Sting’s experiment with American Country music lends an air of sophistication and dark depth rarely seen in the modern age of the genre.

“If nature’s red in tooth and claw
Like winter’s freeze and summer’s thaw
The wounds she gave me
Were the wounds that would heal me
And we’d be like the moon and sun
And when our courtly dance had run
Its course across the sky
Then together we would lie
And out of the confusion
Where the river meets the sea
Something new would arrive
Something better would arrive
I was brought to my senses
I was blind but now that I can see
Every signpost in nature
Said you belong to me”

Our first musical repeat offender: The Police – Regatta Da Blanc

While not nearly as charming or jazzy as his previous pop revelation or as polished as his end-of-the-century-blockbuster, Brand New Day. Sting’s often overlooked 1996 album, Mercury Falling is a masterclass in simple storytelling.

Sounding light years away from the port city he was raised, Sting’s, Mercury Falling, is a mix between mid 90’s Midwestern pop country and his usual potpourri of gospel, jazz, rock and world.

Starting off with the epic, “Hounds of Winter” the introduction immediately sets the tone for the album. With the first line (and last line) of the album being the phrase, “Mercury Falling” as a suggestion of dropping temperatures, Sting sets the vibe of the album quickly, giving you a middle of winter, no end in sight type hopelessness.

Although it does certainly pick up later with the tongue-in-cheek single, “I’m so Happy I Can’t Stop Crying“ and the French, “La Belle Dame Sans Regrets” the album maintains a cool disposition throughout. An emptiness and longing displayed through lonely Americana.

It’s an album that is easy to overlook with only a single play through, but when given enough attention, like most of Sting’s works, rewards it’s listeners with a lifetime of lessons.

SONGS YOU DEFINITELY HAVE HEARD

“Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot”

(Look at this fucking hair cut LMFAO)

“I’m So Happy That I Can’t Stop Crying”

SONGS YOU DEFINITELY NEED TO HEAR

“I Was Brought to My Senses” (One of my wife and mine favorite songs)

“La Belle Dame Sans Regrets”

Released: March 8th 1996

Genre: Rock, Pop, Americana

Label: A & M

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