First time hearing The Police "Roxanne" Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@robertcartier5088]

"Put on the Red Light"... does not mean STOP. He's actually saying "You DON'T have to put on the red light". He's referring to the Red Light District... the area of town where the bordellos are at in Amsterdam, where prostitution is legal. The red light denotes the availability of an in-house prostitute. The expression now refers to any part of a city where there is lots of prostitution and sex-oriented businesses like sex shops, etc.

[@colinrattray816]

I’m not sure that’s correct but I bow to your knowledge, but it’s certainly not my interpretation of it!

[@christhompson2006]

@@colinrattray816 I think he's exactly right.

[@edwardlongshanks827]

@@colinrattray816 Having lived in Europe and been to Amsterdam and elsewhere where there were red lights in windows, he is most definitely correct.

[@mattcalifornia7318]

@@colinrattray816 No - he got it exactly right. Red light district.

[@andrewwright9378]

Not like “sell your body to the night” is cryptic!

[@Music-tg5is]

'The Police - Walking on the Moon' has some heavy reggae vibes and is one of my favourites.

[@jeffcobb2734]

...plus "The Beds Too Big Without You" and "When the World is Running Down."

[@dagmar.6954]

The Police became globally popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They were part of the British new wave scene & they played a style of rock influenced by punk, reggae & jazz. They have had a lot of hits such as "Roxanne", "Can't Stand Losing You", "Message In A Bottle", "Walking On The Moon", "Don't Stand So Close to Me", "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" & "Every Breath You Take" etc. Sting went on to have a big solo career.

[@sarablack2547]

Thanks for the info saved me a job doing it🙂

[@trespire]

@Dagmar S. That would be Sir Sting to you !!

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

The term "red light" was in reference to when prostitutes would put on the red light to let male customers know they're available. (red light district was where prostitutes lived and they would put on their red light so men knew where to go)

[@anntelford8647]

They still have the Red Light District in Amsterdam. The women sit in the windows with a red light nearby.

[@grahamhamilton1174]

So nice when someone just sorts it early.

[@Wrangzilla]

I came here looking for this comment…👍🏻

[@christinerobinson3819]

The lead singer is non other than the incredible Sting

[@scottgelb2650]

As others may have told you, reggae was an essential component of The Police's songs, a unique blend of reggae and new wave rock music. For a really cool example with an infectious bassline try "The Bed's Too Big Without You".

[@mikecaetano]

"Roxanne" was released in April 1978, back when Johnny Nash and Eric Clapton were scoring top 20 hits covering Bob Marley and Bob Marley was still cranking out killer records like Exodus and Natty Dread. I was in fifth grade at the time, but I remember how distincly different "Roxanne" sounded compared with the other pop songs of the day, so sparse, so empty, so ready to be filled in with your imagination. And that chorus, well now, let's kick out the jams shall we? When you're ready for more from The Police, check out some of these tunes: "Message in a Bottle", "Bring on the Night", "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic", "Walking on the Moon", "Spirits in the Material World", "Driven to Tears", "The Bed's Too Big Without You", "Don't Stand So Close to Me", "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da", "Invisible Sun", "Secret Journey", "King of Pain" along with many others.

[@surlechapeau]

Asia and BJ. You'll love their "De Doo Doo Doo De Da Da Da", "Spirits In The Material World", "Synchronicity II" and many more. No band sounded like them when this song was released 7 April 1978 as a single. I saw them in concert 4/16/82, reggae band Black Uhuru opened the show. Incredible 3 man band. Sting- lead vocals, bass, Andy Summers- Guitar, Stuart Copeland- Drums.

[@user-or1ye3iz6d]

The Police "Don't stand so close to me" (original video), and "Synchronicity". ❤️

[@Randsurfer]

BJ appreciating the drumming. Stewart Copeland's drumming is a big part of the Police's impact in the 80's.

[@bakercarl8518]

He's on of the best.

[@dannyberry8725]

Ha has also had a prolific career after The Police. He writes movie scores.

[@T103168]

Stewart is a beast

[@laoaganlester1728]

"Red Light" means "The Red Light District" in many countries where their are areas that prostitution is legal. Hence; "You don't have to put the red light." because "red light" in general sense means stop as the reference is always the traffic light which in this case is the opposite when the man inlove with Roxanne is telling her to turn off the red light. Sting is the lead vocalist for the band Police. He also has a successful single career.

