Why STING is UNCOPYABLE

In this video I discuss why Sting and The Police so unique? We will look at all the aspects that make his music so original.
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[@HeadbangersLocal]

You know why Rick is awesome , and that artists and recorded labels should be letting him play whatever he wants? Because he is celebrating and admiring their music. He is not trying to "steal" anything. Who cares if he makes a few bucks from "clicks" on here? He should! I can’t imagine the time it takes to create these. The labels would make more money if people watch his videos and then go buy it on the other platforms. I mean , in every one of his " what makes this song great videos" He is telling the world not only that the song is in fact great , but the why behind it. The way he actually gets into a song , like air drumming or air guitar , is priceless. It’s the same way most of us act when we’re alone in the car, or shower. He is a music lover. That’s why so many people like him, plus he’s just an awesome guy. Just watching his many videos has given me a much deeper appreciation of music and the parts that it takes to create it. Thanks Rick

[@maximthefox]

This is like a higher art form of music reviewing.

[@garycross90]

I agree and listen to the Police now more than ever. Or Joni Mitchel for the first time. Does Spotify (or any other app) see a increase in streams (or downloads) for an artist after Rick features them is a video?

[@RAkers-tu1ey]

@@garycross90 That is a great question, I wish I had the chops and time to find out... the Beato Bump?

[@eldertmohr1366]

@@RAkers-tu1ey Hahahaha the Beato Bump, nice

[@pierheadjump]

Btowns_World, well said sir. Thank you.

[@jasonxoc]

Hey Rick, hope you see this... For what it’s worth from a random dude on the internet, I think you’re actually going to have a measurable impact on music by doing this channel. I’m such a huge fan of your channel, bought the book. You’ve already made such a huge impact on my playing / writing... I’ve already written a song that modulates from C to Bb Minor via an F7... I’ll die happy if people start bringing more thought and skill back into popular music again.

[@TheDaaazer]

My thought is that, "Rick Beato, you Sir are also uncopyable.". Probably my favorite KZbin channel. And you just explained what it is that I find so fascinating about the music of Sting and The Police. Been trying to figure it out since '79!

[@zynosgd9982]

People have never stopped putting thought and skills in music although it's simply that it ain't as popular now. with that being said, the uniqueness of today's music can be found in the production aspect. Just look at Billie Eilish, she is being laughed at from certain people because they think her music is just regular pop music but when you take the time to listen to the production behind the songs, you realize how much work went into it.

[@ibnsina9486]

@@zynosgd9982 Including ripping off The Doors

[@regiramanathan6245]

@@ibnsina9486 Hey, at least she has some taste. Where did she copy from the doors, BTW?

[@ibnsina9486]

@@regiramanathan6245 Can't remember the tune's name, but it stole from People are Strange. You can look for it here on youtube.

[@anatomicallymodernhuman5175]

Another reason he’s uncopyable is that he doesn’t copy himself. He constantly grows and reinvents his own songwriting style.

[@nadya2001144]

The only one who can cover his song is him self :D

[@sketchur]

Well, what about his part in Dire Straights' "I want my MTV?" It's the exact melody from "Don't Stand So Close To Me." Don't stand... Don't stand on... Don't stand on my TV

[@anatomicallymodernhuman5175]

@@sketchur , well, sure, he borrows lines from himself. There's a song on Ten Summoner's Tales (Seven Days?) where he borrows his line "it's a big enough umbrella..." But his songwriting style keeps evolving. Each album is full of songs that wouldn't have been possible on previous albums.

[@johnchongsing7745]

By ripping off something new

[@chrisjordan8789]

@@sketchur true that!

[@tommore3263]

I'm so glad I found Rick Beato. His love of music is contagious and inspiring.

[@iksnivils]

I feel the same way and I have such different tastes than he does yet the dude is so informative and fun.

[@jonathanrkidd1681]

Agree. Enjoy his enthusiam and insights.

[@makemarker]

Just watching him; listening to him is so soothing.. what a great guy.

[@mrbigbosskojak]

He doesn't love modern pop.

[@kgsvvgla2i]

​@@mrbigbosskojak Because modern pop is ever increasingly devoid of true artistry and creativity. I'm not saying there aren't great artists out there but the field of modern (mainstream) pop music is dominated by over-produced music written and composed by industry-professionals with the sole purpose of appealing to the masses. Modern mainstream pop lacks people like Sting, David Bowie or Kate Bush.

[@michaeldean4712]

The Police were a one of a kind band. Not just Sting's voice, but Andy's guitar and Stewart's drumming were unmistakable.

[@BluegillGreg]

I remember the guitar playing & drumming as the remarkable attention riveter in Police's hits. Their relaxed high energy made a great contrast to the tense whininess of the vocals.

[@GuilhaMarinho]

Absolutely! I really love Sting’s solo work, and Dominic Miller is one of my few fetish guitarists, but The Police was bigger than the sum of its parts...

[@MrmelodyUs]

@@BluegillGreg haha

[@nat15ify]

GuilhaMarinho finally someone mentions Dominic Miller, fantastic guitarist, wrote some nice guitar parts in sting’s songs

[@GaZonk100]

the drumming was outta this world

[@whorepet]

Sting.. it's almost like.. every little thing he does is magic

[@Vorpal_Wit]

Indeed, Every little thing he does, just turns us on.

[@Hoscitt]

.... except that song 😄

[@renaleon3193]

😻

[@nosedondeelmarsetermina]

No one has ever made this joke before

[@fab.silva1119]

And no one can stand close to him... musically speaking

[@MisterDarrenGood]

Man. Rick you’re like the “Sting” of explaining music, songs, artists and theory. No one can do what you do the way that you do it. You’re uncopyable

[@allenhudsonmusicarchives]

Had this exact thought before I saw this comment.

[@Flametopology]

@The Sanford Method Anyone brings more to the table than Sting, with that totally weak lame-ass music. There's nothing like listening to stink to help put you to sleep.

[@SeekerGoOn2013]

Flametopology It’s clear you don’t like the guy or his music, but weak lame-ass could not be farther from the truth.

[@abrahamj3770]

Totally! Stewart Copeland comes at a distant second, but none is like Beato.

[@Fireguy65]

Well said. Rick and Ben Eller are the two who have by far helped me the most

[@HRA2342]

Sting loves rennaisance music (he even released an album in which he sings madrigals and airs). English renaissance composers were amongst the most inventinve in terms of harmony and counterpoint. I think that's why he uses the modes and his melodies always have some "ancient" vibe.

[@pendragonU]

I just wrote that yesterday in answer to Rick's questioning the keys switches in the 4 minute, because the chorus Sting uuses is from lute players in Chaucer's time. When I was in Cambridge in the 90's I heard some of those from recreation street "troubadours" and theatre groups of the 1300's speaking in Mid English and all. Sting must have a big Kilombo of musical knowledge in his head like Dylan or Lennon had, because you can also sense the Jazz even in his most Punk songs or Reggae infused New Wave even. But I know this now not back then when I was only a kid in my early teens and I had the chance to be in the MtMarsan festival that year, and I saw them as some unknowns, and their Music was really of a very distinctive and rich quality from the rest of Punks in the whole place, and there was raw Power in so many bands. I had no idea who these guys were and how much rich baggage they had in musical expertise. I had quitted Piano after onl a year in it, but my sister continued for another 9 years so I had to sit by and listening the practices anyway and help her some times, Second hand of piano of sorts, so I developed later on a taste for older forms of Music than classical Piano, mostly after Bach only. Then listening to Sting again after so many years, I recognized or understood better what he was doing or from where, he's a primitivist either by instinct or exposure too

[@thrillofbattle3801]

And that's from a Pendragon, no less! :O Jokes aside guys, love both of your comments. I was initially thinking this Dorian stuff etc sounds like some medieval-type music, too.

