SINGER FORCED His SOLO Song Down Bandmates's Throat…Hit #1 But DESTROYED Band | Professor of Rock

Throughout the late 70s and early 80s THIS BAND WAS ON fire. Between the US and the UK, The Police had 14 Top 20 hits and for a while they were easily the biggest band in the world. Today we’re checking out one of their highest charting hits. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic. And it almost never happened. The song was ignored by two out of the three band members for years. So the lead singer Sting finally recorded it in secret. He steamrolled them to get it on the new album Ghost in the Machine…but in the process it alienated the others namely Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers and even though it became a monster hit, the song ultimately caused a rift that ended the band. Its a compelling story about a song that the singer believed in so much he searched for the Perfect rhyme for a word in the chorus for years and the song was definitely magic … the story is NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
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#classicrock #80smusic #vinylstory
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you had a Levi jacket with band pins all over it you’ll dig this channel of musical nostalgia Make sure to, subscribe below right now. click the bell and find out when our new videos drop.. We also have a patreon you'll want to check out where you can become an honorary producer and get more content.
So, it’s time for another edition of #1 in Our Hearts. the show that honors songs that were so unbelievably great, they absolutely should've been #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. But for whatever reason, be it radio play, lack of marketing, label support or just sheer stupidity, the song came up short. On previous episodes we have covered Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar, Steppin’ Out by Joe Jackson, and My Best Friend’s Girl by The Cars.
But today we are we’re bringing you the story of a song that sat in cold storage for years, missing out on three albums in the meantime. And when it finally got it’s chance, it almost went all the way to the top. But came up just short but at the time it was the band’s biggest song and opened the door for their mega #1 that would follow. I’m talkin’ about? Every Little Thing She Does is Magic by The Police.
So although Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic was released as the second single off The Police’s fourth album Ghost in the Machine, it’s origins actually pre-date the formation of the Police in 1977… having been written by Sting in the fall of 1976 before he moved to London and joined forces with Mike Howlett. For those of you not familiar, Mike Howlett formed the short-lived band ‘Strontium 90’ in 1977, which included the ranks of the Police… Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers. Howlett performed most of the lead vocals, played bass, and was the primary songwriter. And together the foursome recorded several demos. But they disbanded when Andy left to join Stewart and Sting's “other project”, the Police. Sting recorded the demo for ‘Every Little Thing’ by himself using equipment in the loft of Howlett's home in Acton, London. Originally an acoustic ballad, it also included bass guitar, African drums and had a bossa nova style.
But try as he might, Sting couldn’t convince Copeland and Summers to cut the song for the Police. At least not for three albums anyway. Both the drummer and the guitarist were wary of the track. Especially since they wanted ‘cred’ with the London punk community. The song in their opinion was just too blasted soft. Sting was frustrated because He knew it was a hit.
So fast-forward to 1981. The Police were on the rise. They had transcended the London punk scene and were growing into a formidable band. Releasing an album per year dating back to 1978, they were steadily taking over the world of pop, rock, and new wave. From Roxanne to Message in a Bottle to Don’t stand So Close to Me, The Police released some of the most undeniably catchy songs in the late 70s and early 80s.
But Ghost in the Machine as a whole would be a radical departure from their previous offerings. Its name came from Arthur Koestler’s book of the same name, which explores the dichotomy between mind and body. Lyrically, the album was more philosophical

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the most devastating band break up of the rock era?

[@catherine6653]

The Beatles

[@charleyanne]

Police, even though Sting went on to do well. It just wasn't the same. Edit: I didn't even get to the part in the video to know what this was about before I answered the question...

[@SPak-rt2gb]

Rainbow with Dio

[@flavellinator]

The Cars... Still had a lot in their tank

[@christineml1476]

The Clash

[@michaelrochester48]

Adam, I am understanding about your father and his connection to Music. My father died yesterday and he was a big fan of the mamas and the Papas and Elvis Presley and I became fans of them because of my father’s example. I want to thank you for your channel because today I need a lot of healing and Music is healing to me

[@ProfessorofRock]

I'm so sad to hear this Michael. Peace my friend.

[@TinCupChalice40]

God Bless you Michael. At some point your pain will be turned into cherished memories.

[@TinCupChalice40]

I lost my father at 23. I’m now 60 and I think of him every day still. I’m so sorry for the loss of your Dad.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

OH NO! Condolences Michael 💐

[@boowhenosedios9310]

@@TinCupChalice40 I'm sorry for your loss.

[@supersport22]

I’m constantly amazed at how many artists hate their best songs. Makes you wonder how many great songs have never been heard by the public because of the artist’s terrible judgement, or of their fear of being judged as too soft or poppy

[@shirleyjohnson4187]

The police was my baby brother's favorite band and he loved sting. This song was his 2nd favorite withe every breathe you take being his favorite song of the police. Unfortunately for me I lost him about 10 years ago to a heart attack. But the police were his favorite band and this video professor brought a beautiful and bittersweet memory of Vernon Thomas Johnson. Rest in peace Vernon. I love you and miss you terribly 😂.

[@rpgbb]

My favourite Police’s song is “Wrapped Around Your Finger” with a memorable music video

[@TheEqualizer-iw1bz]

No one drums like Stewart Copeland. What he plays is unconventional and very creative. I have his solo album with The Equalizer theme and other incidental music that was used in the TV show. It is unlike anything I’ve heard before. He really is original and unique.

