Album Information Section

Album Title: Every Breath You Take: The Classics

Artist: The Police

Original Release Date: November 3, 1986

Label: Unknown Label

Genres: Rock, New Wave, Reggae Rock

Track Listing:

• 1. Roxanne (3:11)
• 2. Can’t Stand Losing You (3:00)
• 3. Message in a Bottle (4:52)
• 4. Walking on the Moon (5:02)
• 5. Don’t Stand So Close to Me (4:02)
• 6. De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da (4:09)
• 7. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic (4:22)
• 8. Invisible Sun (3:47)
• 9. Spirits in the Material World (3:01)
• 10. Every Breath You Take (4:15)
• 11. King of Pain (5:00)
• 12. Wrapped Around Your Finger (5:15)
• 13. Don’t Stand So Close to Me ’86 (4:54)
• 14. Message in a Bottle (new classic rock mix) (4:51)
• 1. Roxanne (3:13)
• 2. Can’t Stand Losing You (3:00)
• 3. Message in a Bottle (4:52)
• 4. Walking on the Moon (5:02)
• 5. Don’t Stand So Close to Me (4:02)
• 6. De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da (4:09)
• 7. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic (4:22)
• 8. Invisible Sun (3:47)
• 9. Spirits in the Material World (3:01)
• 10. Every Breath You Take (4:15)
• 11. King of Pain (5:00)
• 12. Wrapped Around Your Finger (5:15)
• 13. Don’t Stand So Close to Me ’86 (4:54)
• 14. Message in a Bottle (new classic rock mix) (4:50)
• 1. Roxanne (5.1 mix) (3:13)
• 2. Can’t Stand Losing You (5.1 mix) (3:01)
• 3. Message in a Bottle (5.1 mix) (4:48)
• 4. Walking on the Moon (5.1 mix) (5:00)
• 5. Don’t Stand So Close to Me (5.1 mix) (4:00)
• 6. De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da (5.1 mix) (4:25)
• 7. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic (5.1 mix) (4:22)
• 8. Invisible Sun (5.1 mix) (3:40)
• 9. Spirits in the Material World (5.1 mix) (3:00)
• 10. Every Breath You Take (5.1 mix) (4:14)
• 11. King of Pain (5.1 mix) (5:00)
• 12. Wrapped Around Your Finger (5.1 mix) (5:10)
• 13. Don’t Stand So Close to Me ’86 (5.1 mix) (4:54)
• 14. Message in a Bottle (new classic rock mix) (5.1 mix) (4:50)

Recording Information

The album “Every Breath You Take: The Classics” was recorded at several locations, primarily at Le Studio in Morin-Heights, Quebec, Canada. This studio was known for its serene atmosphere, which contributed to the band’s creative process. The recording sessions took place during the late 1970s and early 1980s, coinciding with the band’s rise to fame.

The production of the album was overseen by the band members themselves, particularly Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland, who were heavily involved in both the songwriting and the recording process. The engineering duties were handled by Hugh Padgham, a notable figure in rock music production, who utilized innovative recording techniques such as gated reverb on the drums, which became a hallmark of the band’s sound.

Noteworthy is the use of a Fairlight CMI synthesizer, which added unique textures to their songs, particularly evident in tracks like “Every Breath You Take.” The album also features a blend of traditional rock instrumentation with reggae influences, reflecting the band’s diverse musical background. The production phase was marked by a high level of experimentation, which ultimately shaped the distinct sound of The Police.

Band Context

At the time of the album’s release in 1986, The Police were at a pivotal moment in their career. The band, consisting of Sting (lead vocals, bass guitar), Andy Summers (guitar), and Stewart Copeland (drums), had already established themselves as one of the leading acts of the late 1970s and early 1980s with a string of successful albums including “Outlandos d’Amour” and “Synchronicity.”

The Police had won several awards, including Grammy Awards, and were known for their innovative fusion of rock, punk, and reggae sounds. However, following the release of “Synchronicity,” the band faced internal tensions and differing creative visions. By the mid-1980s, they were contemplating a hiatus, which ultimately led to their disbandment after their final tour in 1986.

This compilation album was released during a period when the band was beginning to distance themselves from one another, serving both as a celebration of their past achievements and a farewell to their fans. The album’s collection of tracks underscored their legacy and influence on the music scene.

Track Commentary

“Every Breath You Take: The Classics” features a selection of The Police’s most iconic tracks, showcasing their evolution as artists and the breadth of their musical styles. The album opens with “Roxanne,” a song that combines reggae rhythms with rock sensibilities, revealing the band’s signature sound. This track, along with “Message in a Bottle” and “Every Breath You Take,” became staples in their repertoire and are often regarded as some of the greatest songs of all time.

Tracks such as “Can’t Stand Losing You” and “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da” highlight the band’s ability to blend catchy melodies with introspective lyrics. The thematic content of these songs often revolves around love, longing, and the complexities of human relationships, which resonated deeply with audiences.

Standout tracks like “Every Breath You Take” have been critically acclaimed for their haunting melodies and lyrical depth. Often misinterpreted as a love song, the lyrics explore themes of obsession and heartbreak, further illustrating Sting’s prowess as a songwriter. The album also includes remixed versions of classic hits, providing a fresh take on beloved favorites while maintaining the essence of The Police’s original sound.

Overall, “Every Breath You Take: The Classics” serves as a comprehensive retrospective of The Police’s career, solidifying their status in rock history and leaving a lasting legacy that continues to influence artists today.