[@ActionAimz]

This!

[@sevensorrows2595]

He would probably have much to discuss with Richie Blackmore, then.

[@terriberry6750]

I totally agree with what you just posted. That's why I like it too.

[@jasoncharles9481]

Sting is an example of unbelievable natural talent, coupled with a deep knowledge of theory. His huge vocal range allowed him to sing any melody he wanted. Much like Steely Dan, Sting was able to write commercially accessible music using sophisticated chords and melodies. Absolute genius.

[@colby7325]

I also thought sting and steely dan had a strong resemblance!

[@eagles_s]

Imagine sthe Supergroup of Sting Steeley Stills and Seals

[@eagles_s]

...Featuring Seal

[@eagles_s]

Also Flea should join the lead singer of the tubes...Fee and Flea

[@Djpuzzle]

Born with an amazing gift for shizzle

[@2gobeond]

I am constantly delighted by these videos. It's like having a cool music professor next door just popping over to say hi and chat about music. When growing up as a guitarist in the 80's I would have never dreamed that something like this would ever exist. Rick you are a treasure and how lucky is the current generation of aspiring musicians to have Mr B sharing his knowledge.

[@stevewood694]

I graduated with a music degree back in 2008 and watching Rick's videos is like being back there, love it.

[@hanreality.7266]

I know! It’s so cool that we can watch stuff like this nowadays. 😄

[@bgleadbetter]

What he said...

[@darrenaitcheson1675]

Couldn’t agree more :)

[@MrmelodyUs]

Except he's ALLERGIC to the Sixties and somewhat to the 50's.

[@GyleCast]

When you know nothing about music but you just know that you love a bit of Sting. Then you find this channel and he explains why. Top notch content sir.

[@agentcooper497]

Less Sting, more FAF cast for you Sir !!

[@GyleCast]

@@agentcooper497 soon. Battling a cold right now. :)

[@agentcooper497]

@@GyleCast hope it's not the covid. 👍

[@ejb7969]

Or when you know alot about music and Beato teaches you even more by showing how Sting works.

[@simptube]

Just like I feel.

[@jaydeebee69]

I know nothing about music, and yet this is one of my favorite channels. I can't even say I learn anything bc I don't understand the concepts, but the passion and enthusiasm are so pure I keep coming back. I don't know music, but I know what I like, and I love the glimpse behind the curtain.

[@tarzanmike7836]

I agree. I love music but I don’t play any instruments. Rick’s knowledge and insights into music brings another level of appreciation for me.

[@buggyboogle9]

Same here. I like the theory behind the music. It’s like a formula to emotion and thoughts - putting art into words. Only one recommendation - to feature more artists of colour, although I know this channel is more about rock and pop song artists.

[@336ytube]

Exactly!

[@demarkustimeo2989]

D. ALL OF THE ABOVE ☝🏼

[@innnews6299]

The Police was comprised of 3 geniuses at the top of their crafts during a time when music was so artistic, imaginative, and sophisticated. Big “thank you” for their wonderful gifts to us. Thank you Rick Beato for helping us to recognize how talented they were.

[@johanponin1360]

there's no limit to the amount of gratefulness for their short lived career as a band

[@LucidDream]

I've been coming across some people lately who claim that Sting & The Police were just pretending to be smart or sophisticated. When they really were both smart and sophisticated. It's annoying, but I doubt these people know a thing about writing music or appreciate the complexity of it.

[@TheEvertw]

@@LucidDream The amazing thing is that they wrote complex music that the audience actually liked! Most modern listeners hate complex music. Hurts their brains.

[@greghenderson1568]

I wish I had said that. Right on point.

[@Fan_Made_Videos]

After watching some short documentaries on Sting when he was young and struggling as an artist you really start to appreciate him as an artists over what you remember him as a pop star/actor. I use to think he was just some smarmy Englishman, but over the years I've learned that he was actually from a working class background from Northern England not some aristocrat from Sussex LOL

[@darktoranaga]

This channel is such a treasure. That someone so knowledgeable is willing to spend his time sharing this for free with all those willing to listen is just fantastic, it blows my mind. Thank you!

[@brythecracker]

Rick, your uncopyable also. As much as I thought enjoyed music, you have opened a door that was unbreachable and only accessible by a few. Thank you so very much to deciphering a foreign language that we all have appreciated from a limited vantage point. We knew certain songs were special but we didn't have the ability to understand what we liked about them. Kind of like serving fine wine or bourbon to someone "myself included" who doesn't have the ability to understand what makes it so great. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Rick.

[@GlenGarcia1961]

He is an awesome teacher, isn't he? I'll second that emotion.

[@steveullrich7737]

Just like when we recognize that some thing has quality but don't have the words to express why. Rick's gift is to be able to define and verbalize it for us.

[@andrewtrotter9023]

So true. I can’t play anything or read music but I am mesmerized by Rick.

[@chamekke]

Thank you for articulating for many of us why Rick's videos are so incredibly inspiring and exciting! Perhaps that's your gift? To be able to say beautifully what the rest of us have trouble putting into words. Thank you to both you and Rick!!

[@jimgardner5129]

Well said, Bryan. I could never have expressed myself as eloquently as you just have. Thank you. Rick reminds me of a truly outstanding teacher I had in high school. The type of person that gets you excited about what you're learning.

[@matthewculver5830]

I just found "Synchronicity" and "Fortress around your Heart" and listened to them for the 1st time today, and they are now my two favorites of Sting. The guy is absolutely a genius at putting really unusual chords and progressions together that have NEVER ever been done before and making something astoundingly beautiful!

[@HedgeFundOfOne]

If Rick's incorporation into his videos of the music being reviewed isn't "fair use", then I don't know what is. Love what you're doing, Rick - genius in your own right.

[@RickBeato]

They don’t think it’s fair use. Everyone of these is demonetized.

[@philipk4475]

@@RickBeato youtube content creators should really have a seat and voice at the table at the Board. The abuse of takedown notifications needs to be curbed

[@a2ndopynyn]

@@philipk4475 That will not happen, for reasons we are not allowed to openly discuss.

[@philipk4475]

@@a2ndopynyn not allowed to openly discuss? Nonsense. It's about expediency and attemting to placate the music industry so they don't face down a never-ending barrage of lawsuits. What is required is a change in legislature: the pendulum of copyright protection has swung too far in favor of authors and needs to swing back in favor of the public.

[@igormihaljevic1049]

To demonetize, or block Rick's YT work, and claim it's done in service to justice, is literally a crime against humanity. Great job man, on so many levels.

[@sheldoniusRex]

200 years ago the American legal system was simple and mostly fair. We had many political sins to pay for but our courts were the finest in the world. Now we have gone through two hundred years of pain and tribulation to atone for our sins in the service of a political union, but in the mean time allowed lawyers to utterly ruin our system of courts.

[@stevehunt6741]

60's through the 90's had an INSANE AMOUNT OF TALENT. The past 20 years even after mid 2000's, ROCK IS DEAD , unfortunately

[@chazmartin5725]

​@@sheldoniusRex "200 years ago the American legal system was simple and mostly fair"?? None of which has anything to do with music, or the demonetization of videos. 200 years ago was 1821 a year after the Missouri Compromise. it was a time when only white males had any iota of justice, black people were mostly enslaved, had no rights, and a time local constables would deputize citizens and go in a roving mob to lynch people without a trial. WITH a trial they would railroad people with little to no evidence and/ or cause. This was when there was virtually no such thing as "Jury of my Peers", and there was only one type of judge...a rich white male. Wasn't the Dred Scott decision approx that era?

