Sting – ...Nothing Like The Sun

Sting – ...Nothing Like The Sun

Sting's second solo studio album, ...Nothing Like The Sun, released in 1987, is an accomplished and richly textured collection that further established his identity beyond The Police. Blending sophisticated pop, jazz, reggae, soft rock and world music influences, the album showcases a more expansive and atmospheric approach to songwriting, combining thoughtful lyrics with intricate arrangements and an impressive collection of guest musicians.

Following the success of his debut solo album The Dream of the Blue Turtles, Sting continued to explore the musical territory that had begun to emerge in his earlier work, developing a distinctive sound that balances accessible melodies with jazz-influenced instrumentation, subtle rhythms and reflective songwriting. Recorded at AIR Studios in Montserrat, the album was produced by Sting alongside Neil Dorfsman and Bryan Loren.

One of the album's defining features is its remarkable collection of guest musicians, including Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Andy Summers, Hiram Bullock and jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis. Their contributions add considerable depth and variety, moving between delicate acoustic passages, sophisticated jazz arrangements and more rhythmically driven pop.

The album contains several of Sting's best-known solo recordings. Englishman In New York is an enduring highlight, distinguished by its memorable melody, understated reggae-influenced rhythm and Branford Marsalis's expressive saxophone. Fragile is another standout, a beautifully restrained acoustic composition that has become one of Sting's most recognisable songs. Elsewhere, We'll Be Together provides a more upbeat pop-rock contrast, while They Dance Alone (Gueca Solo) is a particularly powerful composition addressing the suffering of women whose relatives disappeared during Chile's military dictatorship.

The second half of the album continues to demonstrate Sting's musical versatility, from the sophisticated atmosphere of Sister Moon to his interpretation of Jimi Hendrix's Little Wing, before closing with the understated, reflective The Secret Marriage.

A major commercial and critical success, ...Nothing Like The Sun reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and remains an important release in Sting's solo catalogue. Its combination of intelligent songwriting, accomplished musicianship and adventurous musical influences makes it an essential album for fans of Sting, The Police, sophisticated 1980s pop, jazz-inflected rock and atmospheric singer-songwriter recordings.

An excellent addition to any collection of Sting and 1980s vinyl, featuring timeless songs and an outstanding supporting cast of musicians.

Tracklist

Side A

1. The Lazarus Heart – 4:34

2. Be Still My Beating Heart – 5:32

3. Englishman In New York – 4:25

Side B

1. History Will Teach Us Nothing – 4:58

2. They Dance Alone (Gueca Solo) – 7:16

3. Fragile – 3:54

Side C

1. We'll Be Together – 4:52

2. Straight To My Heart – 3:54

3. Rock Steady – 4:27

Side D

1. Sister Moon – 3:46

2. Little Wing – 5:04

3. The Secret Marriage – 2:03