Sting
Ten Summoner's Tales

THE REVIEW

When in the spring of 1993 the radios began to play the first single from Sting's new album, it was clear that there were the makings of a great record. The song was "Fields of Gold," a sweet ballad where the guitar arpeggios, a touch of harmonica, a skillful use of background synth, and evocative lyrics created a mystical atmosphere.

A promise fulfilled. Indeed, "Ten Summoner's Tales" was the most commercially successful album of good old Gordon at the time, today perhaps only surpassed by "Brand New Day," from 1999.

The "Ten Summoner's Tales" (which are actually twelve) are songs with a light and sunny tone, some with a narrative structure and imbued with a very English irony and humor. Examples include the amusing country song "Love is stronger than Justice," the blues-pop "Heavy Cloud, No Rain," and the irreverent "Saint Augustine in Hell."

The prologue opening is entrusted to the majestic crescendos of "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You," which stands as one of the most beautiful songs written by Sting. Alongside refined pop, there is also room for an up-tempo blues ("She's Too Good for Me") but also for jazz: "Seven Days" is a little gem of melody and rhythm, and "It's Probably Me" has effective synth effects (though the blues version with Eric Clapton on guitar was something else). And here we are at "Shape of My Heart." What to say?.. Along with "Every Breath You Take" it is Sting's most pilfered song, sometimes with his direct compliance. Certainly, that melancholic arpeggio and the deeply felt and reflective lyrics make it an intense and compelling song, but it's still a shame to see how it has been trivialized over time. The last noteworthy mention of this album is "Everybody Laughed," or the song that wasn't there: in the original version this piece with its complex arpeggiated chord progressions was not included, appearing only in overseas market versions.

All together, it results in an intense and very varied album, featuring both ethereal and subtly melancholic melodies as well as more lively and ironic episodes. The excellent arrangements ensure that "Ten Summoner's Tales" convinces from the first listen. Subsequent stereo plays are guaranteed by the emotions it certainly knows how to deliver.