Synchronicity

"This was The Police's fifth (and final) studio album. Originally released in 1983, it is without doubt a work of unadulterated genius. From beginning to end, 'Synchronicity' covers the gamut of the "pop" idiom and delves into the many sides of the human psyche.

The two parts of the title track represent some of the best work the band ever produced, and perhaps provides some sort of indication as to where this group may have gone, had they continued to record together.

"Walking in Your Footsteps" and "O My God" are both pleasant enough songs, but it is the extremely quirky, Andy Summers penned "Mother" that gets the blood going and lets the listener in on the emotional turmoil of the tracks to follow.

Quite obviously influenced by the painful breakup of Sting's first marriage and the growing tension within the band, "Every Breath You Take" has become one of The Police's crowning achievements. It received a second lease of life in the late '90s when hip-hop producer Puff Daddy sampled the beautiful, guitar melody line for his tribute song to murdered "gangsta" rapper, Notorious B.I.G.

The darker themes of "King of Pain", "Wrapped Around Your Finger", the graceful "Tea in the Sahara" as well as the albums final song, "Murder by Numbers" are perhaps some of the most engrossing and fascinating in modern music - the last track being heavily scorned by certain areas of the Christian faith for its controversial lyrics. There is a fantastic performance of it (with Mr. Sting on vocals) on the Frank Zappa CD, 'Broadway the Hardway' (in itself, a totally essential listening experience).

'Synchronicity' is an album of superb musicianship and songwriting, which still stands as the band's crowning achievement."
-MARTY