The Police: The Definitive New Wave Power Trio

The Police were a British rock band that became one of the biggest acts of the late 1970s and 1980s. Formed in London in 1977, the trio achieved massive global success, selling over 75 million records worldwide and earning multiple Grammy Awards.

Early Career

The Police formed in 1977, consisting of bassist and lead vocalist Sting (Gordon Sumner), guitarist Andy Summers, and drummer Stewart Copeland. Their early sound was a sharp, energetic mix of punk rock energy, reggae rhythms, and pop sensibilities. They self-financed their debut single, "Fall Out," and quickly gained a following on the London pub circuit, leading to a contract with A&M Records.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough came with their second album, 1979's 'Reggatta de Blanc'. The album's instrumental track "Reggatta de Blanc" won a Grammy, but it was the single "Message in a Bottle" that propelled them to new heights, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart. This success cemented their unique new wave sound and set the stage for international fame. Their subsequent album, 1980's 'Zenyattà Mondatta', featuring "Don't Stand So Close to Me," further established them as global stars.

Key Tracks

Roxanne - Their first major hit, originally from their 1978 debut 'Outlandos d'Amour', introduced their signature blend of rock and reggae and became an enduring classic.

Every Breath You Take - This haunting song from 1983's 'Synchronicity' became their biggest hit, spending eight weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning two Grammys.

Message in a Bottle - The lead single from 'Reggatta de Blanc' was their first UK number one and demonstrated their ability to craft sophisticated, globally-appealing pop rock.

Walking on the Moon - Another hit from 'Reggatta de Blanc', this track showcased their minimalist, groove-oriented approach and became a live favorite.

Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic - A chart-topping single from 1981's 'Ghost in the Machine', it highlighted their move towards a more polished, expansive pop production.

The peak of The Police's career was the 1983 album 'Synchronicity', which topped the US album chart for 17 weeks and spawned several hits. Despite this massive success, internal tensions led the band to go on hiatus after the supporting tour. They officially disbanded in 1986, allowing each member to pursue successful solo projects. The Police reunited for a monumental world tour in 2007-2008, one of the highest-grossing tours in history, reminding audiences of their potent legacy as a new wave rock act.

Fans of The Police's intelligent brand of rock music often appreciate the work of other artists from the same era. U2 shares a similar ambition for anthemic rock with global appeal. The Cars expertly blended new wave hooks with rock instrumentation. Talking Heads explored similar rhythmic complexities and art-rock tendencies. Dire Straits offered another take on sophisticated, guitar-driven rock from the same period.