[@frankmarsh1159]

When the red light is it means they are available. In the beginning of the song he is telling her she doesn't have to turn on the red light because he wants her to himself. By the end of the song he's telling her to turn on the red light so he can come see her.

[@t-bone6467]

Exactly

[@laoaganlester1728]

@@frankmarsh1159 Yeah if she put the "red light" it is on. In traffic light which is always the reference "red light" is on then it means stop. It is the opposite here. "Red light" prostitution. "Red light on" means go on with prostitution. "Red light off" means quit prostitution.

[@frankmarsh1159]

@@laoaganlester1728 The red light is in the window. If the red light is on it means you can knock on the door. If the red light is off it means she is with somebody. Get it? He is saying you don't need to turn on your red light because he wants to be her "exclusive" boyfriend. But he is also saying turn on your red light because he wants to see her.

[@laoaganlester1728]

@@frankmarsh1159 Kindly listen to the song again and especially the part that you mentioned. Let the song speak by itself and if you must read the entire lyrics and break it down and analyze every line and if it is not enough go and ask a lyrisist or a composer's opinion if you can find one. Do that!

[@rusty9129]

Ok, here's something different: in England during the late 80s they did a couple of benefit concerts to support the African food drives. During the first one (called The Secret Policeman's Ball), Sting came out with just himself and a guitar and sang 2 songs...this one and Message in a Bottle. Different tempo, different vibe. Absolutely haunting...it still gives me goosebumps thinking about it!

[@Tr1hawaii]

Stuart Copeland - drummer. One of the most underrated percussionists in the mainstream; his beats and Stings bass riffs made this band (IMO). Thanks for the great reaction! Me and my 17y/o daughter just listened to Murder By Numbers and Tea in the Sahara this afternoon!!!

[@SEANBANOG4]

"Every little thing she does is Magic" well written song...Pop music at its best!!

[@jenniferfoster1692]

Every Little Thing She Does is Magic, Don't Stand So Close to Me...they have so many good songs, and they had a lot of Reggae influence

[@mrditkovich7213]

Fun fact: That's Sting's laugh at the start. He sat on a piano after they started recording and he didn't know the keyboard cover was up. It made a noise which you can hear before the laugh and they left it in the final cut.

[@dbsti3006]

Their drummer was the best part of every song IMO.

[@endoraismygma]

I was obsessed with this band back then! I still follow Stewart Copeland on social media. He's an amazing man, musician and composer.

[@AW11-e4h]

Now you're in Rock Reggae. The Police are 🔥

[@Mark-iv7np]

Man, another great 80s song! The 60s & 80s had a plethora of great timeless, no autotune! songs. That's why their my favorite decades for music. Sting lead singer of the Police is very very good.

[@2460welshguards]

This was police Raw , the guys were so young , so much emotion , it’s an awesome tune

[@CharCanuck14]

Lead singer Sting (Gordon Sumner) was a teacher, bus conductor, tax officer and building labourer before he, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers gave us so much great music.

[@bryansproles2879]

Two more excellent songs to check out by The Police: Syncronicity II (There's also a "Syncronicity" song, but part 2 is far more popular), and "Wrapped Around Your Finger" (check out the video...lots of candles 😅)

[@destinyreelly2974]

I just love that y’all are diving in. There is so much music to be discovered out there. Much love, ❤️

[@aaronmason6778]

Sting is the lead singer of The Police, he also plays the bass. He began a solo career after the group broke up. His solo efforts includes a collaboration with jazz musicians Branford Marsalis and Kenny Kirkland that I hope you check out.

[@kellymckinney9050]

Love the drumming in this song! Memories of a high school fling who is a drummer. I'd sit on his bed and listen to him play this song, it was magical when I was 16. Takes me back everytime I hear it!

[@kingcassius2586]

The Police Drummer- Stewart Copeland Guitar- Andy Summers Bass & Vocals- Sting Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic Wrapped Around Your Finger Message In A Bottle Walking On The Moon Bring On The Night Every Breath You Take

[@ElusvOptmst1]

The Police is another fantastic band with multiple hits. One of my favorite groups.

