Barcode: 602557117745
Sting seemed to tire of pop songs sometime early in the 21st century, wandering away from the format after 2003's well-mannered Sacred Love. Over the next 13 years, he entertained his esoteric interests -- he collaborated on a classical album, he rearranged his old tunes for an orchestra, he reunited the Police, he wrote a musical -- before he returned to pop/rock with 2016's 57th & 9th. The fact that he named this comeback album after the intersection he crossed on his way to the studio speaks to the workmanlike aspect of 57th & 9th: there is no grand concept, no unifying aesthetic -- it's merely a collection of pop songs. This is hardly a bad thing. Sting has often undervalued his skills as a craftsman, so hearing him deliver ten sharply crafted songs is appealing. Playing with a studio band featuring drummer Josh Freese and guitarist Lyle Workman, Sting manages to work up a head of steam on occasion -- "I Can't Stop Thinking About You" opens the album with an insistent pulse, "Petrol Head" evokes memories of "Synchronicity II" -- but he spends as much time delivering tunes with a delicate touch. Much of the last half of the record is devoted to introspection, but unlike the fussy Sacred Love, the ballads here benefit from a brighter, open production and a singer/songwriter who feels invested in sculpting his melodies with the same care that he gives his lyrics. Sting sifts through familiar territory with songs of protest sitting alongside songs of yearning and love, and it all adds up to record that's simultaneously unassuming and revealing: through its modest nature, 57th & 9th stands as a testament to Sting's inherent gifts as a songwriter and record-maker. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
- Format: Vinyl
- Genre: Rock
Frequently Asked Questions
Handling Time
How long does it take to process my order?
How long does it take to process my order?
- Media items (vinyl, CDs, cassettes) typically ship within 1-2 business days, but some may take 3-4 business days .
All lead times are noted on product pages and vary per item.
Will I be notified when my order ships?
Will I be notified when my order ships?
Yes! You’ll receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking info as soon as your order is on its way.
Shipping
How much does shipping cost?
How much does shipping cost?
We offer flat-rate shipping for in-stock media items:
- $6.49 for any quantity of in-stock vinyl, CDs, or cassettes.
- If your order includes apparel or pre-orders, they will ship separately with their own flat-rate charge.
Do you ship in-stock and pre-order items separately?
Do you ship in-stock and pre-order items separately?
Yes. In-stock items ship immediately, while pre-orders ship separately just before or on their release date. You won’t have to wait for your entire order to be available before receiving your in-stock items.
How long will it take to receive my order?
How long will it take to receive my order?
Standard shipping normally takes 3-5 days. Next day shipping is available on all domestic orders (for an additional charge). International shipping times depend on the products and destination (estimated at checkout).