[@sheldoniusRex]

@@chazmartin5725 yes.

[@sheldoniusRex]

@@chazmartin5725 and Dred Scott was 1857.

[@loveiseternity]

In 2001, my friend promoted a tour bringing Andy Summers jazz band to Sydney. I was able to spend 5 days with Andy including one Sunday afternoon where he sat and showed me how to play his riffs on my telecaster. I have photos of him showing me Murder by numbers; I wouldn’t trade the memory for a million dollars.

[@tylerreinhard2697]

I loved the story....Thanks for that ☮️

[@Boleskinebeatz]

That’s one for the book/grandchildren.. 😏

[@DavisReed218]

I am beyond jealous 😭

[@boomusic8229]

If you wanna glimpse more into Andy, check out Lenny Breau!! He must've mentioned him!

[@squirrelorama]

Fantastic! Lucky dawg :)

[@kimmyc2862]

When you’re 11 years old and singing these songs over and over...having no idea the complexity of the music. I really think these songs helped me develop my ear.

[@ownedbymykitty270]

Same. I was also 11 when this album came out. 1981-1984 were just magical years for music and only now that I'm listening to some of my favorites in midlife on a good sound system / headphones do I appreciate how talented so many musicians of that era were.

[@air9music]

I totally agree - I got into Sting as my first exposure to Western music (I'm from India), I was 12 when I got CDs of Synchronicity, Sacred Love and Dream of The Blue Turtles. It took me ages to realize how properly sophisticated his music is.

[@SoneNando]

My dad is a huge beatles and queen fan, and got me into them at a young age just by playing their music in the car or at home, and I'm sure almost all music that I like today was directly or indirectly influenced by that.

[@zinkzoyd]

Why STING is UNCOPYABLE ? Because it's a criminal offence to impersonate the police.

[@jtoland2333]

Nice

[@jimgardner5129]

😁

[@McGyver9]

Zing...

[@FabricePBeland]

You deserve more than 10 likes for that one...

[@LARathbone]

Take your Like and gtfo

[@jeffconner3185]

Having paid attention to the dynamics and history of the Police, I've asserted for a long time that Andy Summers is one of the 3 most underrated guitarists in rock. I think he took a lot of Sting's ideas and turned them into something greater than even Sting had in mind. That stuff on Synchronicity II is just another example of him putting himself in the music. He wasn't just playing the guitar on those songs, he was an instrumental (see what I did there) part of what made those songs so excellent.

[@danhays747]

Other 2?

[@overlapmedia]

I don't know much about the science of music, but I've been a Police fan since the 80's and what I've come to learn over the years of videos and interviews is that Andy is a master and truly underrated - to the average person. Police fans know otherwise. His knowledge, dedication to the craft, continual learning and natural talent puts him in into another category of guitarists (I think a lot of what U2's Edge has done is attributable to Andy's influence, so much so, that he wrote a prologue or Foreward in Andy's book One Train Later). Sting and Stewart were lucky to have him; we were lucky to have him. If there's a guitar Hall of Fame, he needs to be there without question.

[@Equinox1.5]

Stewart said that Andy joining the band unlocked or unleashed Sting's songwriting talent.

[@mntbighker]

Andy was the solo warm up act the first time I saw Tangerine Dream in Berkeley back in the 80's. He was doing guitar synth sequencer stuff that utterly blew my mind. Of course then Tangerine Dream made my head explode, but I digress. And Stewart is simply a mad man. Talk about a nexus of talent.

[@jamesgraves4291]

Those were an amazing , outstanding band. .

[@jonathanrkidd1681]

Andy Summers was a highly accomplished guitar player, and was an integral part of the Police sound

[@hpsfl]

He played as part of the Animals - well before the police ever played. A decade older than the other two guys.

[@scotey]

Interesting to hear Sting admit he basically recorded Synchronicity on his own, then brought it to Andy and Stewart to dub in their parts. I'm sure that drove Andy nuts. Knowing what we now know, it's hard not to view Synchronicity as Sting's first solo album (minus Mother and the excellent Miss Gradenko).

[@jonathanrkidd1681]

@@hpsfl I read somewhere that Andy also played with Kevin Coyne and Kevin Ayres, and was a member of King Crimson, all before joining the Police. Sting, Stuart and Andy met at a recording session that they were all individually booked for. Andy's solo albums are also very credible in my opinion.

[@forrestjames9691]

Andy Summers is a legend guitar player - full respect!

[@Leatherfacet]

Andy summers didn't play on this. This was sting.

[@carlossagaro5977]

Fortress Around Your Heart is beautiful musically and lyrically. This soung is incredible.

[@keithschofield1158]

Big police fan love those old albums wish you would do a special on Pete Townshend and the Who

[@MDonovan]

Shape of My Heart is also simple and elegant 💛

[@Gelsyviolet]

Una delle canzoni più belle di Sting.

[@KneedleKnees]

A Sting video starting with a dissection of Fortress Around Your Heart? Rick, you just won my heart

[@zwerker]

Rick: Let me set the battlements on fire ;-)

[@sarahkincaid208]

E-flat Mixolydian explained. Thank you! Sting’s jazz sensibility and extensive use of modes makes his music so unique and sophisticated. I SO appreciate your illuminating talks.

[@EliseLogan]

The Police were lightning in a bottle - three absolute genius musicians creating magic. Sting as a solo artist took that magic and elevated it to absolute wizardry.

[@scottyvand]

Well said.

[@MerkinMuffly]

His lyrics became more sophisticated, but there's no replacing Copeland and Summers imo.

[@StratMatt777]

I thought they were a message in a bottle?

[@juttamaier2111]

I would have preferred them to stay together

[@scottyvand]

@@juttamaier2111 Oh for sure. They are great together.

[@charpnatl]

Sting is a real musicians musician! I’ve questioned my ability as a musician more working on Stings music than I have practicing Bach. It’s wonderful and Bonkers! I’m so glad I found your channel today!

[@Iutub0ne_Genzore]

relativism

[@paramitch]

The even better part is when we can hear Bach or Dowland or other classical influences in the songs themselves (it's obvious he loves Classical and Early Baroque music). It's really special.

[@georgemeyer2884]

" Fortress around my heart" could easily be a "what makes this song great" video in itself. Love the flow and the backing vocals. Please break that down for us Rick!

[@podchauffe]

Jan Jakob For me it has always stood out. It has that contrast between contemplating verse and majestic chorus... pure delight for my ears and feelings. Rick’s video helped me realize the string Sting is pulling there. I wish you reconsider the song. :)

[@GeoffGreene]

Yes please

[@richey_rock]

When most bands are performing three-chord songs, Sting has played more than twice that many before the first chorus! Incredible musician!

[@davidbuckley4904]

Rick, I'm a young music teacher and in a way, you've been one of my greatest mentors through your videos and Beato book. I'm a full time software guy, but I'm entering my third year of teaching a high school jazz band and private lessons as a side gig and I would have been more lost than I already am if not for your example. Thank you for all the help.

[@skidwell41]

Sting has the ability to write profound lyrics and put them together with amazing music. Few people can do that

[@gh0st6rider38]

He gives you this great beat and something to think about in the song. I've never heard just a nothing or throwaway song. I think he would drop dead if he wrote one. The closest is Take Me To the Sunshine which was requested by a Japanese resort and even then its has something to it.

