How Would You Rank the Albums by The Police?

As an SEOer and a fan of The Police, I have always been a huge admirer of their energy, intensity, and musicianship. Born in the Boston area during their rise to stardom, I was lucky enough to witness them in concert three times between 1980-83. And seeing them live is an experience worth every penny of the 15 tickets!

Listening to The Police’s albums is a journey through time. Each album reflects different phases of their musical evolution and the personal chemistry of the band. From their punk beginnings to their ethereal world rock, every track is a masterpiece. So, I decided to rank their albums based on my personal preference. Here’s how I see them:

5. Reggatta de Blanc

While I love this album, it ranks at the bottom of my list. It has some of the best tracks like "Message In A Bottle" and "Reggatta De Blanc," but it also includes some less impressive songs portraying a band in transition. It's clear that The Police were experimenting with their sound and style during this period.

4. Outlandos d'Amour

Contextually speaking, this album was released in the midst of a highly competitive music landscape in 1978, with Donna Summer and Anne Murray dominating the charts and the Bee Gees accounting for five of the top ten songs. Despite these challenges, Outlandos d'Amour is a solid album, with every song being a standout, except for “Born in the 50s.” Although it ranks lower than Zenyatta Mondatta, it holds a special place in the foundation of their later works.

3. Synchronicity

Synchronicity is often considered the go-to album for many critics, but for me, it's worthy of a higher rank. This collection captures the diverse talents of every member: Sting's vocals, Andy Summers' guitar, and Stewart Copeland's drums. However, as lines started to blur between them, I could sense Sting's ego growing, leading to less balanced dynamic among the three band members. Some of the standout tracks are "Synchronicity I/II," "Wrapped Around Your Finger," and "Every Breath You Take." These songs showcase the band's versatility and creativity.

2. Ghost in the Machine

Ghost in the Machine represents a significant transition for The Police. Andy Summers continues to explore innovative musical territory, while Sting delves into global issues and activism. Stewart Copeland's drumming is tight and electrifying, especially on the title track "Ghost in the Machine." While other tracks like "Spirits of the West" and "Rehumanize Yourself" might not be as well-known, the quality of all songs is comparable and stands up well against their earlier work. This album is a perfect mix of traditional Police style and more experimental sounds, making it a true masterpiece.

1. Zenyatta Mondatta

Zenyatta Mondatta is often regarded as The Police’s masterpiece, and I have to agree. This album is a testament to their growth as a band. Sting's energetic chants during live performances of tracks like "Dancing In the Moonlight" and "Driven to Tears" are unforgettable. Packed with incredible tracks such as "Don't Stand So Close to Me," "Synchronicity I," and "Spirits in the Dark," this album perfectly encapsulates their unique sound and is a must-listen for any music enthusiast.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of their albums. Whether you choose shuffle mode or dive into each album in a structured manner, The Police have a wealth of distinctive and timeless tracks to enjoy. Their music remains influential and emotionally resonant to this day, capturing moments of joy, heartbreak, and everything in between.