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 06/2009

    NINO MOSCHELLA
    Boom Shadow

  • reviewed 12/2010

    OVER THE RHINE
    The Long Surrender

  • reviewed 11/2015

    Son Volt
    Trace

  • reviewed 04/2007

    Joseph Arthur & the Lonely Astronauts
    Let’s Just Be

  • reviewed 10/2013

    STING
    The Last Ship

  • reviewed 01/2006

    THE UNIVERSE
    The Outer Void Intrepid Sailor

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.