Reading Time: 2 min read

Sting, 57th & 9th © A&M

4 out of 5 stars

Sting is back! No, he hasn’t been out of the music business, but he hasn’t exactly “rocked” either.  With single “I Can’t Stop Thinking About You,” Sting is rocking and rolling once again.  “I Can’t…” serves as the promo single for his forthcoming album, 57th & 9th, due November 11.

“I Can’t Stop Thinking About You” has the quintessential classic pop/rock groove. Even being quintessential to an extent, “I Can’t Stop Thinking About You” possesses a nice overall sound, with some thoughtful quirks within the harmonic progression.  Sting delivers an assertive performance, with his vocals packing a mean punch. He doesn’t carry the weight alone.  He gets strong support from backing vocals (“ooh”).

Returning to the harmonic progression, the differing key scheme and progression during verse and chorus is a brilliant musical move. The separation is something that is rarer in today’s music, hence, it’s refreshing to hear.  Sting is definitely onto something.

The chorus is catchy and enthusiastic, with Sting unveiling his true feelings:

“I can’t stop thinking about you / I can’t stop wanting you this way / I can’t face living without you / that’s why I’m searching night and day / this hearts for lonely hunters / these hands are frozen fists / I can’t stop thinking about you / I don’t care if you resist”

In addition to the chorus, an excellent bridge section also serves as one of the best moments:

“Do I hear laughter from the silence of the snow / I know you’re hiding in this frozen heart of winter / a midnight church tolls / I know you’re close, the scent’s too warm / then the trail turns cold.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, “I Can’t Stop Thinking About You” is well written with plenty of pros working in its favor. It features excellent production, a clever harmonic progression, and most of all, assertive, “go-get-em” vocals from Sting.  To reiterate, Sting is back!

Sting • 57th & 9th • A&M • Release: 11.11.16
Photo Credit: A&M
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the musical hype

the musical hype aka Brent Faulkner has earned Bachelor and Masters degrees in music (music Education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and a freelance music journalist. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.

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