[@mrsasshole]

I remember being 20, playing bass and singing in a gigging band. We spent an evening pulling Synchonicity II apart and trying to learn it. After that evening we had some idea of just how complex the writing was. Almost half the evening was spent listening to the guitarist complain about the nightmarishly complex chords Andy was using in that song. On that note, I wonder how much of the brilliance of Synchronicity II is owed to Andy Summers. There's no shortage of interviews with Andy and Stewart speaking about the need to "toughen up" Sting's songs when he handed them to the two of them. I remember Summers and Copeland talking about removing 3rds and 5ths so the songs didn't sound so poppy. Great video as always, Rick :)

[@MsCygnusX1]

Check out some of Andy's solo work. It's jazz oriented. The Golden Wire was a good album. The Charming Snakes album is good too. My favorite track is "Mexico 1920."

[@skyreadersociety6183]

yes, same here. Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland cannot be credited enough tbh.

[@jtraxy]

Mr. Sasshole, that's interesting. Sting's songs outside of The Police often veer into the "too saccharin" (although Dream of the Blue Turtles approximately hit the right (blue) note, I think). Hence, Summers/Copeland "toughening up" his songs during The Police era must have had a lot to do with extracting excess sugariness. Can you give a link to an example interview where those guys talk about that?

[@mrsasshole]

@@MsCygnusX1 I have indeed :) Mexico 1920 is a wonderful track. Dream Trains might be my favorite though of his solo work.

[@mrsasshole]

@@jtraxy Sadly, it was probably 20 years back in a print guitar magazine. I'm blessed with a very good memory and I remember the quote quite clearly, but I've never been able to find that interview.

[@TouFik]

For me, the genius of Sting can be heard on his albums “Ten summoner’s tales” and “ The soul cages”. Perfect albums. Writing, composition, singing. Everything is simply flawless. Great video Rick!

[@brucecall1595]

Regatta deblanc

[@22fret]

Yep. To me the first 4 albums were absolutely perfect. After that things started to go wrong. The last 3 pop albums were utter crap, the Shaggy cooperation included. But I like "Songs from the Labyrinth" and "If on a Winter's Night".

[@brucecall1595]

@@22fret couldn't have said it better. Something rips me in half when I listen to beds to big without you.

[@brucecall1595]

@@22fret all I made was one mistake.....now the beds to big without you......pure genius in word play.

[@Peter7966]

I agree... genius. I'd love to here Sting talk about how he writes. Melody first and lyrics? Chords? Together? A lot of his stuff is so complex and so well crafted. But the songs don't sound complex. They sound like good songs.

[@timgundlach1272]

I am not a muscian so much of this is over my head, but does help me to appreciate the music more. Pretty stupid that the music companies interfere with that.

[@wserafin11]

It’s all about money! Record execs can be some of the lowest forms of life! Read about CCR and what was done to John Fogarty by his own brother and band mates, then add in the scumbag they sold his music to w/o his permission! I have no idea how they get away with it!!

[@DrAvery-lc6bs]

Without those companies you'd have never heard of Sting. Promotion and development aren't free.

[@rickfromthecape3135]

@@DrAvery-lc6bs Promotion and development are one thing. Turning an artist's music into absolute slop is another.

[@ididyermom3273]

I've been a huge fan of Sting and the Police since the 80's. He constantly inspires and amazes me and he has some of the most profound lyrics. Shape of My Heart is my favorite song, just amazingly beautiful.

[@BoutYoungAnnaLee]

So much about Sting is impossible to copy. As well as his extraordinary knowledge of modes, complex time signatures and music theory in general, which, by the way, never get in the way of the profound emotion and dazzling poetry contained in his lyrics, his voice is so singular and unique in its tone, pitch and pronunciation, his bad-ass-punky-yet-sophisticated basslines, which he would play at the same time as singing (one of the hardest tasks in popular music) plus the fact he looks like some kind of alien/athlete catwalk model. A titan.

[@achenarmyst2156]

Amen.

[@matthewbeard7225]

who cares about copying STING? yuck

[@johnfrenette]

You’re gonna be really bummed when, in the follow-on video, he reveals Sting’s whole catalog-including the Police-is the work of Max Martin. LOL

[@ddieter603]

Not to mention that nobody stretches as far as Sting to get his lyrics to rhyme.

[@dlux703]

YOU got it there. Playing linear instrumental lines that may or may not oppose the linear vocal lines you are singing, while keeping it all precise and articulate/interesting, AND emotionally/lyrically CAPTIVATING, is nearly impossible. Except if you're Sting.

[@Pehennji]

Sting is a genius for everything Rick talked about. And also for his basslines: always kind of simple but very tasteful, often unusual, and so enjoyable to play.

[@sarojaband4664]

Sting's 'Fortress Around Your Heart" is an absolute MASTERPIECE in terms of composition, performance, and MAGIC. I was hooked on the very first listen 35 yrs ago! Thank you Rick!!

[@thomaslark379]

Yes, it is, and so was I. Many think Pete Townshend's work (probably "Empty Glass") influenced Sting's creation of this wonderful song.

[@shawarmageddonit]

Die-hard metalhead here. When I was 18, I heard Sting for the first time, and I was blown away. In the two decades gone by since then, I've considered Sting one of my all-time favorite artists, and one of the all-time greatest songwriters of the human goddamn species. To have Rick Beato himself confirm it is like finding a puzzle piece you've been missing for 20 years.

[@Dmena373]

Same I’m a metalhead but somethin about Sting just sounds so unique

[@CatholicCreatineEnjoyer]

Lol, I was sort of the same, in a way. I grew up listening to early emo music which turned into a love for metal music because emo wasn’t hard enough. Then I found Sting and The Police when I was probably 23-24 and instantly became a super fan overnight.

[@toddubow2599]

Rick again shows why he is invaluable to the public. KZbin needs to protect the good ones.

[@oresthopiak8609]

And instead they are just giving threats to such great youtubers like Rick Beato... Instead of supporting the music comunity they are bringing them down

[@petersmart894]

Rick. This is one of the best vids you have ever done. Sting is unique.

[@dryver8]

When a great musician like Rick’s face lights up, you know it’s something special. His face is lit the entire video….

[@HelloKittyFanMan.]

Wow, I LOVE so many Gordon Sumner/"Sting" songs! I totally agree, some of those moves are just so... oh man... dramatically pleasing! He's got so _many_ great songs, like Coldplay does! I'd love to write a pop song that had even half the brilliance as these two! I've written 2 hymns but I hardly know anything about these modes or even the names of the chords and how they work. There's so MUCH to learn about how to make and notate music that it makes my head spin!

[@antoinerobert7753]

The interesting thing about how you make sens of your childhood is that both dad and mom make a lot of sens

[@antoinerobert7753]

And I can see that in your musical interest which are so eclectic

[@yourunclehank1]

@@antoinerobert7753 and $ too

[@BrentStandridgeBrentZen]

I totally love the way you break down these songs. To me, Sting takes on the Miles Davis Modal Jazz concept and makes it a pop-rock fusion that somehow seamlessly lays his vocals over chord constructs that ungulate between tension and resolution in such a way that makes the straightforward chorus pop like that ice-cold beer on a hot summer day that makes you want to savor and take in that effervescent spray just before you chug it down like a parched nomad walking out of the Sahara desert into the Sting Oasis...

[@jordanvincenzo464]

A prime example of the drop in the collective musical aptitude of the general public. This stuff was on pop radio when I was growing up. Amazing. Now look what we have. There’s still great music being made, but It just had to be looked for.