[@thenaturalkc]

"Don't Box Me In" by Stan Ridgway and Copeland, great drumming and good song, for Rumble Fish soundtrack.

[@paulwalsh2344]

About 15 years ago, there was me and two other metal heads in a car when this song came on the local rock radio station and when the line "It's a big enough umbrella, but it's always me who ends up getting wet..." played, I said... "DEFINITELY... one of the BEST lines EVER..." and the others just said... "yup..." LOL

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree!

[@masonwallace0572]

SC is an amazing drummer! He’s what made The Police different IMO.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of the best ever.

[@I_Have_The_Most_Japanese_Music]

Tell me that Stew would not be the perfect drummer for Sting's solo stuff.

[@SD9Driver]

Love the way he played the hi-hats.

[@BadlndsBob]

Absolutely! He is my favorite drummer. Although it is very unique, I love Stewart Copeland's album, "The Rhythmatist".

[@mrbungle7586]

Awesome drummer, my favourite, but The Police and their sound was due to all 3 of them and their individual brilliance. 👍

[@tonytheHAT]

I was today-old when I learned that the cover of Ghost In The Machine was NOT the face of an alarm clock. Thank you Professor!

[@johnny_fomo]

Ha, yeah, I thought it was 999 broken up. (999 being the number you dial to call the police in the UK).

[@javvieh]

I was a huge fan when the album came out, and a teen who would draw my fave album covers and hang them on the wall. I did the same with this one and stared at it for years trying to find some hidden meaning. It was in the early 2000s that someone mentioned that it was their faces and one quick glance made it painfully obvious. I felt like a huge dumbass 😂😂

[@trjbrew]

Hi Professor, something you said in this post is exactly why I subscribe to your channel. You mentioned that the last minute or so of the song is joy, and that is what I thought when it first came out, and every time I've heard it since. An eruption of joy, and sometimes that is what love feels like. The Police captured it correctly, and your insights always do as well! Thank you!

[@billkeithchannel]

Sting captured the spirit of Neil Sedaka's _Laughter In The Rain_ in his ending rant.

[@MustangWriter]

Back in the day (1977) there was a bar on the West Bank of New Orleans called Old Man River's. They were known for bringing in new touring acts. One evening I went to check out this new group and enjoyed their musical vibe with a catchy reggae tune called Roxanne. After the show I welcomed them to the area bought 'em a beer and helped them load up their equipment in a U-haul trailer. Yep. One of those moments of just chillin' with the band after the show. I wonder if Sting remembers me. Yeah, nah. Another memorable vid. Thanks Prof.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You’re lucky!

[@arribaficationwineho32]

Great memory!

[@magiccheeseball]

That's awesome! I saw them on the same tour in around 1978 in Disney world of all places at the Tomorrowland Terrace hamburger Restaurant with the small stage that comes up out of the ground they used to have special ticket events back then were they invited a lot of bands to play at several locations in the park kc and the sunshine band who was a bigger band then played main stage in front of the Castle nobody really heard of the police back then they played Roxanne it was excellent!

[@arribaficationwineho32]

@@magiccheeseball lucky you!

[@mosesgladstone8274]

I'm sure he does.😊

[@Terk131]

The Police were way different then everything that was going on at that time. When a song would start, you instantly knew it was them. Rick Beato has a great interview with Sting that’s a must see. Great band.

[@ProfessorofRock]

They were awesome.

[@brucelee4996]

Terk - 131 *Rick Beato

[@chrisjohnson3694]

His name is actually Rick Beato. Just want to make sure you find him because the interview with Sting is great...and his channel has so much more

[@WhiteCamry]

Link?

[@chrisjohnson3694]

@@WhiteCamry Just put his name, RICK BEATO, in the search engine. It'll show up. You won't be sorry you did. So much amazing stuff on there, esp. "what makes this song great" where he breaks down songs.

[@mindthependulum6245]

As man who’s teenage years were all in the 80’s, I can say honestly that the music of the police and sting saved me a number of times. This statement makes more sense when you consider that I went through extreme abuse at home. Songs like invisible sun conveyed to me that even though I was some kind of prisoner of war, there was something invisible to the rest of my family that gave me hope and strength. In those days, serial killers were always on the news. They always talked about how these kills seemed like nice and quiet boys that nobody suspected would ever be so bad. I would see some interviews with the parents of these killers and while most folks saw them as simple an innocent, I saw between the lines what they were doing to their own families that was never talked about in the news. The lyrics to invisible sun they didn’t want to end up as a statistic on a government chart. I coalesced those lyrics with the darkness being pushed on the news and I chose to be a different kind of rebellious. I chose in my late teens to be the first in my family to get a lot of therapeutic help. Not saying that I would have become another killer on the news, just saying that the right message can make sense at the right time in a life. Music saved me in many ways, or at least sustained a basic level of function until I found Christ, who is truly the one that saved me when I was very near death. Songs like invisible sun and Don’t give up from Peter Gabriel and Kate bush were songs that made a real difference in my youth. Thank you for the work you do on this channel. It’s more than interesting, it’s therapeutic and wholesome and I really appreciate it.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

There’s no denying Sting’s talent as a composer and musician but my ears always tune into Copeland’s drums for the entirety of this song (and many other Police songs).