[@pop9095]

This simple composition tells you a lot about this excellent band. They are keenly aware of timing and rhythm both with one another and the song. It's compelling lyrics paint a clear picture of a man in pain.

[@cstianlew406]

Yes, ya'll got good ears. The Police were very reggae influenced in their sound

[@Kari_B61ex]

I saw them perform this at the Riverside Club in Exeter in 1978 - They were not well known, and it was the promotional tour for Roxanne. The rest as they say is history!

[@dontpanic1589]

Back in college we used to start our Friday nights with the Roxanne drinking game. Every time Sting says "Roxanne" you gotta drink. By the end of the song you regret playing 😂

[@steved1135]

Right on. My personal favourite band of all time, and easily one of the top objective bands of all time. Always different, innovative, and all 3 members are spectacularly skilled musicians.

[@hackapump]

This was their very first hit. The reggae influence is strong in their early material, here's even a hint of Sting trying on a Jamaican accent.

[@ekorstanje]

In the early eighties I went to a nightclub and whenever they played this everyone would screen out ROXANNE! everytime that verse came up. Was a good memory

[@robertiddings4697]

One of the greatest percussionists in music. Stuart Copeland on drums. I put him up the close to Neil Peart. The Police were fantastic. And another 3 man band.

[@duffelbag1127]

“You don’t have to put on the red light” refers to the red light district where you can find a brothel. He’s telling her to stop hooking!

[@Tilly-lo6uq]

loved it when it came out the 1st time

[@greeneyesinfl9954]

Eddie Murphy sings this in jail in the movie 48 Hours. The Police are all time greats and Stewart Copeland, the drummer has great reggae influences.

[@peperino25]

The lead singer is Sting

[@eximusic]

Their second album was called Regatta de Blanc, "white reggae".

[@jeffolinger-wm1hg]

Was seeing them live since the 80s what a great band 😮

[@andreletourneau]

That is what we use to call "white reggae" in the late 70s and early 80s, a mix of reggae and punk. You should react to "Message in a bottle" or "Don't stand so close to me". The singer of the Police is "Sting".

[@hiromiya3365]

Singer is Sting, Guitar is Andy Summers and Drummer is Stewart Copeland.

[@lindadevlin4838]

The Police were one of my favorite college bands…saw their show once & the drummer wore a green speedo

[@Guitaural.]

Lead singer was Sting - The Police was a trio and all terrific musicians. They outdid themselves on every album, then at their creative peak together, called it quits.

[@katyareads221]

Walking in the moon, Voices inside my head, Synchronicity 2, Everything she does is Magic. So many good ones.

[@richtensail]

police wre big , lots hits, kinda funk, reagae pop, later sting wnt bck to his roots n did jazz/pop, huge songwriter.

[@joea7293]

One of my personal favs! This band was something to see live. The energy they gave us on stage was second to none and the talent was next level. Great reaction guys and thanks for all you give us! As always much Love and stay safe!

[@anthonyv1719]

Police - rare combination of critics darlings along with later mainstream success. The two musicians - drummer and the guitar player - extremely talented.

[@thomasmattsson3410]

I suggest to always check the official video for songs, especially from music from the MTV era (80:s and 90:s). If you need the lyrics you can have them on the side.

[@grandwazoodebris1015]

They had a lot of reggae influenced songs. Their first or second(?) album was called Reggatta de Blanc, which we always thought of as "White Reggae"

[@mamamac70]

Every little thing she does is magic is one of my favorite Police songs and it has that reggae feel imo.

[@lindapowers8592]

Solo British Artist Sting is the lead vocalist of the Police. He has great success with the band and later on his own. Don’t Stand To Close To Me Money For Nothing Message In A Bottle Every Breath You Take just to name a few 👍🏽

[@jeffjohnson8697]

You need to do “the beds too big without you” “murder by numbers”, or “synchronicity I” from The Police

[@thewordhurts5185]

Police was the bomb back in the day and good ear sis for hearing the reggae influence

[@williamweiss6128]

Those first few Police lps are so good still.

[@tradeladder146]

The Lead Singer is Sting, you two are doing reactions to Music Videos and you have never even heard of Sting or you dont even recognise his Voice, he is one of the most famous Singers on The Planet, unbelievable, sheesh !