[@vrza]

I believe the chords on "let me set the battlements on fire" are Cm7 Dm7 ... rather than Ab/C Bb/D. Most changes in this beautiful song seem to be variations on the idea of modulating between parallel major and minor modes, which is arguably the most beautiful modulation you can make. E.g. G dorian (which has the same set of notes as ionian F major) moves to Eb mixolydian (which has the same set of notes as aeolian F minor).

[@oyesuken]

To add to his musicality, his lyrics are just as genius."For we would never have marched so far to be food for a crow" He is in a realm by himself. Musical humor, lets look at Seven Days...one of my favorites. Shape of my Heart for sheer humanity. Thank you for sharing the technical aspect of his genius, Rick.

[@Peanutdenver]

Sting and the Police are way before my time, but I love their music. Seven Days, An Englishman in NY and Russians are real bangers...complex ones. I also love The Police's work like Do do do do Da da da da, Don't Stand So Close to Me, Canary in a Coal Mine, Tea in the Sahara, So Lonely and Every Little Thing She Does is Magic. A lot of our younger generation is getting turned onto their tracks and love the writing and how much substance there is in his songs. Unlike today where pop is so bland and sounds so similar(outside a few bands). Also, I love the acoustic version of Message in a Bottle too.

[@sirgalahad1470]

@@SecularSpinach There's a fossil that's trapped in a high cliff wall, that's my soul up there There's a dead salmon frozen in a waterfall, that's my soul up there There's a blue whale beached by a springtide's ebb, that's my soul up there There's a butterfly trapped in a spider's web, that's my soul up there I have stood here before inside the pouring rain With the world turning circles running 'round my brain I guess I'm always hoping that you'll end this reign But it's my destiny to be the king of pain

[@ronsworld250]

No do about it. A good friend of mine and I would sit around and just marvel at his lyrics whether with the Police or solo. Canary in a Coalmine, When the World is Running Down, Invisible Sun, all of the Jung references, ideologies in Synchronicity, and the entire lyrical content of the Turtles album. Actually, all of his solo works. His lyrics are thought provoking, timeless, and captivating. Sting truly is a Renaissance man. As someone who is not a musician but a fan of so many different genres of music, my ear always knew enough to realize the complexities in his writing beyond the lyrical content. Thanks to Rick, he dug down to explain these complexities in a few of his songs. I always knew, too much was going on those songs with all his songs to be just simple pop songs. He is an exceptional bass player and his lines were always very moody, thought provoking, and the backbone of the Police tunes. You mix that with Stewart’s out of this world drumming, odd meter, and thumping beat, you had one of the best rhythm sections in rock music. Andy always complemented them well. He is a great guitarist who always seemed a little scaled back in his playing. I am sure he would have liked more virtuoso solos but when needed, said solos, always fleshed out the songs. Sting has always played with the best musicians. He, Stewart, Andy, Branford, Omar, Kenny, Dominic, Vinny, David, and all those musicians in the all star shows. My first live show was a Sting solo show. He, Dominic, Vinny, David Sancious, and Vinx during the Soul Cages tour. A marvelous show. I was fortunate enough to catch the Police twice during their reunion tour. Been a big fan of Sting since my elementary, junior high days, late 70s, early 80s and like Rick, I always felt that he was a musical genius. Thanks to Rick’s analysis, I see his genius more beyond being just a great lyricist and bass player.

[@mikeycooper75]

Ten Sumner's Tales was brilliant! Really was a great album for me as a young bass player..

[@lewisdsd]

22 years old and yet Synchronicity is one of my favourite albums of all time. Sting’s music is not only uncopyable but timeless as well!

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

I love Synchronicity , played that album non - stop ❤️

[@RockHudrock]

Dude. I think it’s like 39 yrs old.

[@SoneNando]

17 and the same

[@lewisdsd]

@@RockHudrock I was referring to my age, not the album’s.

[@asumari1876]

From Japan, totally agree

[@angusorvid8840]

Sting is a huge jazz fan, and this really found its way into The Police. They were big fans of Return to Forever and Mahavishnu. When Sting went solo he got Branford Marsalis in his band and he added so much to his sound. Although we all wanted another Police album after Synchronicity (an album my dad and I listened to every day in '82, '83) Sting just had to do his own thing, and he did it well. He's had an extraordinary solo career. He also sings with an incredible amount of soul and his vocal pitch is perfect. A solid talent. World class.

[@Physics072]

Yea I was big in to Police and Jazz in the 80s. Police were great live and later I appreciated Stings use of jazz musicians. I was in Mahavishu, Billy Cobham, Jean Luc Ponty etc.

[@Auntkekebaby]

Thank you. All of them are jazz fans. I'm really sick of reading Sting slander because ppl are still upset about the Police disband. Sting is not this monster. The other member will tell you the same. He just had more to do with his music. At least they went out on top.

[@zianeb]

"King of Pain" is a haunting castle of atmospheres.

[@ruminator3570]

The paiano part right at it's the same old thing as yesterday.

[@jordanf.4876]

@@ruminator3570 Yes, as is Invisible Sun

[@nat15ify]

That siren sound is ghostly.

[@neilslunch]

“Shape of My Heart” is beautifully written as well. Surprise key-change, again, and unexpected return to the home key in a sudden, yet smooth transition. Overall, a hauntingly beautiful sound and a very satisfying and simple ending.

[@paullubson8963]

Sting only wrote the lyrics to that. Its a Dominic Miller tune

[@neilslunch]

Paul Lubson Oh. Was not aware. Thanks

[@streetdenizen]

“I Hung My Head” is one of his greatest song and it has a unique tempo.

[@paramitch]

9/8! It's so cool! That's another of my favorite things about Sting -- he's so playful with time signatures.

[@dryver8]

The talent in the Police is almost unparalleled. Each guy simply remarkable.

[@jonathanrkidd1681]

Agree. They flew high and soared above their peers at the time.

[@seangdolan]

The Bridge from Money for Nothing was “Don’t stand so, don’t stand so, don’t so close to me” replaced lyrically with “I want my I want my I want my MTV.” Sting received a co-writing credit on that song for that!!!!

[@schreineinAV]

I’m not so sure about that..... as far as I know, that’s Sting singing ‘i want my MTV’ at the beginning of the song..... “The song features an introduction with Sting singing “I want my MTV”. Because of this, this was the first song played on MTV Europe when it began airing. Sting received a songwriting credit for the intro, and consequently this is one of only three Dire Straits songs not credited to Mark Knopfler alone.”

[@seangdolan]

schreineinAV it’s in the intro and outro.

[@steveconn]

I think it was raised a key on the Straits song.

[@Wanderlust073]

Yeah 8:49 in this video...

[@Firearrow5235]

@@schreineinAV He sings backup vocals throughout the song. Intro, Outro, and harmonies in the choruses.

[@andykenny5674]

This might be the most interesting thing about Synchronicity II: One of the studio guys fell asleep during one of the recording sessions - so they set up some mics and recorded him snoring. That sound is mixed into Synchronicity II during the monster part about 2/3 the way through! 😃

[@johngrunwell6101]

There used to be isolated tracks from Synchronicity II here on KZbin, but which are now gone. It was amazing to hear the parts on their own, especially Copeland's, but it was especially fun to discover on the vocal tracks that Sting was doing what I've been doing for more than 30 years, which is to go "Tsss Tsss," when Copeland's hi-hats make that sound during the F# introduction and what you call "the monster part."

[@ImYourHuckleberry_29]

Wow. Fortress has always been my favorite Sting solo song because it's so unique. Nice to see Rick recognize it's brilliance. I still feel that Stings' best work was with Andy and Stewart.

[@marlondeanclift]

Sting is a very intelligent composer and a very gifted player. Some people don't like his music, but they can't deny what's underneath.

