The Police – Ghost In The Machine

The Police – Ghost In The Machine

The Police – Ghost In The Machine is the fourth studio album from the legendary British trio, originally released in 1981. It marked a significant development in the band's sound, bringing synthesizers, keyboards and saxophones further into the mix while retaining the rhythmic energy and reggae influences of their earlier work. The album topped the UK Albums Chart and became a multi-platinum international success.

The album opens with "Spirits In The Material World", combining Sting's bass and vocals with a distinctive synthesizer-driven rhythm, before moving into the instantly recognisable "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic". With its memorable piano melody and Caribbean-influenced groove, the latter became one of The Police's biggest international hits.

"Invisible Sun" provides a darker, more atmospheric change of pace, while "Hungry For You (J'aurais Toujours Faim De Toi)" incorporates French lyrics and prominent saxophone lines. The powerful "Demolition Man" closes the first side with one of the album's heaviest performances.

Side two continues the album's more adventurous direction with "Too Much Information", the urgent "Rehumanize Yourself" and "One World (Not Three)". Andy Summers' "Omegaman" brings another distinctive dimension to the record, while "Secret Journey" and the atmospheric "Darkness" provide a suitably reflective conclusion.

Produced by Hugh Padgham alongside The Police, Ghost In The Machine was recorded at AIR Studios in Montserrat and Le Studio in Quebec. The album's more sophisticated production and increased use of jazz and electronic textures helped bridge the gap between the band's earlier reggae-rock sound and the more ambitious approach that would culminate in Synchronicity.

For collectors of The Police, Sting, Andy Summers, Stewart Copeland, new wave, classic rock, reggae rock and 1980s vinyl, Ghost In The Machine is an essential album from one of Britain's most successful and innovative rock trios.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Spirits In The Material World – 2:58
2. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic – 4:20
3. Invisible Sun – 3:43
4. Hungry For You (J'aurais Toujours Faim De Toi) – 2:52
5. Demolition Man – 5:54

Side B

1. Too Much Information – 3:42
2. Rehumanize Yourself – 3:10
3. One World (Not Three) – 4:45
4. Omegaman – 2:47
5. Secret Journey – 3:32
6. Darkness – 3:11