[@arribaficationwineho32]

He was a fine drummer

[@thomasbell7033]

@@arribaficationwineho32 Still is.

[@arribaficationwineho32]

@@thomasbell7033 agree

[@cheepassme9571]

Me too, I absolutely LOVE the drumming in this song.

[@cheepassme9571]

I'm surprised that he didn't like this song since his drum work is so amazing in this song.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

That is quite a story for this fantastic song.The Police are one of those bands that made so many great songs it leaves you wondering what if the egos didn't get in the way and stayed together. They owed the 80s . Great episode professor

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks My Name!

[@paulwalsh2344]

Sometimes it's better to go out at the apex too...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of my favorite songs from this tragically tumultuous band.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

@@paulwalsh2344 true

[@I_Have_The_Most_Japanese_Music]

Tell me that Stew would not be the perfect drummer for Sting's solo stuff.

[@likesummersnow1]

You are such a library of knowledge "Professor" Adam! :) I didn't think my love for music could get any deeper, but you have somehow fanned the flame. Thank you so much, you are truly a gem.

[@sschoppert]

This cut is a production masterpiece. I never get tired of hearing it

[@billkeithchannel]

#1 in my heart is a song of theirs that failed to chart at all in the US and got no local radio airplay as a single even though it hit #1 in the UK. It became a deep cut favorite of classic rock radio in the mid 90's. The haunting and catchy _Walking On The Moon_

[@theodoresmith5272]

One of my favorites.

[@cosmicmauve]

_I hope my legs don't break..._ I can just hear his voice. It's a favourite of mine too

[@gaylacedarpark3094]

Love that one also. Now I have to go listen to it.

[@notsure7899]

My favorite all time song of theirs, on my least favorite Police albums. That song always seemed to me like the quintessential Police.

[@melrupinski88]

Great song. Also has some of Stewart’s most creative drumming…the pioneering use of delay, and the fact that he only hits the snare one time in the entire song (apart from the rim shots). Amazing.

[@primeushaa2591]

Such a fantastic episode! I adored them growing up and still remember the sheer joy of getting synchronicity at our local record store, cutting the plastic off, placing it in the turntable, and listening to it over and over and over. Thanks for taking us back to those memories!

[@TheBassOnTheBass]

The Police are my favourite band of all time, and along with The Beatles and Johnny Cash are the reason why I am a musician. Got them tattooed on my biceps ... and, crazy, every time it rains I can hear Every Little Thing playing in my head. I'm a bass baritone opera singer, but I do a rendition of that song on acustic guitar, I do get a standing ovation uaually at all open mic nights I go to --- I should definetly record and upload that to my channel. Great video, as always!

[@DimitriVonTolan]

Mine too! What a great story!

[@LQOTW]

Yes, you should. I just subscribed. It might have been the wink. Just saying.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I am a piano prodigy. I could have played the riff on Every Little Thing She Does is Magic! I would love to improvise with you.

[@Publicistvideos]

Stewart might not have writing credit on Every Little Thing, but as usual his playing style is so musical, unique and recognizable that his contribution is essential. The lack of bass drum on the 1s of the verse and the syncopated ride bell pattern on the chorus really add to the magic.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s unlike anything any other musician could come up with.

[@stealthyBLK]

💯💯💯💯💯 absolutely

[@AlaskanKing19]

My favorite Police song is Synchronicity II. To me, the album and the song were the Police at their best.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

That song rocks

[@mayorb3366]

Agreed. That's one of those rare songs where the music transfers me into the artists world.

[@geraldfriend256]

Brilliant song.

[@danaparsons760]

Absolutely.🎱🎯

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

Hell yeah!!!

[@mikenicholson7465]

Copeland's drum fill right before the E-O-Os is my favorite fill of all time. Amazing that he was playing it in frustration!

[@withnail70]

Me too ! 😮 I thought I was the only one 😅

[@thomasbell7033]

I believe it remains his favorite too. He references it on his YT channel.

[@-mattwood]

The Police WERE my 80s - then Sting's solo career ushered me into and through the 90s. There are so very few musical acts that have that kind of power. How very different life would have been without them.

[@racegts]

Adam for another song that caused strife in The Police; look into “Behind my Camel” written by Andy Summers, and ended up winning the Grammy for best instrumental. Sting hated this song so much that he said “I hated that song so much that one day when I was in the studio I found the tape lying on the table. So I took it around the back of the studio and actually buried it in the garden“. Copeland played drums Andy played guitar and bass

[@jasonmckenzie2835]

God I love these type of Police stories. So hilariously dysfunctional 😅

[@PhilDagostino]

I was born in 1979, so I missed their heyday, but The Police are one of my favorite bands. When they reunited and toured for the first time in my adult life, I jumped at the chance and saw them at Madison Square Garden. I loved the show so much, I went back and saw it again! still favorite concert of all time.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

At lease you lived to see the juggernaut of Every Breath You Take.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Awesome episode! The Police are one of my favorite bands and "Every little thing she does is magic " is one of, if not the favorite song of mine they ever did! I have their box set on CD that has every song in every iteration they ever recorded in my collection! Zenyatta Mondatta is still my favorite album by them though because I had the 8 track in high school and have all the cruising memories with it! Thanks for keeping the music alive Professor!

