Sting’s songs reframed

Sting is once again on tour. The multi-awarded British singer and songwriter, actor, writer, humanitarian and environmental activist, etc., etc. has already gone around Europe. Then he has a Las Vegas residency scheduled for next year. And in between those, there will be Asia.

The current tour comes together with an all-new recorded studio album titled My Songs. This one is made up of 15 of Sting’s biggest hits, both as a member of The Police and as a solo artist. He has taken the classic songs and then styled and arranged them in a new, contemporary pop style.

So now comes the inevitable question. Why re-record the oldies, which are already perfect the way they are and which so many people continue to enjoy listening to? Given his talent as a composer, Sting could have easily put together an album of new material that would have given him a couple or more, new big sellers.

I caught Sting in a guest appearance in Jimmy Fallon’s show a few weeks ago and I liked the way he explained why he decided to do the re-recordings. He said that a song and an artist have a relationship. The first time that a song is recorded marks the beginning. Although the recording stays the way it is over the years, the way that an artist feels about a song is constantly changing.

Such is what has happened between Sting and his hits. Hence the decision to record them again. My Songs mirrors those new feelings. Those already familiar with the songs will certainly also have new feelings about them. How they react will also show how they have changed over the years. Like them or not, the reactions should be interesting.

Another thing. And this is the reason I like best about the re-recordings. My Songs will introduce Sting and his music to a whole new generation of listeners, a younger batch attuned to the current music trends. They may have already passed up on the old ones as their parents’ music but would now be receptive to those songs packaged as sounds that they are used to.

I believe that these much-loved songs in the album, also make up the repertoire for his current tour where he performs with an electric, rock ensemble. This means that if we watch the show, we will get Fields Of Gold as electric. Or try to imagine Roxanne. The prospects already thrill and that must be why his performances have been reaping raves everywhere he went.

 So check out Sting’s My Songs rendered in his now lower, warmer tone and embark on an adventure both new and familiar and as ever exciting. Included are Brand New Day, Desert Rose, If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, Every Breath You Take, Demolition Man, Can’t Stand Losing You, Fields Of Gold, So Lonely, Shape Of My Heart, Message In A Bottle, Fragile, Walking On The Moon, Englishman In New York, If I Ever Lose My Faith In You and Roxanne.

Come to think of it. This is not the first time that Sting has done a re-recorded set. There was also big-selling Symphonicities from some years ago. I believe that it was one of the best mixed and mastered albums I had ever heard. It was one fantastic experience hearing the hit songs by Sting performed in a classical style with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Think and imagine. Better yet stream the album or bring out your old CD. Englishman In New York, Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, You Will Be My Ain True Love and others performed by Sting as classical pieces. The result is mind-blowing.

But come to think of it again. Why is Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic not included in My Songs? It would be nice to hear how Sting interprets the song now. Also I Hung My Head and others.

(Sting was scheduled to perform at the Araneta Coliseum on Oct. 2, but the show was cancelled last Saturday, July 13, due to scheduling conflicts. Ticket refund details will be posted soon, according to concert producer Ovation Productions.)