57th & 9th (2016)
57th & 9th marks Sting’s return to rock and a more traditional sound after several years of chasing different genres and oddball passion projects. The record is energetic, with a straightforward, no-frills approach to rock.
Here’s my disappointment, though: it lacks the complexity and experimentation that defined Sting’s earlier work. It feels safe and predictable, without the risk-taking that made his best records so memorable. There’s nothing wrong or offensive about any of these songs, and I won’t go so far as to say Sting was lazy or just walked through this one. But musically, it isn’t challenging anything that hasn’t already been done a million times over, especially by veteran artists who’ve come back well past their heyday.
57th & 9th may not be Sting’s most innovative or groundbreaking record, but a few tracks have some enjoyable moments and remind you what he can do as a songwriter and performer. Most of those come on the Deluxe, in the bonus tracks: better alternate versions of songs from the record, plus a great live take on Next to You, the opening cut from The Police’s debut. Whether this one lives up to the standard his earlier work set is ultimately down to your taste and what you want out of a modern-day Sting record.
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Highlight Songs:
One Fine Day
I Can’t Stop Thinking About You (LA Version)
Inshallah (Berlin Sessions Version)
Next To You (Live) ft. The Last Bandoleros
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
The Deluxe is worth a listen for the bonus material, but I don’t think I’d go as far as suggesting to own it. Stream it if you’re curious, but ultimately you’re not missing out on anything groundbreaking. This record is very much so just right down the middle.
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Overall Rating:
3 Stars