[@McGuyveracity]

Undoubtedly one of my favorites if not my most favorite Police song--"Every Little Thing She Does is Magic". The synth, the bass, the drums, the guitar, its all... magic. If you haven’t watched Rick Beato's video break down of this song, you must. There are elements of this song I never had a full appreciation for until I heard Rick share the isolated tracks. Like Andy's reggae guitar section? I had no idea it was in there--but I love it! And that square wave synth near the end? So good! And the bass? I can't even begin to describe. One of the reasons I started learning to play. I love that bass part.

[@jimboyers7856]

Though "Every Little Thing" may be The Police's greatest love song written by Sting, there is an even better one that Sting has solo. For whatever reason, one day my wife asked me what Sting / Police song best summed up my feelings for her. I instantly said "A Thousand Years". She was very disappointed. She thought I would surely say "Every Little Thing". Then I played "A Thousand Years" and told her to really listen to the words. She cried. It perfectly summed up the way a person should feel about their mate. The story of our meeting is both magical and a story that no one would believe, if it were made into a movie. The love Sting describes in "A Thousand Years" IS our love for each other. No matter what life we meet in or what role we play in that life, I will still love HER and I would keep working at it until SHE loves ME too. Thanks for all you do Professor. Your channel is truly the greatest on KZbin.

[@ricksatterstrom7461]

I saw Sting once, great show! My Dad dropped me & my sister off. He went to watch a movie. Years later, he became a big fan & wished he went with us instead of the movie. I love his music, this song's lyrics are incredible. Met my wife while listening to The Police on my walkman

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

What movie was it? A can’t turn away movie?

[@yogi-777]

Another great video!!! Thanks Professor!!!

[@adspur]

I love this channel.Combines two things I love.Great music and history.

[@scottburton9701]

Can't believe "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" didn't get to # 1-It was definitely one of their best songs!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A lot of songs should have beaten Physical to the top.

[@far7310]

​@XxLilly_playsXx Kiz Like Waiting For A Girl Like You. It just wasn't going to get past either of those unfortunately.

[@rescuethecows]

Also featured heavily in an episode of the barely-watched late 90's show ""Cupid" with Jeremy Piven. I had grown up aware of the song but that episode put it back on my radar for my romantically angsty late teens. I've always felt Copeland absolutely makes this song...that perfect light-touch reverby hi-hat intro almost gives me chills.

[@drea4195]

A truly great song. And yes, it does deserve to be used a heck of a lot more! (Also completely agree that "Let's Get Physical" really did not deserve the #1 spot for 10 weeks! That's the real tragic truth)

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yeah, I’m sorry ONJ. Physical oozed enough cheese…

[@billkeithchannel]

If anything _Make A Move On Me_ was the better song.

[@aprilgosa5779]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I Think Olivia knew Physical was a silly song and she was just having fun with it LOL

[@mikepaulus4766]

Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic is their Super-Ultra-Happy™ song. A wonderful counter to the darkness of their other songs.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

A feel good song for sure.

[@thewomble1509]

If you deconstruct the lyric, it';s not quite as jolly as you might imagine. There is a lot of heartache and frustration in the verses. Guy is infatuated by girl but cannot express how he feels apart from telling US, not HER, that everything she does is magic which is a simple statement of yearning.

[@kingofallwhites]

Not really.

[@thewomble1509]

@@kingofallwhites A thousand apologies , oh great analyst.

[@bugsaysmeep]

This was almost our first dance song when my dude and I got married, it’s been his song for me for almost 20 years. I’ll always treasure it 💚🖤💜

[@ChrystalMagic]

I fell in love with the Police when I was a ten year old Hawaiian girl living on an American military base in Germany 45 years ago. I loved and treasured every track on every Police album. The only Sting solo album that I liked was Dream of the Blue Turtles.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

The Dream of the Blue Turtles is amazing. Saw Sting live for that tour. Never saw The Police on tour.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Sting has a lot of good solo songs.

[@barbaraolson6783]

Love soo many Police/ Sting songs ! Pleased you reminded us of one of the best.

[@JohnWhitakerHRHardball]

Professor, you are the king of the nostalgic preamble....brilliant and heartfelt.

[@laurat1129]

The Police are one of my favorite bands, and "Every Little Thing..." is one of my favorite songs, too. What you said about "the muse"* sums it up perfectly, Prof... As a preteen, the MTV video was the hook, and all I saw was them having fun. The group had such various musical influences, more a jazz prog-rock trio than punk to me, but this song was my intro to "World Music". The "Ghost in the Machine" cover also reminded me then of my digital alarm clock, the red lights illuminated beside my bed at night. Until the internet, I didn't know the images represented the three band members. Now as an adult, knowing how intensely talented they are, how much music they produced in such a short time... I don't know how any creative relationships stay together for very long, unless each is allowed to grow & change individually/separately for periods of time. *Re: "The Muse", whatever or whoever the source, take away the "m" and whaddya get? If the artist doesn't acknowledge and nuture that creative contribution or inspiration, he/she uses it up and loses it. p.s. Foreigner's "Waiting..." was a worthy competitor for the top spot, but ONJ's aerobics song taking it is just wrong!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Man, the fall of 1981 was an exciting time to be sure.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

I hear you. A scan of Top-40s in even the best of times often reveals what trite if catchy 'boosh-wha' so many listeners flock to temporarily. Luckily, as with the Police and other true, lasting Classics, those songs or stories do often get recognized enough to make a dent right away. Then carry on and grow, while the others fade away.

