Brand New Day

by Sting — 5 October 1999 — music — 4/5

Very interesting. Much stronger Middle-Eastern influences on this one, and really quite a nice touch. Unlike most people who embrace Eastern influences, Sting manages to merge them into his music subtley rather than hitting you over the head with them.

There's also some really cool jazz touches, and he has guest artists up the wazoo. Branford Marsalis and Chris Botti lend the horn support throughout and it is incredible, as you might expect, and he uses some great chorus work on several tracks to great effect. Stevie Wonder makes an appearance on the cheerfully moody title track. There's an interesting blending of 30's/40's jazz with some World Music influence all melded into Sting's signature pop style. Probably his most interesting work since Demolition Man.