STING

The Last Ship

2013-10-10

After a long hiatus, Sting returns with a series of songs for a play about shipbuilders in Newcastle (his home town)--their failing industry, lives, loves and families. It comes off as a soundtrack, and not especially riveting listening without the action on the stage. Only a couple of songs feel like they work apart from the action: "And Yet," which takes a Sting-classic jazz approach and "August Winds," a gorgeous number that stands alone. Sting handles all of the vocals here, with only two exceptions, and again, listening to the narrative about ships and harbors song after song doesn't give the disc-listener a lot with which to connect. I can imagine the production on stage going well, with this music the perfect companion. But alone, not as much. 10/13 Michael J.

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Rock

  • reviewed 11/2004

    Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
    Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus

  • reviewed 05/2009

    N.A.S.A.
    The Spirit of Apollo

  • reviewed 10/2006

    JOAN OSBORNE
    Pretty Little Stranger

  • reviewed 04/2009

    DAN HICKS AND THE HOT LICKS
    TANGLED TALES

  • reviewed 10/2015

    The Como Brothers Band
    Imagination

  • reviewed 05/2008

    PORTISHEAD
    Third

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.