[@maxaroni15]

MTV and HBO played the living daylights out of that "Physical" video in '82. Never saw a video for "Waiting For A Girl Like You" until recently here on KZbin. It should of had at least 4-5 weeks at #1.

[@timmedlock996]

One of my favorite lines ever comes from this song, "it's a big enough umbrella, but it's always me that ends up getting wet". Great song

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's the perfect lyric

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me too. What a line.

[@coryburris8211]

​@Professor of Rock so perfect that Sting used it again in multiple other songs

[@toddbuckler1617]

As a huge music buff, I truly enjoy learning new insight into bands, albums, and songs that I’ve loved. Thanks for all the insight in this episode! I also never knew the characters on Ghost in the Machine album cover were meant to be the band members. To me as a kid in the 80’s it simply represented an electronic machine glitch (or ghost.) Like the different electronic devices I had back then such as hand held video games as their batteries were starting to die.

[@rabooey]

This has been my all-time favorite Police song since it dropped and played on local radio. I had no idea about its history until now. Thanks Professor!👍

[@pariahpokemonwesbragg2904]

Every time I hear this song, I'm back in the 80s...in my mind, at least.

[@cammygram1]

A boyfriend from years past dedicated this song to me when it first came out. Even now I have that nostalgic feeling whenever I hear it. It still brings a smile to my face.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's a sensational song!

[@TinCupChalice40]

Look him up. I looked up my first love she has two girls now and we had a nice conversation.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

🥹

[@meatgoat4084]

I was 14 in the US when this climbed the charts. The age when I started hanging out with older roguish teenagers and learning about life and music. The Police were new wave gods to us and this song with its arpeggiated synth always takes me back to that early 80s adolescent nirvana when the world ahead of us was magic.

[@Ac0ustics0ul]

I love the acoustic demo of this song..best channel on yt!

[@spanishpeaches2930]

Fortunate enough to see the Police at all stages of their career. Dec79, June 81, Dec 83 ( eight hours of queuing to get a ticketfor that one, split with my brother...he got the early shift 2am to 6am (Brighton England) and finally at Twickenham Stadium, London, on their comeback world tour Sept 2007....where i managed to get some amazing seats , forty feet from the stage. Loads of celebs mixed in) For me, the greatest trio ever...more so even than Rush. Took me twenty five years to realise those red led graphics were their faces ! Doh ! Another great one, Adam.

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

Yeah. I learned today the red led cover was not a broken alarm clock, or a 'futuristic' stereotyped Native American with 2 friends, but the Police members!

[@dennydude3737]

I never knew those digital markings were represented as the band. The things you find out decades later.😂

[@ProfessorofRock]

Pretty cool!

[@RBS_]

....I thought It was busted CLOCK! ....someone told me this, Years ago, but I forgot.....

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Me neither! 😯

[@jimfannin8590]

Nicely done Prof. Didn’t fully understand what happened to these all supremely talented guys.

[@lovinlorne]

This has to be my favorite Police song. I always think it’s “Don’t Stand” or “Roxanne”, but while I do love them, only one puts a smile on my face and has me singing it for the rest of the day. “A thousand rainy days since we first met…it’s a big enough umbrella, but it’s always me that ends up getting wet…” The greatest outro in musical history. LOL

[@garycorde994]

This album came out during my freshman year of college. It’s like a time machine.

[@RC32Smiths01]

The Police are just so ahead of their times. A band and sound that is just too uniquely hard to replicate again. So interesting to see how a direction of songs and songwriting can cause divide in the dynamic of bands, the differing ideas definitely give a What-If on the established history of this iconic group. Cheers as always.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great comment.

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@ProfessorofRock Thank you so much. Great video as always

[@CUtigerz97]

They weren't really ahead of their time. Copeland started infusing a heavy reggae percussion influence into their music which very unique. Great writing and lyrics pushed them to stardom!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They slowly drifted apart.

[@Dusty78dk]

I remember it for when I was about six years old. This is one or two years after the single was released. I remember it being summer, I was very joyful. I don't remember why. What I do remember is this song suddenly blasting out the radio and I felt the music and me connect. It was a perfect representation of how I felt at that moment.

[@mikenelson1986]

Great episode! Didn’t realize the Hugh Padgham (spelling?) produced The Police album. He also produced many Genesis’ albums

[@Mrderwrtr]

Ahhh...it hurts my heart to know that the other two guys didn't care for the song. One of my favorite things about the song is Stewart's drum work. When I was in high school I wrote a short story called A Thousand Rainy Days about a teenager in love. A friend commented that it so accurately described his relationship.

[@jinky0u812]

"Ghost In The Machine" is my favourite album from my most favourite band of all time! It's so unique and other worldly, and so different from anything they created before and after. My close friends who like the band almost as much I do, a couple of them were never fond of the saxophone stuff that Sting played in some of the songs. I absolutely love it! "Hungry For You" and "Demolition Man" just wouldn't be the as great as they were without the saxophone. There is not one single bad song on this album. I believe it's far better than "Synchronicity", though that is most people's favourite album by them. And you reminded me of how screwed Andy was on this album with his contribution of "Omegaman", as executives at A&M wanted to push that song as the albums first single, and Sting refused. He just never cut those guys a break in those days. This single and the album as a whole is such a masterpiece! Thanks for covering it. I LOVE when you do episodes about The Police!

