The two artists today represent the zenith of British pop music. One artist, Sting, has a pedigree all his own, having been a member of the trio, Police. The new CD is really a timely celebration of his 25 years in the music limelight as a solo artist. As for Florence, this may be only her second studio album, but along with Adele, she has stamped her identity as one of today’s most original female recording stars.
Florence + the Machine — Ceremonials (Island Records). While much has been said of the poetic nature of Florence’s lyrics, on this second studio album, the music comes to the fore, showing how she is constantly maturing as an artist. Sure the words may be melancholic and phlegmatic, but surprisingly, the music is both euphoric and danceable. Shake It Out, Never Let Me Go and No Light showcase just how breathtaking her music can be. As with the first CD, there are oddities and bonus tracks, none more exciting than the demo versions of What the Water Gave Me and Landscape. While a number of the songs may do with drowning and feeling lost, they’re super charged with emotion.
Sting — The Best of 25 Years (A&M Records). Dating back to when Gordon Sumner, a.k.a. Sting, kicked off his solo career, this is a potent reminder of just how musically cinematic and sprawling Sting has always been. All his all-time favorite hits will be found here, and of special interest, are the live versions of Russians, Message in a Bottle, Demolition Man and Heavy Cloud, No Rain. From his Symphonicities and Live at Berlin CDs, there are some tracks which showcase just how appropriate his compositions are to an orchestral treatment — something various artists have also done, but not as successfully! This is one essential CD for Sting fans, and for the younger music lovers.