[@chrishepburn1503]

"King Of Pain" and "Spirits In The Material World" would be great to do next. You will love them. Yes, Sting (the lead singer and songwriter) was heavily influenced by Reggae.

[@rexracer3221]

Sting laughing in the beginning was an accident. He tripped and was laughing it off. They liked it so they kept it in the master recording.

[@robyfiorili]

Yes it's a kind of reggae, they playing upbeat

[@mrpetrock8624]

Stings tone was unique' even by today's standard and if you heard him sing backup ( perfect balance.) oh and pretty dame good on bass too

[@stephenpriola4301]

The police change the face of music, I’m older but able to see the change music first concert was the police 78 & 80 with the go-gos opening at MSG ! And the reunion tour !

[@Music-tg5is]

The Police's lead singer;s stage name is'Sting' (real name Gordon Sumner)

[@cheripetty1805]

The Police- 1st 2 Albums Titles translations: Outlandos d'amour~ OUTLAWS IN LOVE Regatta de Blanc~ WHITE REGGAE Try "Walking on the Moon" next!

[@joanlajara3939]

The Police were so different! Every song is a different flavor! Sting is the lead singer best voice ever! Enjoy some more! Couldn’t have made it through the 80’s without them!

[@kimacronym2521]

Great song, covered by so many, doesn't lose anything with time !

[@raymondreid4987]

The Police were one of the few bands I really like because of the bass and guitar. And where Steve Copeland the guitarist did not have as many hits on the album as Sting the bassist did he still put out such great fills too the bass driven songs.

[@lindazee]

Every member of the band is a masterful musician. The lead singer is the one and only Sting. I especially love what the drummer, Stewart Copeland, did to make this song so strong.

[@bravesirrobinn]

Lead singer is Sting and yeah the band did use a lot of reggae undertones in their music and they made it into an amazing new sound altogether tbh, they have so many other songs that are amazing too like: -Message in a Bottle -Walking on the moon -De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da -Every Little thing she does is magic -Spirits in The Material World -Wrapped Around Your Finger -Synchronicity II -King of Pain

[@barrycohen311]

Dude fell in love with a Prosty....

[@echopryme]

Our great grandkids will jam out to this song. Its timeless!

[@davehorsman]

You guys are top 5 on all of KZbin. Cheers Asia and BJ. Love your content. Cheers!

[@fatback2]

Now you need to see Eddie Murphy's first movie, "48 Hours". We first see his character in headphones singing "Roxanne"

[@thejoeybanta9224]

Late 70s and very early 80s Ska music coming out of England mostly was huge the English Beat ,The Police, Madness to name a few is a combination of rock and Reggae. Sting is the lead singer of the Police keep going there's a lot of great music to be heard!

[@GinaGeeILuvu]

I love the Police! The lead singer is the legendary Sting, who went on to have an amazing solo career after he left the group! This style of music is called Ska and it is from Jamaica and it’s older than Reggae! In the song they sing “you don’t have to put on the red light” because the area in most cities were hookers hung out in the street were called the “red light” district! I love this song, check out more Police and Sting music, it won’t disappoint! ❤️❤️

[@jeffcobb2734]

Sting wrote this song based on the "Red Light" prostitute district in Amsterdam. He created a female character that the singer was trying to persuade away from prostitution. Their reggae tinged music directly inspired Rush and you can hear the reggae influence in their song "Sprit of Radio."

[@PorscheRacer14]

There's plenty of great songs from Police but a favourite of mine is King of Pain which was near the end of the band being together.

[@scottharper6593]

What most people don’t realise is this was the 70’s Not a lot of groups hit number one with lyrics like this, real shit Love you guys!

[@Stick-a-fork-in-Gmorks-tort]

Gotta check out their entire catalog.

[@robertdawson8522]

Eddie Murphy singing this in his jail cell in the movie 48 hours is so funny

[@hpb5495]

The world famous Sting! He was also great in the movie "Dune"

[@tinkler4]

‘Walking on the Moon’ brilliant reggae influence song from them. Definitely worth checking that out👍🏼

[@Yldcatz]

Incredible drummer

[@lauraself8999]

"So Lonely" by the Police is a banger!

[@123denz]

You got it! The Police incorporated lot's of Reggae and Ska in their music...