[@darthmeow1370]

What makes the song so great for me is two-fold. One, it resonates with pretty much every male of a certain age who at some point will inevitably fall utterly head over heels for some girl practically at random and at the same time completely panic at the thought of even talking to her. This recipe for epic failure is equally inevitable due to the same mix of hormones that make his feelings of infatuation so intense also ratcheting his self-conscious anxiety through the roof. It's a practically universal experience, and this song speaks to it brilliantly. The other thing is that, like many of my other favorites of the era, it is musically upbeat with a light chorus but lyrics that are pretty damned dark. I mean, it's a song about love yes but it's a DOOMED love cursed with utter futility. He says in the chorus that his "life before was tragic" but the verses make very clear that he's clinging to a false hope and it's not going to be getting any better. In fact, this feeling he's riding high on is merely setting him up for a hard crash and burn and it's not going to be even remotely pretty. The bouncy energy of the song conveys the false euphoria he's experiencing while the verses clearly and evocatively foreshadow the agony soon to come. That is true art.

[@ScottyPeabody]

Brilliant insight into the backstory behind the edge that certainly didn't help prolong the bangs collective artistry. Great great song,

[@Ihad9eyes]

WHOA! That list of songs that were denied by "Physical" is INSANE!

[@Out_of_My_Head]

It was magic for me from the first time I heard it back in junior high. It still is magic. It deserves a #1 slot like a lot of songs do that didn't get the slot. Some songs got the slot that didn't really match that #1 quality. Those other songs you featured deserved the slot much more than Physical. It's a shame this song was in part the reason for the break up.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It lives up to its name!

[@jamesgray9950]

You're not going to find a greater song of love and passion than this one.

[@ParadigmShifted]

Love the hell outta this song, it was on one my Music Video Videotapes when I was younger. My mom was the shit when it came to epic mixtapes. She would always sit there watching vh1/mtv with a blank tape in the vcr to record videos for me. Loved working for the police on their last tour so amazing :)

[@Urroner]

I've known people like Sting, people super talented, talent which refuses to be corralled; talent which created masterpieces. Problem is sometimes the talented person just runs over team members and closes his ears to any suggestions. No wonder Sting and the Police broke up. Maybe that was a good thing. Great talent refuses to be constrained or hogtied. Imagine what we would have lost if they haven't gone their separate ways.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's sad.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s the “holier than thou” mental complex.

[@foodog777]

Sting was always going in a more Adult Contemporary direction when Stewart and Andy were more Rock. I have all The Police albums but only the first few Sting solo albums due to that fact.

[@flavellinator]

As much as I love "ELTSDIM," I can't get enough of Spirits on the Material World. Haunting and killer groove at the same time... Was freaked out back then about the cover of the album as we thought it was some kind of 666 thing... Just as barcode scanners were coming into play...

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great songs on that album for sure.

[@TheMICMusicInspirationChannel]

Um I believe it's called Spirits in My Cereal Bowl

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love Spirits too.

[@billkeithchannel]

IKR?

[@hellradiolives]

@@TheMICMusicInspirationChannel Ha, what an awesome Mondegreme! I won't be able to hear that song without hearing it from now on. 😁 My favorite Sting solo Mondegreme: Sweet, Sweet Vasectomy🤣!

[@adrianmoore5985]

Synchronicity II, Wrapped around your/my finger: two of my all time favorite songs, that whole album rocks!

[@carlwalker1623]

I’m happy to hear you giving number ones out to great songs.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Carl.

[@davidwartski7213]

The band dynamic is so fascinating, isn't it? Members usually start out as friends and equals, but then, one member will often prove to be the dominant creative contributor, leaving the others in the dust. Egos and minor conflicts combine to form a sort of toxic mix, and the band has to find a way to function while individual members grow to resent one another. Often, guys like Sting eventually launch hugely successful solo careers while the others find themselves left behind to languish in the disheartening throws of mediocrity and relative obscurity. Another great video, Adam! Cheers!

[@juliao1255]

I agree with what you're saying for the most part, but I hope they found internal fulfillment with or without commercial success. Maybe they didn't languish, feel disheartened, or feel mediocre. I do think they had to break up. Sting had his path, they had theirs. From what other musicians have said, the wheels of commercial success grind some artists up.

[@georgeedward1226]

You just perfectly described the history of The Jam.

[@davidwartski7213]

@@juliao1255 Well said!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s all a big, huge mess. I’m glad they moved on peacefully.

[@MrOctober44]

The Police were never friends. But ego usually destroys bands. Whoever is writing the songs has the power. It's extremely rare that a band is equal with songwriting duties. It's usually one or two people

[@wrapper2]

This was the song that made me a Police mega-fan. I loved Zenyatta Mondatta, wore that LP out, but when I heard this song, it changed everything. Bought their old albums, a couple Ghost In The Machine shirts, etc. Never got to see them live until their reunion tour.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's great album to be sure.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’ve seen countless folks wearing Ghost in the Machine shirts.

