Sting, the iconic frontman of The Police, launched his solo career with a bang, blending jazz, rock, pop, and world influences into timeless music. If you’re a die-hard fan wondering about Sting albums in order, this guide dives deep into his 15 studio releases from 1985 to 2021. We’ll explore each one’s vibe, key themes, and standout moments, helping you relive his evolution from brooding balladeer to global collaborator. Whether you’re streaming on Spotify or spinning vinyl, discover why these albums cement Sting’s legacy as a songwriting genius. Let’s journey through his discography!
List of Sting Albums In Order by Year
Below is a complete list of Sting’s studio albums in order of release date, presented in a table format. This includes all 15 solo studio albums from 1985 to 2021, as covered in the previous response.
| Release Date | Album Title |
|---|---|
| June 1, 1985 | The Dream of the Blue Turtles |
| October 19, 1987 | …Nothing Like the Sun |
| January 22, 1991 | The Soul Cages |
| March 9, 1993 | Ten Summoner’s Tales |
| March 25, 1996 | Mercury Falling |
| September 7, 1999 | Brand New Day |
| September 30, 2003 | Sacred Love |
| October 9, 2006 | Songs from the Labyrinth |
| October 26, 2009 | If on a Winter’s Night… |
| July 13, 2010 | Symphonicities |
| September 24, 2013 | The Last Ship |
| November 11, 2016 | 57th & 9th |
| April 20, 2018 | 44/876 (with Shaggy) |
| May 24, 2019 | My Songs |
| November 19, 2021 | The Bridge |
Sting Albums In Order: A Complete Guide to His Solo Discography

The Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985)
Sting’s solo debut, *The Dream of the Blue Turtles*, marked a bold departure from The Police’s punk energy, embracing jazz fusion with a stellar band including Branford Marsalis. Released amid his post-Police reinvention, it tackles love, politics, and introspection—think anti-war anthems like “Russians.” This album’s sophisticated sound and Sting’s vulnerable vocals set the stage for his mature artistry, earning Grammy nods and proving he could thrive alone. Fans love its emotional depth; it’s essential for understanding Sting’s growth into a multifaceted musician.
Track list:
– 1. If You Love Somebody Set Them Free
– 2. Love Is The Seventh Wave
– 3. Russians
– 4. Children’s Crusade
– 5. Shadows In The Rain
– 6. We Work The Black Seam
– 7. Consider Me Gone
– 8. The Dream Of The Blue Turtles
– 9. Moon Over Bourbon Street
– 10. Fortress Around Your Heart
…Nothing Like the Sun (1987)
Inspired by Shakespeare, Sting’s double album *…Nothing Like the Sun* expands on his jazz-rock fusion, weaving Latin rhythms and eclectic covers like Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing.” It’s a reflective journey through loss, identity, and global issues, with hits like “Englishman in New York” celebrating outsider status. This ambitious release showcases Sting’s storytelling prowess and musical experimentation, solidifying his solo stardom. Critics praised its maturity; for fans, it’s a treasure trove of emotional highs and intricate arrangements that still resonate today.
Track list:
– 1. The Lazarus Heart
– 2. Be Still My Beating Heart
– 3. Englishman In New York
– 4. History Will Teach Us Nothing
– 5. They Dance Alone (Gueca Solo)
– 6. Fragile
– 7. We’ll Be Together
– 8. Straight To My Heart
– 9. Rock Steady
– 10. Sister Moon
– 11. Little Wing
– 12. The Secret Marriage
The Soul Cages (1991)
Grief-fueled after his father’s death, *The Soul Cages* is Sting’s darkest album, exploring mortality and industrial decay in his Newcastle roots. Tracks like “All This Time” blend Celtic folk with rock, creating haunting narratives. This introspective work topped charts and won a Grammy for Best Rock Song, highlighting Sting’s lyrical depth. It’s a pivotal shift to personal storytelling, resonating with listeners facing loss—perfect for those seeking Sting’s raw, unfiltered emotion beyond the hits.