[@randomjasmicisrandom]

Marlon Dean Clift I have heard the same thing said about Jacob Collier. I would love to see a collaboration between them.

[@hab9609]

Not a lot of people don’t like his Music, but those people are not music aficionado’s either

[@fab.silva1119]

‘Some people’ are idiots. How can you not appreciate his music. The guy is on a totally different level.

[@CHAUNCEY.GARDNER.]

@@hab9609 Ah I have. seen Ray Charles,James Brown, Megadeath,Vai,yeah I got this,his music is like prison cavity search.

[@hab9609]

Scarborough Guy megadeth? Lol. Ok. Thanks for proving my point. Hope you enjoyed the cavity search. Maybe if they did a deeper search they may have found some more taste in music.

[@ultramet]

Excellent points and very educational. My only point is that Sting didn’t do this alone. Andy Summers brought a tremendous amount of rich musical vocabulary to the Police. On Synchronicity II, the guitar on the chorus is derived from Andy’s background studying flamenco guitar. Murder by Numbers is all Andy Summers and his “expensive chords” . On Dream of the Blue Turtles and Nothing Like the Sun it helps of you surround yourself with world-class jazz musicians. Sting is phenomenal as a songwriter and musician. His ability to sing against heavily syncopated bass lines is probably second to none. However, all I am trying to say is he has had a lot of help along the way, although the songs get solo credited to Sting.

[@RolandDeschain1]

'Fields of Gold' is up there with 'Hallelujah' as one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.

[@50srefugee]

...and now I have to listen to that again.

[@stuarthancock571]

Played Eva Cassidy's version at my fathers funeral. Pure magic

[@stephendverner]

I so agree.

[@HarrierMan99]

You are correct, my friend.

[@DVineMe]

Will you stay with me? Will you be my love? Among the fields of barley... We'll forget the sun in his jealous sky, as we lie in fields of gold...

[@daveedson32]

Fortress Around Your Heart's transition from the verse to the chorus is one of the most sophisticated and cathartic ever. It opens up like the sun bursting through clouds.

[@antonychliaropoulos5581]

I would have loved to be a fly on the wall during those sessions. Just to see how Andy and Stewart shaped the songs that Sting brought in to them. I know Sting very much dominated the writing of that album but those chords you outline are also very Andy Summers like as well. Great video Rick!

[@WromWrom]

Yep, let's not forget Sting played BASS on The Police. Andy Summers laid a lot of the riffs. That's not to say Sting wasn't da Boss and the one composing most songs.

[@shspurs1342]

Correct both andy and sting are very good Jazz players and Copeland comes from a Prog background. That’s why they worked so well together.

[@herseem]

@@WromWrom Yes, and also don't forget that quite often the bass line timing and melody timing seemed to be almost completely disconnected from each other, and only connected now and then. Roxanne comes to mind. Actually playing that is really, really difficult. Your head has to practically split in two to be able to play both at the same time. Which I can't.

[@ordinalkirk]

His solo career did not have the same impact despite surrounding himself with some of the best players in the world. Shows what Andy and Stu brought to the table.

[@squirlmy]

@@ordinalkirk nice sentiment, but I think you're misremembering. Dream of the Blue Turtles in 1985 did fairly well commercially, and anyways, getting Branford Marsailles onboard is not the move of someone looking to maximize album sales, but looking for new challenges. Dream of the Blue Turtles and Nothing Like the Sun; these works got both critical praise and commercial success- many grammy and brit nominations and awards. I don't think "impact" is truly measured in sales, but I don't understand in what other way you think his solo work had less impact. Perhaps you are being overly nostalgic. It's a mistake to compare Sting's Police period to his solo work. If you want to compliment Andy and Stu that's great, I fully agree, but I'd argue this "impact" idea is just in your head. Research the albums, sales, awards, and measure you want. Then give me any objective measure of this "impact". I think you will reconsider.

[@savethofel8952]

Sting and Rick Beato...i had to drop everything!

[@LouisL1963]

So did I!! 😊

[@swetonic]

Me too! Work can wait...

[@yoliefb]

IKR?

[@TheDaaazer]

Hahahaha!!!! ME TOO!

[@RC32Smiths01]

Sting is one of the most iconic and influential musicians I think the world has ever seen. I think everyone in the Police was some of the best in their respective roles.

[@johnk3195]

Absolutely !

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@johnk3195 Indeed my man!

[@gregorymccasland2874]

Unbelievably, The Police and Sting are Underrated. It takes a special world to make that happen.

[@shadowspectrum]

Andy Summers super underrated guitarist, and obviously Stu Copeland is a beast on drums.

[@MrClassicmetal]

@@shadowspectrum Walking On The Moon is an absolute _masterclass_ in how to use cymbals.

[@pal4597]

My wife would say that’s a nice song without knowing the brilliance and theory in the music. Lol Musicians love him, and he can create a song that resonates with the masses. Ten Summoner’s Tales is my desert island pick. Love Sting when he is with Vinnie Great job Rick!

[@briancase6180]

This is my favorite video so far, and you make a lot of great ones. But Sting's genius is so overwhelming that you almost drown when you're listening. It's amazing to have it slowed down and broken down. When you're just listening to the music, you know it's something special, but your impulse to just enjoy overcomes your desire to analyze. Thanks!!!

[@BootlegBil]

You can appreciate why Andy is important to Sting, during their time in The Police. Same goes with Stewart. The right three musicians gelling together to give you their incredible sound.

[@simonkempnerguitar]

damn my faith in humanity has been restored; here's someone sitting in his studio talking about modes and intervals in 2020 and there's 2 MILLION subscribers ... why haven't I found this earlier??? :')

[@mikelandis3218]

Rick is the best...he is one of a kind. Flawless taste and a wealth of knowledge

[@HumanistAtheist]

Come on in friend, the water is fine. :-)

[@princesssolace4337]

He was in Missing411

[@festyguy7405]

I’m a percussion player; no clue!

[@kamakaziozzie3038]

Not sure- Been watching this since 2019 and there were about a million subs then!

[@mattgarcia9687]

I recall an old interview with Rush regarding their new album, and when asked who influenced them musically at that time, Neil Peart said "The Police".

[@jdmoncada8205]

I love that you started with "Fortress Around Your Heart." It's my favorite song from the first solo album, and it also taught me the word "chasm." I was 11 when the song came out, so I can be excused. But really lovely to know what he's doing, like a mini "What Makes This Song Great" lesson.

[@TheSoewi1963]

Same here. I nearly always teared up when that trumpet came in the second refrain...

[@MrGSpot]

Same here. :)

[@FlyinTonite]

I honestly understand maybe 10% of what he's talking about but damn if it doesn't make me appreciate music that much more.

[@LouisSerieusement]

you can learn all of that by searshing and watching videos on his channel, everything is in here, that's how I begun to learn about theory :)

[@paulquirk3783]

That's me exactly.

[@mehulsheth7688]

Thanks Rick; I thoroughly enjoyed this. As a young prog rock fan into Dream Theater and Rush, I found myself really drawn to Synchronicity ii and couldn’t really figure out why. Thanks for breaking it down so insightfully and explaining how my brain was drawn to the song’s inner complexity cloaked in beautiful, accessible melody.

[@Auntkekebaby]

It's a explosive, prog pop opera. It's 3 minutes instead of 20 not that there's anything wrong with a 20 min journey.

[@celiamello4292]

You simply mentioned the three Sting's songs I most like: I burn for you, Fortress around your heart and Synchronicity. Now I know why I like them so much. Thank you.

