Sacred Love (2003)

We’re slowly approaching the phase of Sting’s discography where his mojo doesn’t last the whole record, though he again manages to blend genres well enough to make something solid and cohesive. Inspired by world music and the shifting styles of current pop, Sting tries new things to avoid getting bored or complacent. In doing so, we get a record that at times feels a little boring and complacent.

The opener, Inside, tries to fuse electronic synths with staple rock elements. In reaching for some larger-than-life epic, the song feels like Sting is trying a little too hard. There’s so much climax, so much energy, so much “epic,” that it gets lost in itself. I can’t say the same for what follows, though. Send Your Love blends world music, Indian sounds, and jazz rock into a memorable, catchy tune, and it makes a strong case for the most unique and the best song on the record.

Whenever I Say Your Name is a duet between Sting and the iconic Mary J. Blige. The sultry R&B song puts both of their voices front and center, and it still comes off a bit bland. There’s probably some bias in my read here, since 90s and early-2000s R&B doesn’t do much for me. It’s a great entry into that genre and style, but personally, it isn’t one I get.

After the mixed, rocky start we get some filler and some solid songs, but it isn’t until This War that things really hit home. Dead Man’s Rope, Never Coming Home, and the rest are all good, but they lack memorability and fall a little flat. This War, however, is an absolute monster. Hammond organs scream in the back, and a powerful backing choir drives home the passion and intensity of the song.

There’s even more world music in The Book of My Life, which blends Middle Eastern and Indian styles with the New York bossa nova jazz-lounge feel Sting loves to dip into. This one is a reminder that when Sting brings his A game, he really brings it, exploring new ground while keeping it fresh. It’s a great example of when the experiments work. Trouble is, plenty of this record is an example of when they don’t.

Overall, Sacred Love is a diverse record with some genuinely unique, memorable songs and a modern feel built on electronic beats and world music. It’s a solid addition to the catalog and worth a listen. Only a few songs, though, are worth a relisten.

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Highlight Songs:

• Send Your Love

• This War

• The Book of My Life

• Sacred Love

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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?

I believe you could get away with just streaming this one. If my first listen through Sting’s discography is still accurate, then this is the turning point where Sting’s mojo starts to get away from him. Own the album if you want to own a collection of solid and consistent albums, but if this one truly is the turning point then just stream the songs you like and move on.

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Overall Rating:

3 Stars