Sting – ...Nothing Like The Sun (2xLP)

Sting’s …Nothing Like the Sun, released in October 1987, is a deeply personal and musically rich album that showcases his evolution as a solo artist. Following the success of The Dream of the Blue Turtles, this record expands on his jazz-infused pop sound while incorporating elements of world music, rock, and sophisticated balladry. The title is inspired by Shakespeare’s Sonnet 130, and much of the album reflects themes of love, loss, and political awareness.

A defining feature of …Nothing Like the Sun is its elegant and atmospheric production. Sting worked with top-tier musicians, including saxophonist Branford Marsalis, guitarist Dominic Miller, and keyboardist Kenny Kirkland, creating a sound that is both polished and deeply expressive. The album’s tone is often melancholic, reflecting personal struggles Sting faced at the time, particularly the passing of his mother.

Several standout tracks define the album’s character. “Englishman in New York” is a jazzy, saxophone-driven ode to eccentricity and individuality, inspired by the writer Quentin Crisp. “Fragile” is a hauntingly delicate piece, blending classical guitar with poetic lyrics about the fragility of life. “We’ll Be Together” offers a more upbeat, funk-driven moment, while “They Dance Alone” serves as a political statement against the Chilean dictatorship, featuring a powerful blend of Latin rhythms and poignant lyrics.

One of the most striking aspects of …Nothing Like the Sun is Sting’s ability to balance deeply personal reflections with broader social commentary. His songwriting is introspective yet outward-looking, touching on themes of war, injustice, and personal sorrow with equal intensity. The album, while sonically lush, never feels excessive, instead allowing the arrangements to serve the depth of the lyrics.

With …Nothing Like the Sun, Sting cemented himself as an artist far beyond his work with The Police. It’s a sophisticated and emotionally resonant album that continues to stand the test of time, both for its masterful musicianship and its lyrical depth.