[@montysloungetv]

'Fortress' never gets old - even with repeat plays

[@bcarpenter71866]

Thank you for this one, Rick. I remember hearing "Fortress Around Your Heart" for the first time when I was in 8th grade. I mowed a couple of lawns, went to the record store, and bought a copy. After that, every afternoon, I would come home from school, drop the needle, and lay down between two speakers (for maximum stereo imaging) and play that tune over and over as loud as those paper cones could handle. I thought it was special, and now, you've helped me understand why. That album will forever be in my sonic imagination. Thank you for the deep dive and celebrating Sting!

[@mixolydian9102]

I had a similar experience, with “If you love somebody set them free”. I saw the video very early on a Sunday Morning (3am) and I was blown away. Thinking, this is the “Every breath you take guy”. Couldn’t afford the album, but a friend of mine who’s parents were pop music fanatics already had the album. Went to his place one weekend and he copied it for me from the Vinyl. Been A fan every since.That album, “The bring on the.night album” and tour docu and the albums that followed were truely life changing. The man is more than just a musician and composer.

[@c.french450]

I can feel this comment in a million ways. Right there with you.

[@gordonmills2748]

I remember listening to "Fortress Around Your Heart" in Manhattan Beach back in '86, and it took another 15 years before I "got" the lyrics...in the middle of a divorce. Of course the music is brilliant, but the words are right up there with the notes.

[@kudryavkalaika875]

I love Sting and The Police. I get bored easily by music, but his songs are so refreshing, especially when they come on the radio while I am driving. I had no words to explain why. Thank you!!!

[@jayeye4798]

How can someone find a reason to give this video a thumbs down? How? Even if you're not a Police or Sting fan, you can't appreciate Rick's high quality breakdown of the music, the quality of the video, and Rick's genuine expertise and enthusiasm for the music? Explain to me what there is to not to like. I really want to know. Anyways thanks Rick, it was a complete beast of a review. I never knew how complex Sting as a song writer is. I can hear it, but couldn't dissect it. Awesome!

[@ragnarroeck]

Maybe some stray Australians got confused and did it by accident?

[@Digga58]

Dummies...

[@mattgilbert7347]

@@ragnarroeck I'm a New Zealander living in Australia, cannot abide Sting, find Mr. Beato's content to be...umm....not gonna say it....let's just way we have different tastes - and even with all that I did not thumbs down this content. I can understand why somebody would, but I did not. Gimme a cookie. Sting really should be taken out the back and put out of our misery, tho.

[@felixdroid]

Do you think it may well have been Andy Summers influence on the chord sequences in Police and then the jazzers influences in his solo albums?

[@jquinlan]

True, listen to the Henry Padovani era songs. AS arrival changed the band.

[@shspurs1342]

Sting learnt his trade by playing in local Jazz.

[@enkiitu]

I don’t think Andy Summers input was so important. Just check Stings composition after Police... the guy is otherworldly.

[@micromis]

DITTOS: Best comment I remember was on Summers' first solo effort, some reviewer said "It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that Sting." (ouch)

[@road2dead]

Most of this goes way over my head - I don't have the training in music theory to understand half of what's said. However, I love this stuff - it is so fascinating to see the breakdown you do. I too have always thought of Sting as an amazing songwriter, but I could never describe it with the clarity you do Mr. Beato.

[@xyloxia]

Agree completely....so over my head, yet so entertaining

[@mdarrenu]

Me too. I never thought chords were that complex. I mean playing them - the dexterity part sure - but I guess I just don't know too much about guitar playing.

[@pemirkovich9]

I can still remember getting the album "Soul Cages" in the mail just as It came out and putting the CD in my stereo and listening to it for the first time. Some of those tracks are still on my play list thirty years later.

[@marcoandrebriones]

The Soul Cages is a masterpiece. I have loved since I listened to it for the first time. Maybe his best solo album. Absolutely brilliant!

[@adamwattsmusic]

Might be my overall favorite of his albums.

[@nat15ify]

Finally some love for Soul Cages! Why should I cry for you and When the Angels Fall are beautiful songs.

[@pemirkovich9]

@@VIDS2013 I saw him in concert I think it was 98 or 99 and he sang for about 3 hours until he was losing his voice. Such a generous Artist.

[@lmoulder1]

Of course - who didn't realize that Sting was playing an F sharp DeLorean scale that then goes to the bridge using a flux capacitor rhythm and then to the coda playing the Marty Mcflyean sharp 6th suspended with a Doc Brown/Biff flat...duh

[@dougtimpe1099]

Do you want to be a good guitar player? I want to be a good guitar player. Is Rick a good guitar player? Yes. Listen to Rick. Learn from Rick! Be a good guitar player!

[@TheExpeditionUK]

"Hey lmoulder1! I thought I told you never to come in here!"

[@scottbernard8824]

That's "midichlorian sharp 6th."

[@lmoulder1]

@@scottbernard8824 Powerful you have become, the dark side I sense in you

[@rihamy2nd]

Hilarious!

[@bellygunnermusic]

"Fortress Around Your Heart" reminds me of Yes, melodic notes against the chords making big open extensions. When I was a kid I learned the baselines all the way thru Zenyatta Mendatta. and learned various tunes off their other albums too. solid composing, good lyrics. Sting's voice is like nobody. Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland also, I mean, Sting lucked out with those two very unique players. It was an exciting time for sure.

[@Looshbaby]

@Dunadangirl and King's X

[@lisaquintilian9661]

@Dunadangirl Yes and ELP came to my mind.

[@jonahkirk4165]

Steely Dan also comes to mind

[@paulorenato296]

Perfect!!! Police was a copy of the Chris Squire's cd - Fish Out Of Water - 1975.

[@KHLthe2nd]

@@jonahkirk4165 if you're into boredom

[@3.2Carrera]

I came back to this after the Sting interview. I've come to a conclusion. Back in the day we all took this for granted. There would be another Police or Sting record played on the radio for free and the bench was deep in players for the music we like. Forged in the clubs for years people like Sting, McCartney, Michael Jackson, Prince, etc are all endangered species now and we're losing so many. Hopefully more of these legends take the leap and do more technical interviews like this. If real music is to come back, the generation of players will be looking here for information.

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

We definitely took The Police for granted ! We were spoiled !

[@kentjohnson4699]

100%

[@tested211]

The thing about Sting is that he combines musical sophistication with a kind of lyrical dadaism. It seems almost absurdly simple and relatable on the surface but there's always the feeling that there's great depth underneath.

[@marcweissman5752]

Exactly. He's able to be so sophisticated musically, but between his unmistakeable voice and clever lyrics, he appeals to the masses. Pretty amazing ability actually. He very easily could've ended up a "niche" artist if not for his melody and lyric writing.

[@shawnreed9016]

Love your videos. As someone who picked up learning guitar at 52 your music knowledge is incredible and informative. Thank you for sharing. Greetings from Lubbock, Tx. 🤠🎸🤘

[@dbwproductions]

My old band “Dorian Gray” (our drummer was Jani Lane before he was the singer for Warrant) covered this when it first came out. We were playing at The Button North in Ft. Lauderdale that week. That was before I knew what modes were, or what it meant to eat 3 times a day;-) Thanks Rick, always a pleasure watching you!

[@jamilmcclelland8304]

Nice!!

[@daveb8559]

Agreed. It's why the music of Sting and the Police is some of my most favorite. The melodies are brilliant and beautiful. Easy to listen to, addictive and deceptively complex. He is a master.

[@wadepatrick9553]

In a recent video Rick had mentioned “Consider Me Gone,” which sent me down the rabbit hole relistening (and re-relistening) to Sting’s early solo output. That band was so damn good, and those albums really changed the way my twentysomething self looked at what popular music could be.

