

After 1991’s mournful The Soul Cages, Sting lets sunlight back in. Riding on a shuffling beat and bouncing harmonica, “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” is his most direct moment since The Police. It sets the playful, melodic tone as he mixes Celtic love ballads (“Fields of Gold”) and country (“Love Is Stronger Than Justice (The Munificent Seven)”) with upbeat rock (“She’s Too Good for Me”). In “Shape Of My Heart”, he’s still got room for a beautiful ballad too.