Track list:
– 1. Island Of Souls
– 2. All This Time
– 3. Mad About You
– 4. Jeremiah Blues (Part 1)
– 5. Why Should I Cry For You
– 6. Saint Agnes And The Burning Train
– 7. The Wild Wild Sea
– 8. The Soul Cages
– 9. When The Angels Fall
Ten Summoner’s Tales (1993)
A playful nod to his real name (Gordon Sumner), *Ten Summoner’s Tales* bursts with witty pop-rock gems like “Fields of Gold” and “Shape of My Heart.” Sting’s sixth sense for hooks shines, mixing humor, romance, and philosophy. This chart-topping album, co-produced with Hugh Padgham, revived his commercial peak and inspired countless covers. It’s Sting at his most accessible yet clever—ideal for newcomers craving upbeat anthems with substance.
Track list:
– 1. If I Ever Lose My Faith In You
– 2. Love Is Stronger Than Justice (The Munificent Seven)
– 3. Fields Of Gold
– 4. Heavy Cloud No Rain
– 5. She’s Too Good For Me
– 6. Seven Days
– 7. Saint Augustine In Hell
– 8. It’s Probably Me
– 9. Everybody Laughed But You
– 10. Shape Of My Heart
– 11. Something The Boy Said
– 12. Nothing ‘Bout Me
Mercury Falling (1996)
Diving into melancholy, *Mercury Falling* reflects on aging and relationships with orchestral flourishes and tracks like “I Hung My Head,” later covered by Johnny Cash. Sting’s voice soars over lush arrangements, blending electronica hints with folk. Though underrated commercially, it’s a fan favorite for its emotional honesty and underrated gems. This album bridges his pop era to experimental phases, rewarding patient listeners with profound insights into life’s ebbs.
Track list:
– 1. The Hounds Of Winter
– 2. I Hung My Head
– 3. Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot
– 4. I Was Brought To My Senses
– 5. You Still Touch Me
– 6. I’m So Happy I Can’t Stop Crying
– 7. All Four Seasons
– 8. Twenty Five To Midnight
– 9. La Belle Dame Sans Regrets
– 10. Valparaiso
– 11. Lithium Sunset
Brand New Day (1999)
Revitalized by collaborations like Cheb Mami on “Desert Rose,” *Brand New Day* fuses electronica, world beats, and optimism, spawning a Grammy-winning title track. Sting’s comeback album, after personal lows it celebrates renewal with infectious grooves. This platinum seller marked his chart resurgence, blending accessibility with innovation. For Sting enthusiasts, it’s a vibrant reminder of his genre-blending magic and enduring appeal.
Track list:
– 1. A Thousand Years
– 2. Desert Rose
– 3. Big Lie, Small World
– 4. After The Rain Has Fallen
– 5. Perfect Love…Gone Wrong
– 6. Tomorrow We’ll See
– 7. Prelude to the End Of The Game
– 8. Fill Her Up
– 9. Ghost Story
– 10. Brand New Day
Sacred Love (2003)
Post-9/11 reflections infuse *Sacred Love*, pairing Sting with Mary J. Blige on “Whenever I Say Your Name” for soulful duets amid electronic pulses. Themes of unity and resilience shine in tracks like “Send Your Love.” This mature work experiments with hip-hop and R&B, earning a Grammy. It’s Sting’s heartfelt response to global turmoil, connecting deeply with fans seeking hope through music.
Track list:
– 1. Inside
– 2. Send Your Love
– 3. Whenever I Say Your Name
– 4. Dead Man’s Rope
– 5. Never Coming Home
– 6. Stolen Car (Take Me Dancing)
– 7. Forget About The Future
– 8. This War
– 9. The Book Of My Life
– 10. Sacred Love
Songs from the Labyrinth (2006)
A daring pivot, *Songs from the Labyrinth* revives 16th-century lutenist John Dowland’s works with Edin Karamazov, blending lute and Sting’s baritone for intimate Renaissance folk. Spoken letters add narrative flair, exploring melancholy and unrequited love. This classical detour won acclaim for its authenticity, showcasing Sting’s versatility. Ideal for history buffs and acoustic lovers, it’s a serene escape from his rock roots.
