We’ve always lamented The Police’s breakup and that their studio discography was limited to only 5 albums. They were a band unlike any other, with a distinct style always pushing new boundaries. The sheer talent of these three highly gifted musicians Sting on bass and vocals, Andy Summers on guitar, and Stewart Copeland on drums enabled them to compose several hits from their first to their last album together.
Today, we’re discussing “Reggatta de Blanc,” which translates to ‘Reggae of Whites’ in English, a title that, setting aside its potential racist connotation, delves into reggae, creating an album that offers everything: a delicious groove, rock, punk, commercial hits, an instrumental track, and some songs where the band experiments in a jam-like fashion, reminiscent of how bands like The Beatles composed.
For many, “Reggatta de Blanc” is The Police’s best album, a sentiment echoed by Andy and Stewart, who have stated that it’s the band’s most enjoyable record.
What can we hear?
An excellent groove from the get-go with the global hit “Message In A Bottle,” a smart choice to lead the album as it aptly showcases the chemistry among the band members, especially considering they were a power trio. Pay attention to what they present: Sting with the highest vocal range of his career, simultaneously playing a bass that adorns and complements, displaying finger agility that speaks volumes about his virtuosity. Andy Summers is expressive yet methodical, a guitar architect who knows when to solo and when to step back. The effects he used in the recording are intriguing. And finally, Stewart Copeland, possibly creating one of the most glorious drum compositions in rock, heavily influenced by reggae but also jazz. He’s free, open to improvisation, and with highly distinctive rhythms.
The Police were such adept musicians that they recorded the instrumental track titled “Reggatta de Blanc,” an open fusion of reggae and rock that makes us contemplate that if the band had delved deeper into this style, they might have become a group like the Red Hot Chili Peppers uniquely commercial and unparalleled in creating a virtually competition free fusion. Additionally, The Police also reveal their penchant for punk in tracks like “It’s Alright for You” or “No Time This Time,” songs that burst forth, showcasing their need to unleash all their energy elegantly.
Stewart Copeland’s hi-hats hitting improvised beats, combined with the rim of his snare and a bass drum in sync with Sting’s bass, create a danceable foundation, allowing Andy Summers to freely experiment, as most songs primarily revolve around bass and drums. For instance, in “Bring On The Night,” a song that could go on much longer without tiring the listener due to its powerful and gentle rhythmic base. Summers, far from being content with that, took time to carefully craft each part of his guitar.
"Reggatta de Blanc," a commercial success that endures…
It’s inevitable on ’80s radio stations, we’ll always hear songs from “Reggatta de Blanc” like ‘Message In A Bottle,” “Walking On The Moon,” ‘The Bed’s Too Big Without You,’ and even ‘Bring On The Night.’ Apart from all the wonders previously mentioned, the album is fortunate to be very memorable due to Sting’s vocal melodies. This experimentation between reggae and rock, far from sounding odd, is listener-friendly and light, a quality product for radio.
However, on the other hand, there are songs like “Any Other Day,” “Contact,” or “Does Everyone Stare” (the ones with fewer streams on streaming platforms) where we hear The Police’s desire to create non-commercial tunes that satisfy their need as musicians to play with scales and melodies beyond predictability and the ordinary. This makes “Reggatta de Blanc” an album catering to a wide range of tastes.
An equitable collaboration is felt and heard among the three members. We even hear Stewart Copeland taking on the lead vocals in “On Any Other Day”.
With limited technique but adding variety to the work.
One of the highest-selling bands
At the time, “Reggatta de Blanc” turned The Police into global stars, breaking into the American market. Their fusion of rock, jazz, reggae, punk, and even pop made everyone take notice three musicians who composed one of the best albums in the history of commercial music. It would be interesting to hear new material from them at some point, although nowadays it sounds very, very unlikely.
Simply put, it’s a unique, irreplaceable, and unparalleled album that you must listen to in its entirety at least once in your life! What’s your opinion? Share your comments!