[@russratliff3536]

I agree Adam, “Every Little Thing She does is Magic” is my favorite Police song as well! So good in so many ways, every way. I cannot pin it to a muse either, she’s out there, somewhere. I don’t think i have ever changed the station or turned the car off when this song is on; better chance that i turned it up or hit replay first! I can’t say what exactly it is i love so much about it, I’ll have to say it’s all of it! The chords, the lines, the chorus, the dance i do when i hear it…no song like it! Sad, the end of the police, but for a moment it all came together in perfection!

[@BrianHartman]

Great story. :) I'm kind of surprised to hear this was their biggest hit. I always thought "Every Breath You Take" was bigger.

[@johnathansaegal3156]

I was an Olivia Newton John, but when her song "Physical" came out, I hated it. I would give all of those weeks away to The Police and Foreigner.

[@jacobus57]

Yeah, it's a stunningly insipid song!

[@polyrhythmia]

The bass line in this song is really... cool, as is the bass in "Spirits in the Material World".

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s a great bassist.

[@TheDman81]

This video was magic!! ✨ ✨ The part when you say the songs that were deprived of being number #1 because of Olivia Newton's John... That's unbelievable!!

[@aaronyarlas3553]

This is one of the greatest pop songs ever, let alone Police songs. Amazing story, and love seeing how the song progressed from a downbeat ballad to a loose monster jam. Plus one of the greatest drum fills ever.

[@machwal4464]

I always felt like the police were the perfect example of LSD syndrome (lead singers disease), and your video kind of cements that theory. I really loved the first two police albums. So lively and different. You could really hear the difference between those two and the following three, and now it makes complete sense... Thanks again professor for providing insight to rock and roll 🤙🏼

[@ProfessorofRock]

LSD... Many bands suffer from it.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I need to steal this term, lead singer’s disease.

[@machwal4464]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I wish I could claim as mine, but I think I first heard it over 30 years ago 🤷‍♂️

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@machwal4464 I get multiple results for it on Google.

[@DavidLazarus]

Honestly, if you look at the writing credits, Sting wrote most of the great songs on the first two albums as well. At least that's my opinion.

[@SolarCrown]

I had tickets to see the Police in ATL on their Synchronicity tour. A girl offered to take me to the beach for the weekend with her instead so I told a friend to sell my ticket to the concert and I went to the beach instead. The beach weekend wasn't that much fun and soon after the concert the band broke up. Heartbroken, I never saw the Police play and my friend said he "forgot" to sell my ticket, so I ate it. Borrowing lyrics from "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic", now THAT was tragic.....

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Ouch

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Ouch, so sad.

[@TinCupChalice40]

Your research is always so impressive

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Greg!

[@stever7732]

Great video. That takes me back. I was listening to Kate Bush the other day and thought it would be great to do a video on her “non-commercial album” The Dreaming. The most original album from one of music’s most original artists.

[@duromusabc]

I don’t know how Sting pulled off an iconic hit like Dee Doo Doo Dee Daa Daa Daa (nonsensical song title 😅) - evidence of his lyrical and compositional genius in all the songs he made with The Police

[@ProfessorofRock]

Right?

[@juliao1255]

Maybe that says more about the music consumers than the song makers! LOL 😂 That song goes on my list with the likes of "Chewy, Chewy" (Ohio Express-1969) Still, Sting and the Police are some of my all-time favorites. I could happily live in a timeline when Ohio Express never existed.🤣

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha, great song as well.

[@donalddrewel7862]

You realize that Dee Doo Doo and Everything She Does have the same theme right?

[@YFus825]

The Rolling Stones had a song title not so different. (Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo Heartbreaker)

[@adamgarrick3778]

The first concert I went to was Sting, and I was in awe of him. Live he sounds like he does on record. An amazing performance. Side note: My second concert was Stevie Nicks, my third was Foo Fighters, and my fourth was Springsteen. So after these 4, I thought all concerts would be amazing. Bob Dylan ended that self delusion.

[@trishcrowe5474]

Bob Dylan is a dud in concert. He doesn’t interact with audience at all. I saw him twice. He didn’t even face the crowd. It was so weird!

[@tarp11z]

I lost my shine for him after he twice admitted on camera that he had sold his soul vto the Devil.

[@chrisk5651]

I saw Dylan + Willie Nelson. Willie was much much better. As mentioned Dylan didn’t interact with his audience at all. Very very disappointing!!

[@larshowen3319]

Went to a Dylan concert. It was horrible. He was shitfaced, and could barely talk, let alone sing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Bob Dylan’s not a perfect concert man, it’s just not his strong suit.

[@ttproluv6772]

Saw The Police in concert in Melbourne Australia back during the Synchronicity Tour. At the time and ever since, I wondered why they never played “ Every Little Thing “ at the concert. Now I think I know. 2 outvoted 1 on what the set list would be !!!! Thank you Professor I great insights. You’ve solved a nearly 40 year mystery for me. Have fun. 🕺🎸😎

[@jillwklausen]

I still have one of those alarm clocks on my night table. LOL Absolutely excellent album. Thanks for this episode, Adam!

[@jmfloyd23]

Every little thing she does is magic is one of my all time favorite songs.

[@allanroberts5689]

I loved the song because there was a girl in high school that I was in love with and I could never tell her . The song told my story and it was released right after I graduated. So I bought the album.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Sorry you lost her.