Track list:
– 1. Walsingham
– 2. Can She Excuse My Wrongs?
– 3. “Ryght Honorable: As I Have Bin Most Bounde Unto Your Honor…”
– 4. Flow My Tears (Lachrimae)
– 5. Have You Seen the Bright Lily Grow?
– 6. The Lowest Trees Have Tops
– 7. Fantasy
– 8. Come Again
– 9. In Darkness Let Me Dwell
– 10. Hellhound on My Trail
– 11. Fine Knacks for Ladies
– 12. Dawn
– 13. In Darkness Let Me Dwell (Reprise)
If on a Winter’s Night… (2009)
Sting’s holiday gem *If on a Winter’s Night…* curates ancient carols and folk tunes with orchestral warmth, from “Soul Cake” to originals like “Lullaby for an Anxious Child.” Evoking misty winters, it mixes madrigals and hymns for cozy introspection. This festive yet profound album topped charts, appealing beyond Christmas with its timeless chill. Perfect for seasonal playlists or Sting’s exploratory side.
Track list:
– 1. Gabriel’s Message
– 2. Soul Cake
– 3. There Is No Rose of Such Virtue
– 4. The Snow It Melts the Soonest
– 5. Christmas At Sea
– 6. Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming
– 7. The Burning Babe
– 8. Now Winter Comes Slowly
– 9. The Hounds Of Winter
– 10. Balulalow
– 11. Cherry Tree Carol
– 12. Lullaby For An Anxious Child
– 13. The Coventry Carol
– 14. The Hurdy Gurdy Man
– 15. Cold Song
Symphonicities (2010)
Reimagining hits with the Royal Philharmonic, *Symphonicities* elevates classics like “Roxanne” and “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” into orchestral splendor. Sting’s tour-inspired album adds fresh layers to Police and solo favorites, blending nostalgia with grandeur. It’s a lush, cinematic treat for longtime fans, proving his catalog’s timelessness. Dive in for elevated renditions that breathe new life into old flames.
Track list:
– 1. Next to You
– 2. Englishman in New York
– 3. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
– 4. I Hung My Head
– 5. You Will Be My Ain True Love
– 6. Roxanne
– 7. When We Dance
– 8. The Lazarus Heart
– 9. Cold Song
– 10. She Walks This Earth (Sorrow)
– 11. Sister Moon
– 12. Moon Over Bourbon Street
The Last Ship (2013)
Inspired by his Broadway musical, *The Last Ship* honors shipbuilding heritage with folk-rock tales of labor and love, like “The Night the Pugilist Learned How to Dance.” Sting’s rootsy return features raw energy and guest vocals. This heartfelt project, tied to Newcastle’s shipyards, showcases his narrative gifts. It’s a stirring ode to working-class life, essential for fans of Sting’s storytelling evolution.
Track list:
– 1. The Last Ship
– 2. Dead Man’s Boots
– 3. And Yet
– 4. August Winds
– 5. Language of Birds
– 6. Practical Arrangement
– 7. The Night the Pugilist Learned How to Dance
– 8. Ballad of the Great War
– 9. The Return of the Gracious
– 10. Show Some Respect
– 11. So to Speak (feat. Becky Unthank)
– 12. The Last Ship (Reprise)
57th & 9th (2016)
Energized by mortality thoughts (named after a near-miss location), *57th & 9th* rocks with urgent pop like “I Can’t Stop Thinking About You” and “50,000.” Sting channels The Police vibe with horns and guitars, his first pure rock album in years. This vibrant comeback critiques society while celebrating life. Fans rave about its immediacy—Sting’s reminder that age brings sharper edges.
