What is the best Sting album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Ten Summoner's Tales" (1993). It's the most representative of what makes Sting worth hearing.

What are the best Sting albums?

The essential Sting albums include "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" (1985), "The Dream of the Blue Turtles" (1985), "Russians" (1985), "Bring on the Night" (1986) and "...Nothing Like the Sun" (1987).

How many albums does Sting have?

Sting has 82 releases in their discography, including 21 albums and 4 EPs.

Photo: Raph_PH · CC BY 2.0

Sting

Q: Who is Sting for?

If you're into jazz and new wave, Sting is worth your time. A fluid interplay of soulful melodies and intricate rhythms creates an atmosphere of reflective intimacy, marked by moments of spacious restraint and melodic tension.

A fluid interplay of soulful melodies and intricate rhythms creates an atmosphere of reflective intimacy, marked by moments of spacious restraint and melodic tension.

jazz · new age music · new wave · reggae

United Kingdom

Read about Sting on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Ten Summoner's Tales (1993)

Showcases Sting's blend of pop and jazz influences with cohesive songwriting, making it accessible to new listeners.

The song

“Desert Rose”

Features a captivating hook and blends world music elements, introducing Sting's diverse style effectively.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"44/876" — from 44/876 (2018)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Message in a Bottle" — from The Very Best of Sting & The Police (1997)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Can She Excuse My Wrongs?" — from Songs from the Labyrinth (2006)

accessible entry with immediate hook
4

"Fragile" — from The Living Sea: Soundtrack from the IMAX Film (1995)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"Gabriel’s Message" — from If On a Winter's Night... (2009)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Island of Souls" — from The Soul Cages (1991)

establishes the sonic palette early

About Sting

Sting's presence in the music landscape has redefined the boundaries of pop and rock, weaving intricate narratives with emotional depth that resonate across generations.

His ability to blend elements of jazz and blue-eyed soul into mainstream consciousness not only broadened the palette for artists that followed but also elevated songwriting standards, inviting listeners to engage with their emotions in a more profound way. His approach to music is often characterized by a meticulous craftsmanship that merges storytelling with sophisticated melodies. Sting utilizes complex chord progressions and rhythmic subtleties to create spaces that feel intimate yet expansive, allowing each song to breathe. This innovative framework encourages a rich interplay between lyricism and composition, where every note feels intentional and layered. In his songwriting, Sting frequently navigates themes of love, loss, and introspection, often employing a reflective tone that oscillates between sincerity and irony. His narratives invite listeners into personal stories while simultaneously addressing universal truths, crafting an experience that feels both relatable and deeply philosophical. There’s a conversational quality to his voice that makes even the most abstract concepts accessible.

21 studio albums· 82 total releases· 3 decades· United Kingdom