434 - The Police - Outlandos D'Amour

[csberry]

How could someone listen to this album and not see that the Police and/or Sting was destined for pop stardom. The band sounds tight, energetic, and bred for pop radio (just listen to the vocals and harmonies on "Hole in My Life"). This collection of songs contain great hooks that prompt the listener to join in. Sure, the hits are front-loaded, but how many albums have I already encountered with that tendency? Besides, where the band loses the catchiness of "So Lonely" and "Roxanne," it is because of their willingness to stretch the rules of a pop song (partially due to their trying to maintain some post-punk cred or the quirky "Be My Girl - Sally").

Songs I knew I liked: As I mentioned on the entry for Syncronicity, I own the Message in a Box box set, so I've heard all of these songs before. However, I must confess that I listen to Discs 2-4 far more than Disc 1, that contains this album.

Songs I didn't know but now like: I can't say that I've admired "Truth Hits Everybody," "Be My Girl - Sally," or "Masoko Tanga" (such a great bass part!) much in the past.

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: None