Introduction
"57th & 9th" is the twelfth solo studio album by British singer-songwriter and former Police frontman, Sting. Launched on September 23, 2016, the album signifies Sting's go back to his rock roots after a hiatus checking out various musical genres including classical, jazz, and world music. The title "57th & 9th" is a reference to the intersection of streets near the recording studio in New York City where the album was developed.
Album Production
Sting collaborated with his long time producer, Martin Kierszenbaum for "57th & 9th", with the album being tape-recorded in simply under three months-- a relatively fast process compared to Sting's previous jobs. The spontaneous nature of the recording sessions allowed Sting and his band members, consisting of drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, guitar players Dominic Miller and Lyle Workman, and guest musician Josh Freese, to explore their creativity and let the tunes establish naturally.
Musical Style
The album showcases a blend of different musical styles, with rock, pop, and folk-infused elements throughout, representing Sting's return to rock music. It is a diverse mix of tunes that includes memorable tunes, transmittable guitar riffs, and thought-provoking lyrics. Some highlights from the album include the tracks "I Can't Stop Thinking About You", a driving rock tune similar to The Police, "Petrol Head", a fast-paced and energetic rock offering, and "One Fine Day", an acoustic ballad with a strong environmental message.
Lyrical Themes
"57th & 9th" delves into many themes, exploring personal self-questioning, existential questions, and social and political commentary. The opening track "I Can't Stop Thinking About You" deals with the idea of fascination and unrequited love, while "50,000" was influenced by the deaths of a number of iconic musicians in 2016, including David Bowie and Prince, and functions as a reflection on fame and death. "Inshallah" is a somber ballad that offers commentary on the Syrian refugee crisis and "One Fine Day" touches on environment modification and the immediate need for action.
Reception
The album received usually favorable reviews from music critics, who praised Sting's go back to his rock roots and the album's diverse range of musical designs. In addition, fans appreciated his exploration of numerous themes, consisting of both individual and worldwide concerns.
"57th & 9th" peaked at number 9 on the United States Billboard 200 chart and went into the UK Albums Chart at number 15. It likewise accomplished business success in other countries, such as France, Germany, and Italy.
A number of songs from the album likewise acquired attention, most notably "I Can't Stop Thinking About You" and "One Fine Day", receiving airplay on radio stations and making spots on different music charts around the world.
Conclusion
"57th & 9th" acts as a strong return to form for Sting, showcasing his talent for mixing numerous musical designs and providing informative, thought-provoking lyrics. The album takes listeners on a journey through subjects varying from personal introspection to global problems, all while delivering unforgettable melodies and contagious rhythms. As his very first album in several years, "57th & 9th" shows that Sting remains a vital and relevant artist in the music market, continuing to create engaging and engaging work for his fans to take pleasure in.
Artist: Sting
Sting, born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, renowned musician and lead singer of The Police. Discover his solo works, quotes, and inspirations.
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