[@paulprendergast3184]

Saw these guys in a bar called the Edge in Toronto in about 1980. There were like 30 people. One table full of record company executives and a few others. A guy at our table had heard they were good and tried taping them secretly on an old cassette player he was trying to hide. Table beside us was full of people drinking and carrying on. Not only was tape poor quality but you heard guys yelling over most of their songs. This song Roxanne came out not too much later on the Radio. Was a fun night!!

[@allencarlson6128]

The Police is Reggae. One of the titles of their albums is Regatta De Blanc that's for White Reggae. :)

[@bobbymunoz1670]

We used to play a drinking game in high school to this song. Whenever they say Roxanne, you drink.

[@saverioc2929]

I think the red light term comes from Amsterdam, where the girls work in the red light district. When they are servicing someone the turn on the red light. The police is one of the few bands that successful combined reggae and rock so well.

[@apadilla3268]

You don't have to put on the "red light" refers to a time when a house of ill repute would put on a red light to indicate that there were working girls inside

[@ravenmasters2467]

I was around when this came out but for some reason whenever i hear it i'm always reminded of Eddie Murphy singing it in a movie, Beverly Hills Cop maybe.

[@mr.knowitall6440]

The Police were a reggae/ska-influenced band. 🤘😎

[@mil2k11]

Sting's origins. Got into this band when I was in HS (around '80). Some dude who was into "odd" music turned me onto these guys along with the Stray Cats - neither I ever heard before that time.

[@markharris1125]

The lead singer is Sting. He was once a teacher, as was I. Sting is everything I could have been, had I good looks, talent, fantastic musicianship and a great voice. Why not try one of his solo tracks (just to be different) like 'Englishman In New York' or 'If You Love Somebody Set Them Free'. PS I once lived in a red light district. I know what he means!

[@trespire]

In this time period in England, there was a lot of cross over and influence from Jamacan music and the like, with rhythms, tempo. Some notable bands that really integrated this novelty were Madnes, Bad Manners, The Police. Then of course there was Lionel Richie who did the same thing only vice versa. N.B. And The Specials with "Living in a Ghost Town"

[@aaronmason6778]

The collaboration with Marsalis and Kirkland is called "Dream of The Blue Turtles " by the way.

[@bradgordon3760]

Singer is Sting and yes this is their style. Drummer is Stewart Copeland widely regarded as one of the greats. If you like that song watch the movie 24 Hours with Eddie Murphy. He sings it well. Reggie Hammond! So many awesome Police songs. If you want another try So Lonely or the always loved Walking On The Moon.

[@sumonjamal1653]

The Police debuted in 1978 in the UK, and 'Roxanne' was an early hit... Bob Marley was very popular in the UK back then, so the reggae sound was a big inspiration for British artists in the 70's... Led Zeppelin recorded the song "D'yer maker" (which, with a thick island accent, is 'Jamaica' 😂😂) in 1973 w/ a reggae sound. The Police originally started as a punk rock band by Stewart Copeland (drums) and Sting (vocals & bass) in 1976... but w/ Andy Summers (guitar) joining, The Police became a modern pop rock band and part of the British 'new wave' sound... They released 5 hit albums between 1978 and 1983, but clashes between band members finally opted to end The Police by 1986 at the peak of their career. Their records continued to sell after their breakup. Copeland, Sting & Summers remained friends... they just couldn't be in a band together 😂 The Police would reunite for 1 tour only in 2007. Their classic songs include - "I can't stand losing you" ... 'Wrapped around your finger' ... 'Message in a bottle' ... 'Every little thing she does is magic' ... 'Invisible sun' ... "Don't stand so close to me" 🔥🔥 Sting (real name Gordon Sumner) launched a solo career in the 80's and became a superstar outside of The Police... His hits include: 'Englishman in New York' ... 'Desert rose' ... 'If I ever lose my faith' ... 'Russians'

[@marinemike1559]

There's a great scene in a movie with Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte called 48 hours. Eddie Murphy is in a jail cell singing this song... 😂

[@kevinmclaughlin1092]

That was Eddie's first movie role. He and Nolte had great chemistry in that film. A cult classic that started the "buddy, buddy" cop films of the era like Lethal Weapon and Tango & Cash.