#10 of 25
· Cratewise Editorial
“'Every Breath You Take,' 'King of Pain,' 'Wrapped Around Your Finger.' The original A&M pressings are under $5 used. Five dollars. For a #1 album. Act accordingly.”
The Police were a British-New Wave rock band formed in 1977, consisting of Sting (vocals, bass), Andy Summers (guitar), and Stewart Copeland (drums). The trio achieved massive commercial success in the 1980s, blending punk energy with reggae influences and sophisticated songwriting. Their 1983 album 'Synchronicity' became a cultural phenomenon, spending 17 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 and spawning hits like 'Every Breath You Take.' The band disbanded in 1986 at the height of their fame, reunited briefly in 2007-2008 for a world tour, and again in 2024. Beyond Synchronicity, their catalog includes acclaimed albums 'Outlandos d'Amour' (1978) and 'Ghost in the Machine' (1981), both of which showcase their distinctive interplay of minimalist arrangements and intricate musicianship.
Style
The Police pioneered a fusion of new wave and reggae with strong punk sensibilities, characterized by sparse, angular guitar work, prominent bass lines, and complex drumming patterns. Their sound evolved from post-punk rawness to increasingly sophisticated pop-rock arrangements while maintaining rhythmic sophistication.
Significance
The Police are essential to any serious vinyl collection, representing the bridge between punk and mainstream 1980s pop. Their original pressings, particularly 'Synchronicity,' are highly sought by collectors for both sonic quality and cultural importance, while their complete discography documents a pivotal moment in rock music history.
Synchronicity, The Police's fifth and final studio album, was recorded between 1982 and 1983 at the height of the band's creative powers. Frontman Sting dominated the songwriting, crafting the album's 13 tracks with contributions from bassist Andy Summers and drummer Stewart Copeland. The recording sessions took place across multiple studios in London and the Caribbean, with producer Hugh Padgham returning to work with the band. Sting's lyrics explored themes of obsession, spirituality, and desire, drawing inspiration from the Jungian concept of synchronicity itself. The band's reggae and rock fusion had evolved into a more polished, pop-oriented sound, featuring extensive use of synthesizers and layered production that marked a departure from their earlier punk-influenced work.
Historical Context
Released in June 1983, Synchronicity arrived during the MTV era when stylish, radio-friendly rock was dominating popular music. The album became a cultural phenomenon, spending 17 weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 and becoming one of the best-selling albums of all time. It spawned multiple hit singles including 'Every Breath You Take' (a number-one hit with its iconic Fender Telecaster riff), 'King of Pain,' and 'Wrapped Around Your Finger.' The album's success made The Police superstars at a moment when their complex musical arrangements and intellectual lyricism helped elevate rock music's artistic ambitions during an era often dismissed as superficial.
Pressing Notes
Synchronicity was released on both LP and cassette, with the vinyl pressing becoming highly sought by collectors. The original 1983 pressing on A&M Records featured pristine sound quality and came with elaborate gatefold artwork. Later reissues include a 1987 remaster and various CD releases. Collectors should seek original first pressings for the best fidelity, though remastered editions from the 2000s are also well-regarded. The album has been reissued multiple times across different formats, including 180-gram vinyl reissues in recent years. Original UK and US pressings can command premium prices, particularly in unplayed condition.
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