Top tracks — play these first
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Flow My Tears (Lachrimae) Start here — This track opens the album with a haunting arrangement that sets the tone for the thematic exploration of loss and longing prevalent throughout. Its combination of Sting's emotive vocals and lush instrumentation exemplifies his ability to meld classical and contemporary styles effectively.
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In Darkness Let Me Dwell — A powerful reflection on despair, this piece highlights Sting’s lyrical prowess and emotional depth, marrying Dowland's text with a modern musical interpretation that resonates strongly. The ethereal quality of the arrangement underscores the song's themes beautifully.
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Message in a Bottle — This reimagining of one of Sting's most iconic songs introduces a contrasting lightness against the album’s darker themes, showcasing his versatility while maintaining emotional integrity. Its inclusion offers a bridge between his past hits and this exploratory project.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- contemplative moments for reflection
- dynamic exploration of themes
- wave-like pacing with depth
- intimate sessions with poetry
- emotive vocals for quiet evenings
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Showcases Sting's pivot to classical influences, diverging from his established pop sound.
- Themes
- Renaissance poetry· haunting lute melodies· yearning beauty
- Career context
- Released in 2007, The Journey and the Labyrinth marks a significant artistic pivot for Sting, following his 2005 album, Songs from the Labyrinth. This project showcases his exploration of John Dowland's works, bridging Renaissance music with modern sensibilities, reflecting Sting's ongoing commitment to blending various musical traditions throughout his career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Peter Gabriel· David Bowie· Paul Simon
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Flow My Tears (Lachrimae) Start here 4:42
- 2 The Lowest Trees Have Tops 2:25
- 3 Fantasy 2:45
- 4 Come Again 2:52
- 5 Have You Seen the Bright Lily Grow 2:38
- 6 In Darkness Let Me Dwell 4:05
- 7 Hellhound on My Trail 3:15
- 8 Message in a Bottle 5:59
Disc 2
- 1 Come Again 3:39
- 2 Discussion: Project Origin 3:18
- 3 Can She Excuse My Wrongs 2:38
- 4 Discussion: The Lute and the Labyrinth 2:26
- 5 The Lowest Trees Have Tops 3:02
- 6 Flow My Tears 3:49
- 7 Discussion: Dowlands Exile 1:56
- 8 Clear or Cloudy 2:47
- 9 Discussion: Political Intrigue 3:33
- 10 Have You Seen the Bright Lily Grow 3:00
- 11 Weep You No More, Sad Fountains 2:36
- 12 Le Rossignol 1:13
- 13 Discussion: Religion 1:36
- 14 Discussion: Sting and the Lute 1:53
- 15 Come, Heavy Sleep 5:22
- 16 In Darkness Let Me Dwell 4:04
- 17 Discussion: Choir Rehearsal 2:41
- 18 Fine Knacks for Ladies 2:09
- 19 Can She Excuse My Wrongs 4:09
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Rise
Anoushka Shankar
Merges classical Indian music with modern influences, creating an emotive soundscape like Sting's lute work.
The Book of Secrets
Loreena McKennitt
Explores poetic themes and rich, haunting melodies, akin to the lyrical depth in Sting's album.
Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain
Yann Tiersen
Blends classical instrumentation with a modern sensibility, evoking a similar introspective atmosphere.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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