Review
Let’s dive into the world of "Reggatta De Blanc." Released on October 5, 1979, this was The Police’s game-changing follow-up to their debut. With an imaginative sonic blend dubbed "White Reggae," the fusion of hard rock, British pop, reggae, and new wave created something utterly unforgettable. It was cooked up at Surrey Sound Studios with the band sharing production duties alongside engineer Nigel Gray—a true petri dish of creativity! And hey, it just so happened to put The Police on top of the UK Albums Chart leaderboard for the first time. Rock on!
"Reggatta De Blanc" isn't short on highlights. It laid down two of their biggest jams: "Message in a Bottle" and "Walking on the Moon," both nabbing the UK number-one single spot. These tracks don't just rely on hyper-catchy hooks—they also flex Sting’s immediately recognizable vocals, Andy Summers’ unmistakable guitar licks, and Stewart Copeland’s lively percussion. Not to mention, the self-titled track "Reggatta de Blanc" packed enough punch to snag a Grammy Award. The vibe ties it all together tightly and shows the fellas’ collective ear for musical adventure.
There’s way more to uncover with tracks like "Bring On the Night"—a sophisticated spin fueled by Ted Hughes's poetry and tied into Gary Gilmore’s tale. That mixed with the haunting "The Bed's Too Big Without You," which even reggae artist Sheila Hylton couldn’t resist covering, cements the band’s range and impact. While some folks whisper about its laid-back feel compared to debut album "Outlandos d'Amour," "Reggatta De Blanc" is a must-hear of the post-punk age. As the remastered 2003 version reminds us, that magic’s still fresh, loud, and playing on forever! - Aiden