[@1111xyz]

Two things come to mind about this band. 1st, at their peak, I took a short vacation to Old Quebec City, early 80's and found an obscure bar on the second flr. of a brick building where the band playing did all the songs of the Police to where it sounded just like them! They told me they were very big there and recorded their recent album in Ouebec. The following there was huge! 2nd, I had an argument with my sister-in-law in the late 80's about who was the better, bigger band between The Police and U2. She was for the Police and me and my brother argued for U2, which we felt had more depth and talent in the music and messages. It got pretty heated! I did however appreciate seeing The Police in 83' doing their Synchronicity Album in Foxboro, MA. Flock of Seagulls got booed off the stage and The Fix was awesome! Police- Great!

[@eddardmulligan]

Great stuff, as always, sir! My favorite Police song, though, is Walking on the Moon. Followed closely by Tea in the Sahara.

[@eddardmulligan]

@faithochai8207 Hello. Excuse my reticence. I've never had someone ask to speak privately off a comment I posted.

[@LGarretterraGL]

The word magic easily rhymes with nostalgic as well. It took me five seconds to come up with it. :)

[@groovytrev]

Now fit that into the song😉

[@ericbgordon1575]

I was aware of everything mentioned here - except for how "Every Little Thing" predated the creation of The Police. I always thought it was about Trudie Styler. I remember hearing this and "De Doo Doo Doo De Daa Daa Daa" on the radio after *Synchronicity* had arrived. I was so proud of myself for being able to recognize the Police' sound at age 4 without hearing the DJ mention their name. I honestly think there would've been no other outcome than the one we got. Sting did not see The Police as a long-lasting act. From what's in his memoir, he always had it in mind to branch out exactly the way he did.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You always guess correctly who they are when you hear them on the radio.

[@ericbgordon1575]

That doesn't always happen with me, @@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980. Meet with parents I can't be sure how long I was conscious of "Hungry Heart" until I properly learned that it's a Bruce Springsteen song. To my ears, it doesn't sound typical of his material.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@ericbgordon1575 Springsteen always tried a different style.

[@RebeccaLynnMusic]

I love your channel. I love SC's instrumental work! Rumble Fish soundtrack!!

[@rogerhuggettjr.7675]

Such a cool band. They were the first concert I ever went too. I saw the Synchronicity Tour when I was 14 a few months before they broke up and immediately bought all their other cassettes. I regularly argued with a coworker in the 00's that the Police should have kept going and that Sting was holding them back. It's a tough case to make, but never underestimate the power of sour grapes.

[@JohnOrbit]

If you’re ever discussing deep cuts on an album, I think you should have a whole video devoted to “Secret Journey“ … one of the most magic songs I’ve ever heard.

[@chipdamutt108]

"Invisible Sun" too

[@JohnOrbit]

@@chipdamutt108 “Invisible Sun” gives me chills every single time, right up my spine. Another incredible song!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

This song came out a year after another Magic Olivia Newton John and they reminds me of special people special places and special occasions.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Magic-al songs.

[@vaiaytanxgun4926]

My sentiment exactly and probably the best comment ever...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

7 years after Magic by Pilot as well.

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Am 1 year before Americas You can do Magic!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@constipatedinsincity4424 Oh yes!

[@skylx0812]

KPHO Channel 5 in Phoenix, Az was the go-to independent station for movies, they had science fiction theater, action theater, western suspense and all the syndicated classic tv shows and iconic cartoons. They had awesome original intros to all their programs, they used Herb Alpert's "Rise" for their Late, Late, Late, Show. The coolest was their ad for their Science Fiction Theater, it was a clip from Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla with the intro to De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da. Everyone would cheer every time it ran. It just fit the time and was perfect. You had everything pop culture and The Police augmenting the 70s/80s summer soundtrack.

[@billkeithchannel]

The very first time I heard of _The Police_ was when _Ghost In The Machine_ was released. A Saturday afternoon kids version of *60 Minutes* called *30 Minutes* announced a story on the police. I had no clue it was the name of a rock band. I was still into country music then. This introduction paved the way for my ears to perk up when the song _Spirits In The Material World_ started getting airplay.

[@DukesMusic84]

Favorite Police song is Does Everyone Stare? off Regatta de Blanc. What this band did is sing about mental health before it was considered acceptable. Sting and the Police were ahead of their time

[@romesallin]

It was one of my first crush songs… it always reminds me of that Kathy and she was the girl Back then… from elementary school right through to junior high. I thought everything she did was magic! Sadly she never agreed to go out with me… but everything in life happens for a reason.

[@barrysmith8920]

Your real magic awaits! Believe it 🙏🏽 I did: I recently found mine after 3 divorces from hard, cold women. She is absolute MAGIC in every little way. No other woman can even begin to compare. 🌹

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You lost her?

[@carlcushmanhybels8159]

Me too. I had a crush from 3rd grade into 8th. Betsy. We did dance some... But she made me nervous, so it was hard to talk with her. Another girl, classmate, met in 7th, Sara Greenwood; we were much more comfortable together. Had excellent times. Unfortunately her family moved away after 8th.

[@rebekahborah]

I love love love this song, too. I find myself always singing along, in harmony!

[@tanyafromjefferson5484]

Takes me back to Stone Mountain Georgia, putting the radio on and this song comes on. Two teenagers dancing around her living room and laughing and having the best time! 🎉❤