Track list:
– 1. I Can’t Stop Thinking About You
– 2. 50,000
– 3. Down, Down, Down
– 4. One Fine Day
– 5. Pretty Young Soldier
– 6. Petrol Head
– 7. Heading South on the Great North Road
– 8. If You Can’t Be a Highway (I’ll Be the Road)
– 9. In the City
– 10. The Empty Chair
44/876 (2018)
Teaming with Shaggy, *44/876* (nodding area codes) merges reggae and pop in sunny tracks like “Don’t Make Me Wait.” Sting’s covers of his hits get island twists, blending genres effortlessly. This fun collaboration won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album, highlighting Sting’s playful side. It’s a breezy escape, proving cross-cultural magic at its finest for global audiences.
Track list:
– 1. 44/876 (feat. Morgan Heritage & Aidonia)
– 2. Morning Is Coming
– 3. Waiting for the Break of Day (feat. Morgan Heritage)
– 4. Gotta Get Back My Baby
– 5. Don’t Make Me Wait
– 6. Just One Lifetime
– 7. Dreaming in the U.S.A.
– 8. Crooked Tree
– 9. To Love and Be Loved
– 10. Sad Trombone
My Songs (2019)
Re-recording classics like “Shape of My Heart” with modern production, *My Songs* refreshes Sting’s catalog for new generations. Hits from Police and solo eras get orchestral updates, emphasizing his timeless melodies. This reflective project ties his career together, appealing to purists and newcomers alike. It’s Sting reclaiming his legacy with fresh vigor— a must for appreciating his enduring songcraft.
Track list:
– 1. Brand New Day (My Songs Version)
– 2. Desert Rose (My Songs Version)
– 3. If You Love Somebody Set Them Free (My Songs Version)
– 4. Every Breath You Take (My Songs Version)
– 5. Demolition Man (My Songs Version)
– 6. Can’t Stand Losing You (My Songs Version)
– 7. Englishman in New York (My Songs Version)
– 8. Shape of My Heart (My Songs Version)
– 9. Fields of Gold (My Songs Version)
– 10. Whenever I Say Your Name (My Songs Version)
– 11. Be Still My Beating Heart (My Songs Version)
– 12. Roxanne (My Songs Version)
– 13. If I Ever Lose My Faith in You (My Songs Version)
– 14. So Lonely (My Songs Version)
The Bridge (2021)
Pandemic-born *The Bridge* connects past and present with eclectic tracks like “Rushing Water” and folk tales “Captain Bateman.” Sting’s latest explores isolation, love, and folklore, featuring guests like his children. This intimate closer to his studio era blends rock, jazz, and strings for poignant reflection. It’s a bridge indeed—spanning decades of innovation, leaving fans hopeful for more.
Track list:
– 1. Rushing Water
– 2. If It’s Love
– 3. The Book of Numbers
– 4. Loving You
– 5. Harmony Road
– 6. For Her Love
– 7. The Hills on the Border
– 8. Captain Bateman
– 9. The Bells of St. Andrews
– 10. Swimming in the Flood
FAQs About Sting’s Albums
1. How many solo studio albums has Sting released?
Sting has released 15 solo studio albums from 1985 to 2021, starting with The Dream of the Blue Turtles and ending with The Bridge.
2. Which Sting album is considered his most popular?
Ten Summoner’s Tales (1993) is often cited as his most popular, with hits like “Fields of Gold” and “Shape of My Heart” resonating widely.
3. Does Sting still make new music?
Yes, his latest album, The Bridge (2021), shows he’s still active, blending modern and classic styles.
4. Which album features collaborations with other artists?
44/876 (2018) with Shaggy and Sacred Love (2003) with Mary J. Blige are notable for their high-profile collaborations.
5. Where can I stream Sting’s albums?
All albums are available on Spotify, as embedded in this guide, and on other platforms like Apple Music and Amazon Music.
Conclusion
Sting’s solo discography is a remarkable journey through genres, emotions, and eras, showcasing his evolution from The Police’s frontman to a global musical storyteller. From the jazz-infused The Dream of the Blue Turtles to the reflective The Bridge, each album offers unique narratives and sonic adventures. Whether you’re drawn to the introspective depths of The Soul Cages or the vibrant reggae of 44/876, Sting’s work invites exploration. Dive into these albums on Spotify, revisit the tracklists, and let Sting’s timeless artistry inspire your next listening session.

