Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Andy Summers' Top Solo Albums Ranked

In the midst of Andy Summers' successful multimedia tour and the summer streaming release and the fall CD release of his latest album, Vertiginous Canyons, I decided to reassess the Police guitarist's body of solo work and share what I consider are his best and most noteworthy recordings.

My main criteria for these rankings are a primary focus on Summers' guitar playing, the tightness of the compositions, and the consistency of style within each album.

The result is a nice range of artistic output that showcases the depth, breadth, and timelessness of Summers' unique talents and signature sounds over the course of nearly 40 years, from his 40s to his 80s. 

Top Andy Summers Solo Album

Mysterious Barricades (1988)

Top Three Andy Summers Solo Albums

Mysterious Barricades (1988)

Synaesthesia (1995)

Harmonics of the Night (2021)

Top Five Andy Summers Solo Albums

Mysterious Barricades (1988)

The Golden Wire (1989)

Synaesthesia (1995)

Harmonics of the Night (2021)

Vertiginous Canyons (2024)

--Raj Manoharan

CD Version of Andy Summers' Latest Album, Vertiginous Canyons, Due November 1, 2024

Following the June 21, 2024, digital download and streaming release of Andy Summers' latest album, Vertiginous Canyons, the CD version of the recording is scheduled to be available beginning November 1, 2024.

So far it appears that the compact disc will contain the same number of tracks as the digital release, eight tunes at a running time of 23 minutes.

It is expected that the CD will contain the actual photographs from Summers' 2023 book, A Series of Glances, that were the inspiration for the music on Vertiginous Canyons.

--Raj Manoharan