[@jdwyer05]

Fortress Around Your Heart was not his first single. "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" was the first single. Fortress was actually the last single. Aside from that, this was an excellent breakdown. Thank you so much!!!

[@Honolulu-Blue]

You're right about Fortress not being the first single, but it was the second of four (at least in the U.S.). It was followed by "Love Is the Seventh Wave" and "Russians".

[@stevecarlin5551]

@@Honolulu-Blue Man does that take you back or what?! I loved this album.

[@jdwyer05]

Honolulu Blue I recall everything in your order but Fortress. For some reason I remember thinking the best song on the album was the last single to be released and also the best video from the album too. But I’m totally willing to accept that I am wrong. 😀

[@thesuncollective1475]

Thanks..good to know..My brother was a big fan..I loved Regatta ALOT...great song writer fo sure

[@imjustsomeguy72]

@@Honolulu-Blue I think actually that Love is the seventh wave was before Fortress. I think Moon Over Bourbon Street was also a single eventually.

[@AlanKey86]

"Seven Days" has some tasty chords in the chorus. What I love most about it though is how smooth the 5/4 feel is. To my ear, 5/4 can sometimes sound very stilted (In "My Wave" by Soundgard this is probably deliberate). But Seven Days really flows.

[@AdamChurchill]

AGREED, Seven Days is an incredible composition!

[@waynejrice]

Thank Vinnie Colaiuta for that!

[@angelarorrer8055]

I still recall driving from vacation in the OBX back home to Richmond and this was the tape blaring (dating myself) in my car. I still listen to this, not on tape anymore, all the time. It will always be one of my favourite albums.

[@TheKatonahKid]

One of my favorite RB videos. I’ve loved Sting’s music for years, but, not being a musician, I didn’t understand why. Really helped me appreciate it more and looking forward to listening to these songs again.

[@roelkuiper9919]

Brilliant analysis of “Der Shtingle” and his unique and erudite style of writing. I couldn’t agree more and have always felt this way about his music. Also, I would love to see your analysis of Alex Lifeson’s guitar playing someday. He used some jazzy chords in Rush’s music too. Thank you for your wonderful channel!

[@ccaputa]

Stingaling ding ding ding dong!

[@ElleDeeFonzarelli]

“Der Shtingle” 😂 Thank you.

[@seangeist9495]

Thanks for mentioning Alex Lifeson! My all time favorite, and most underrated guitarist ever. Cheers.

[@roelkuiper9919]

lindsay plaskett Can’t remember where I heard that, years ago, but I thought it was funny too 😆

[@roelkuiper9919]

G P You’re right; I’ve seen the one on “Closer to the Heart”, but I don’t remember there being another (although I’ve by no means seen all the episodes).

[@eringiambalvo209]

I don't have a great ear or musical talent, but my listening pleasure, and simply my enthusiasm for music is improved after watching RB's videos. Thanks Rick, glad I happened upon your channel.

[@Freckles303]

Incredible presentation of Sting’s genius. And I’m just seeing this because I just watched a video of his recent 70th birthday celebration after a live concert he gave. Sting is timeless and Rick, it’s so amazing how you recognize and celebrate his gift. Thank you!

[@richarddorsey4833]

I've been a metal guy since the 80s but Sting is the guy that made me branch out from that. I had Ten Summoner's Tales in my cd player for 5yrs and never took it out.

[@nat15ify]

I would think Synchronicity 2, is very close to metal sound, the guitars are really aggressive in that song.

[@shesails3313]

Sting's Little Wing melts me..one of my all time favorite songs....genius arrangement of this song by Jimi Hendrix. What do you think Rick?

[@tnleverett]

It's a great version. The guitar solo is killer! And of course, Branford on sax!

[@LoganSusnick]

It is somewhat rare that covers are better than the original. And it sure is hard to make that statement when talking about amazing talent like Jimi. In this case, I agree - it's one of the most beautiful songs ever for me. But it's not all Sting here. There's Gil Evans, Marsalis, Egan, Dennard (that one flam always gets me), and most importantly, that beautiful solo by the late and great Hiram Bullock!

[@JS-pd7lg]

That arrangement was done by Gil Evans

[@msfrankie631]

I am a fan of Sting’s. I appreciate his intelligent lyrics & interesting melodies. Hope I get to see him live again.

[@jsuch2010]

@@LoganSusnick That Flam! Yes! I thought it was just me... Gets me every time! perfectly placed. Reminds me of my old drum instructor reminding us in middle school that percussion can be just as musical as any wind instrument

[@Nick6661992]

I've been waiting for this video for so long! Sting and Phil Collins are my greatest influences! I'd love to see you break down Genesis or Phil Collins as well. Thank you so much for this breakdown Rick!

[@vincognito]

Sting deserves this kind of tribute to his work. I remember the first time I heard the Police, I thought, "WTF is THIS about?" It was Walking On The Moon. Being raised on pop music and at the time, just getting excited about the approaching New Wave, at first I had a hard time with all the space in the song--taken up mostly by Copeland's utterly brilliant drumming (he's one of my fave rock drummers of all time.) Then I heard it a second time and I listened more closely than the first because it was so unusual, even for New Wave music. It was like nothing I'd ever heard before. (I had a similar experience with Led Zepplin's first record...it was like nothing I'd ever heard before.) Anyway, I realized this wasn't just good pop music...it was GREAT pop music. After that, I became addicted to Sting and The Police. I see the Synchronicity album as a New Wave concept album. All the psychological references from Freud (Mother) to Jung (Synchronicity and Synchronicity II), seems to to weave a red thread throughout the record. At the time, I was hoping for a new music revolution, akin to what the always amazing Beatles had produced in the 60's. I thought the Police would turn out to be those revolutionary heroes. Too bad they broke up as early as they did. I would have loved to see where the would've gone beyond what they'd already done. But, nonetheless, Sting became a force to be reckoned with all on his own. I think Ten Summoner's Tales is a real sleeper of a record. Seven Days blows my mind and Vinnie Colaiuta's drumming on it is insanely brilliant. We don't see much output like this in the pop music world these days.

[@sseltrek1a2b]

he, Stevie Wonder, Pat Metheny, Rush, and Steely Dan all have this innate ability to take complex voicings/progressions and make them accessible with strong melody...they were outliers to "you have to write a song this way" (the music industry's current focus)...incredible, and timeless...stevie wonder, in particular, blew my mind when he used a chromatic scale to open a pop song ("You Are The Sunshine Of My Life"...)...

[@seanswinton6242]

You're exactly right. As a kid I loved all of these artists and discovered that I could play music by ear. These artists had melodies I could play buy had a lots of difficulty with their chords and progressions. I never took formal lessons from music instructors until college. I never knew about other scales and modes also until I got to college. That's when I really learned how genius these musicians are. Music theory is what did it. The in-depth analysis of the music and it's interplay with lyrics and melody is simply brilliant by these real musicians.

[@Simon-eo2nl]

You would need to add Gustavo Cerati to this list, lead guitarrist of the iconic band Soda Stereo, considered by many to be the greatest spanish rock band of all time. So big that Cirque de Solei did a Soda Stereo show, joining the Beatles and 3 other musical legends. Wrote for Shakira, and collaborated with Andy Summers and Carlos Alomar (who played with David Bowie), wrote for Shakira. Favorite guitarrist of all time, check him out, you will enter another dimension

[@ringingnote]

@@Simon-eo2nl thanks for sharing!

[@Simon-eo2nl]

@@ringingnote You're very welcome!

[@shesails3313]

and Joni Mitchel