The Police Songs Ranked
The Police were a British rock band formed in London in 1977. For most of their history, the line-up consisted of Sting (lead vocals, bass guitar, primary songwriter), Andy Summers (guitar), and Stewart Copeland (drums, percussion). The Police became globally popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Emerging in the British new-wave scene, they played a style of rock influenced by punk, reggae, and jazz. Considered one of the leaders of the Second British Invasion of the U.S., in 1983 Rolling Stone labeled them “the first British New Wave act to a breakthrough in America on a grand scale, and possibly the biggest band in the world.” The Police disbanded in 1986 but reunited in early 2007 for a one-off world tour that ended in August 2008. Here are all of The Police’s songs ranked.
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20. Reggatta de Blanc (Reggatta de Blanc, 1979)
“This song is way too good to be this low people. Listen to it. It’s incredible. Especially the drums. This song proves better than probably any other song by the police just how instrumentally talented the members of the band were.”
19. Canary in a Coalmine (Zenyatta Mondatta, 1980)
“This is one of the least interesting songs by the Police. It does have enough to keep it going but it’s otherwise a very ordinary song with a standard beat and linear melody. Works in a kind of ‘ob la di ob la the’ way, you know with a catchy repetitive line. Monotony is not Police’s forte.”
18. The Bed’s Too Big Without You (Reggatta de Blanc, 1979)
“While Sting s pompous a la Jamaica West Indies accent does give a pompous impression of an educated White Man trying to sound cool, this is a very good attempt at experimenting with reggae and we essentially have an excellent piece with sparse instrumentation, exotic groove, timed and precise syncopation and a super sexy feel. It’ s a delicate dark horse and definitely a winner.”
17. Bring on the Night (Reggatta de Blanc, 1979)
“Very pretty but somewhat unsettling piece with amazing serenade like playing by Mr Summers. Romantic melancholy… The atmospheric reggae rock mood portrayed in this song is like no other.”
16. Spirits in the Material World (Ghost in the Machine, 1981)
“With an instant synth hook, the catchiest song of Ghost remains the most brilliant song Police has ever made. Who would have thought guitar could have been replaced with synths to create an even better reggae sound, this time with a sophisticated neo classical feel. The instrumental section is gorgeous and eloquent. Lyrics are quite intellectual as well so all this makes it a very worthwhile piece to listen to. Why this is at 24 beats me though. Maybe it’s too subdued for some. Acquired taste perhaps but anyone who knows music will feast on this gem.”
15. Synchronicity I (Synchronicity, 1983)
“Obviously I don’t see this song the same way as anyone else: urgent, propelling, clever, mathematical, complex, perfectly paced, and elevating as it reaches out, and by the way this is actually a synthesis on Jung. Most of all every one is perfect here. Marimbas go wild and pound like juggernauts, drums are explosive, guitars ring to the ether, harmonised voices reach to infinity. Ever heard an album opener manage to do rock and give you a lecture at the same time…and make science sound so alive and fascinating?”
14. Driven to Tears (Urgh! A Music War, 1980)
“A good song, lacking perhaps some structure but still manages to do a good job because of its melody and the highly talented Andy and Stuart on guitar and drums who can make the song engaging.”
13. Do Do Do Do, de Da de Da (Zenyatta Mondatta, 1980)
“As silly as this song may sound it’s got a great guitar drive and distinctive plucking which bands like Roxy Music probably later inspired themselves on in Avalon. A good 80s nostalgia classic.”
12. Invisible Sun (Ghost in the Machine, 1981)
“This is my favourite Police Song by far, probably the only person in the world who thinks it, moody, atmospheric. I just love the synth line, the tom-tom, guitar all sound fantastic. Great video too. Quite eerie though, not surprising the subject matter, but that aside will always be favourite, you can keep your Every Breath You Take laugh out loud.”
11. Wrapped Around Your Finger (Synchronicity, 1983)
“This is a great spiteful song that has just the amount of turn-the-tables to be a great song. I was trapped in a personal problem for a while, and this song really helped and listening to it was a positive coping mechanism.”
10. Synchronicity 2 (Synchronicity, 1983)
“An interestingly bright and driven song about mental hysteria and breakdown. The guitar is excellent, the drumming is fierce, and the vocals are forceful. Perhaps not the best song from Synchronicity, but very good nonetheless.”
9. So Lonely (Urgh! A Music War, 1978)
“This is the song you’d probably hear in Jamaica or Mauritius or Goa… Its like those beach-side songs… Stings high pitched voice was just part of The Police.”
8. Walking on the Moon (Reggatta de Blanc, 1979)
“Stellar piece of Reggae pop combining a simple but clever bass line with delicious wails, a catchy chorus, top notch multi dimensional drumming, wonderful guitar textures, and a subliminal imagery of lightness. This is what I call a musical masterpiece guys. 9 does not do this song justice.”
7. Can’t Stand Losing You (Outlandos d’Amour, 1978)
“The lyrics are so accurate, you can tell that it’s a great song, probably one of the greatest one ever written at least on “that” topic. This kind of reminds me of the song “Roxanne” due to similar instrument use. Both are very catchy and memorable songs.”
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6. King of Pain (Synchronicity, 1983)
“Extremely good song by a great band! In my opinion this is the police at their best. Amazing, dynamic, and relatable song. “That’s my soul up there” love! This is one of best songs from The Police, love the lyrics and the melody. Great song!”
5. Don’t Stand So Close to Me (Zenyatta Mondatta, 1980)
“From the haunting bass chords at the beginning to the lyrics about jailbait, this song is the best from the Police (and rightfully so)! his song is literally the Police entering the era of the 80s with style.”
4. Every Little Thing She Does is Magic (Ghost in the Machine, 1981)
“This is the one. Everybody in their live has one… The song that helps bring you from adolescence to adulthood. The song, that when you hear the first note or two, or in this case Copeland’s symbol rhythm, you are going’ back to a time that was truly “Magic.”
3. Roxanne (Outlandos d’Amour, 1978)
“Great song, amazing, it tells a story about something that people really don’t think it would be, it’s about prostitutes. That’s what makes it different to other songs out there!”
2. Message in a Bottle (Reggatta de Blanc, 1979)
“I absolutely love the reggae guitar use for this song. I like the lyrics and the awesome instrumental use. This is a really good song. This song deserves the number 2 spot in every way. Absolutely flawless song on all aspects. Never get tired of it. “
1. Every Breath You Take (Synchronicity, 1983)
“I am pretty sure a lot of people have listened to this song at one point. It’s a very iconic, memorable and chill sounding song. The lyrics are kind of creepy but I love the chilled out sound of the instruments. They are amazing! I think everybody have to listen this song, it’s so good!”