Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner is back in top form with his best all-around solo album since 1996’s Mercury Falling. It is also one of his best albums of all time and certainly his best album of the 21st century so far.
More than any of his offerings in the previous quarter century, Sting’s latest release builds a bridge back to the highs of the first decade of his solo career while still sounding fresh and modern. It marks a welcome return to organic instrumentation with subtle electronic and orchestral embellishments to round out Sting’s classic sonic grandiosity.
Now 70 years old, Sting sounds as good as ever, with just a hint of wizened grizzle. His trademark multi-tracked vocals are utilized to great effect on the rousing, Police-like opening number, “Rushing Water.”
Other song highlights include “Harmony Road” (with a beautiful sax solo by longtime collaborator Branford Marsalis), “The Hills on the Border,” the title track, and “Captain Bateman’s Basement” (one of three extra tunes on the deluxe edition).
The absolute gem of this already stellar collection is “The Bells of St. Thomas,” which is one of Sumner’s finest musical and lyrical compositions.
Sting, it’s great to have you back!
--Raj Manoharan
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