inflected pop and poignant lyrics, weaving personal reflection with global concerns through rich instrumentation. Released on August 13, 1987, ...Nothing Like the Sun followed Sting's successful debut solo album, The Dream of the Blue Turtles. By this point in his career, Sting had established himself as a formidable solo artist after leaving The Police, yet he was still seeking to carve out a distinct identity beyond his past.

Who is ...Nothing Like the Sun for?

...Nothing Like the Sun works well if you're into steady pacing for reflective moments, introspective vibes for quiet evenings and emotional peaks that invite contemplation.

How many songs are on ...Nothing Like the Sun?

...Nothing Like the Sun has 12 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

...Nothing Like the Sun

Sting · 1987

55 min · 12 tracks · jazz

A fusion of jazz-inflected pop and poignant lyrics, weaving personal reflection with global concerns through rich instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Lazarus Heart Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Englishman in New York — This track captures Sting's exploration of identity and cultural dislocation with its catchy melody and sophisticated lyrical play.
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Fragile — The delicate arrangement and poignant lyrics address themes of loss and fragility, showcasing Sting's ability to blend emotional depth with musical elegance.
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They Dance Alone (Gueca solo) — This haunting piece combines personal narrative with a broader social message about oppression in Chile, highlighting Sting’s engagement with political issues in his music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends jazz and pop with thoughtful lyrics, showcasing strong craftsmanship but not entirely unique in its sound.

What we noticed

The lyrics frequently shift between personal introspection and broader social commentary, as seen in tracks like 'Englishman in New York' and 'Fragile'.
The final track, 'The Secret Marriage', concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving an unresolved feeling that invites further reflection.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for reflective moments
introspective vibes for quiet evenings
emotional peaks that invite contemplation
lush instrumentation for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party tracks
prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — ...Nothing Like the Sun solidified Sting's status as a prominent solo artist.
Themes: cultural dislocation· political oppression· vulnerability and peace
Moods: Introspective· Chill
Career context: Released on August 13, 1987, ...Nothing Like the Sun followed Sting's successful debut solo album, The Dream of the Blue Turtles. By this point in his career, Sting had established himself as a formidable solo artist after leaving The Police, yet he was still seeking to carve out a distinct identity beyond his past.
Stylistic neighbors: Peter Gabriel· David Bowie· Paul Simon