25 Years

Sting summarizes his first 25 years as a solo artist with this well-rounded collection that includes an interview, recent remixes of many key songs, and remastered sound throughout. Sting personally chose the songs here, and it’s mostly what fans would expect with a few surprises. The remastered sound makes for a rewarding experience. Sting’s unusual mix of world sounds with reggae grooves, jazz, and pop makes for a singular experience, and the enduring greatness of “If You Love Somebody Set Them Free,” “Fortress Around Your Heart,” “Englishman in New York” and “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” is matched by the beauty, craft, and sincerity of “Seven Days,” “The Hounds of Winter,” and “We Work the Black Seam.” Even the mild hip-hop mashup with Mary J. Blige (“Whenever I Say Your Name”) takes the music into new territory. Whatever Sting attempts becomes Sting music. There aren’t many artists you can say that about.