When The World Is Running Down

As with "Walking on the Moon" and "Driven to Tears," "When the World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Still Around" is distinct to The Police. 

If the vocal was removed from "When the World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Still Around," you would still recognize the band based on the instrumental.  If the instrumental was removed, you would still recognize the band based on the vocal.  For this reason and many others, The Police is an iconic staple in rock music history.

On a side note -

Sting on his own has a distinct sound unique to him and can be recognized with or without the vocal.  One example is his album, Brand New Day.  I personally find Sting's music to be more emotional in tone as opposed to the tone that defined the band.

And so The Police, then, is a staple in my album collection.

The Police - When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What's...

Driven to Tears

Where "Walking on the Moon" is at the top of my favorites by The Police, "Driven to Tears" is in a tie.

The lyrics tell a profound message through music, which I find to be a global common bond.

The instrumental is distinct to The Police.  The lyrics though...I just can't get past them.

"Driven to Tears" is a reflection of the division between the rich and the poor where the wealthy can afford anything they desire but does nothing to help "starving children."  (Wikipedia)  "Driven to Tears" was released in October 1980 and I personally believe the message holds true to the present.

"What Happens Tomorrow" is uplifting yet noting the state of our current society. 

A second band to take notice.

My take away -

I love "Driven to Tears" in its musical sense and I appreciate the message behind the lyrics.

("Driven to Tears" source - Wikipedia)

The Police - Driven To Tears

Walking On the Moon

I discovered The Police in my early teen years with the first song being "Walking On the Moon."

When I was very young, I liked rap.  As I have grown older, I no longer know why.  "Walking On the Moon" was the first rock song I heard and truly was a refreshing change of pace.

I did not know the song's background at the time.  I just enjoyed the music.  Now, however...

- 2nd single from 2nd studio album (Reggatta de Blanc - 1979)
- Written by Sting when he was drunk after a concert in Munich
- Reggae inspired
- 2nd No. 1 in the UK
- No. 1 in Ireland
- No. 9 in Australia

Music video -
- Kennedy Space Center backdrop
- NASA footage
- Stewart Copeland played against a Saturn V moon rocket

Source - Wikipedia 

I have long been fascinated by astronomy and at one point owned a portable telescope.  I would leave my condo building with telescope in hand and just stare at the moon.  I could clearly see the craters.  I always call the moon a shining pearl.

The video for "Walking On the Moon" is quite naturally, then, intriguing and makes me love the song more.

The Police - Walking On The Moon

The Police Collection

On this first day in this new year, I thought I would share firsts - from first album collections to first songs that became instant favorites. 

In this post, I will feature The Police.

The Police albums are my first rock music collection - two from the original members and one as a greatest hits from The Police & Sting combined.

My collection began after hearing "Walking On the Moon."  This song is by far my most favorite by The Police for its lyrics alone - easy to follow, low-key instrumental, and relaxing in tone.

And then there was "Driven to Tears."  When I first heard this song, I realized that The Police has a distinctive sound - catchy instrumental and vocal despite repetitive chorus lyrics. 

When I later heard "When The World Is Running Down," I was officially hooked.

The Police - Sting, Andy Summers, Stewart Copeland

The Police - Vocals/Bass Guitar, Guitar, Drums

The Police - Defining sound.  Classic lyrics.  Legacy in British rock music.

The Police - My first rock music collection.  My first favorite rock band.