We simply can’t ignore the fact that politics, now more than ever, has influenced people around the world. Artists in various media have expressed their thoughts on politics through their work and Sting is one of them. And "Sacred Love," with its amazing beats and strong messages, is his most political album yet.
Sting has never been shy about expressing his ideas through his songs, which has put him in the same league as Bono, another politically outspoken musician.
"Sacred Love" shows us a side of Sting that is new and yet familiar, a versatility that allows him to grow and evolve as an artist and continually improve his craft. Many beats are reminiscent of "Brand New Day," which has Turkish and flamenco influences.
The first song, Inside, compels us to search within ourselves and yet at the same time become aware of the world around us. Send Your Love, the second track, sends an upbeat message of not being afraid to share our love with the people in our lives, even to complete strangers. The video of this song really communicates the message that is being echoed all these years, which is "to love and let love."
Whenever I Say Your Name is Sting’s duet with Mary J. Blige, which is by far my favorite track on the album, a really powerful ballad. Their voices complement each other, very haunting. I just can’t wait to see the video of this song – if they ever make one, that is.
The songs – Dead Man’s Rope, Never Coming Home and Stolen Car – illustrate what an effective storyteller Sting is. It recalls his Ten Summoners Tales, which by far holds the best lyrics that tell the story of humankind. The tunes are a mix of slow and upbeat tracks. It is as if Sting is reciting poetry with accompaniment. Sting’s soothing voice opens our hearts and minds to the tales that he weaves.
One characteristic of Sting’s albums is that you can’t just listen to it once. The tracks beg your senses to at least play the CD three times over the first time you pop it into your player. His songs are universal in their reach that listeners could not help but relate to it more than half the songs within the album. This is the magic that Sting’s albums hold, especially for those who pick up his CD for the first time.
Forget about the Future and This War are two contrasting tunes that talk about living in the now, love found and love lost, looking beyond the obvious, guns and body bags. Full of rich lyrics and meaning. Pregnant with jazzy beats and soulful sounds. A statement that definitely opens us toward many possibilities and personal opinions. Nothing new here because it would not be a Sting album if it did not have this impact on the mind and the senses.
Subdued but breathtaking is the only way that I can describe the title track. It really communicates what love is all about. A song that transcends humanity and religion. It calls for a fresh interpretation of the things we believe in.
The last track is a beautiful rendition of Shape Of My Heart, which I first heard from the Sugarbabes. It is a fitting end to an album bursting in the seams with messages. The intense and reflective guitar sound brings us back to earth gently after an emotional roller coaster ride. Old fans would love it because it is who Sting is, and new fans would love it because it is what Sting stands for.