Mercury Falling - Sting (CD 1996)

What continually amazes me about Gordon Sumners (AKA STING) is that his style and work is continually changing and evolving, sometimes quietly maturing, other times it's a brilliant flash like lightning.

This time around Mercury Falling is a reflection of a mellower Sting, more mature and having seen some of life's lessons come round and round again. Most of the fans hated this one, but I rather liked it, and several cuts remain my favorites.

The background vocals and instrumentation is impeccable as always, and well mastered. No complaints there.

The Hounds of Winter The lyrics remind me of a medieval ballad, but the tune and rhythm is modern. As with most of the works here, it's simply and leisurely paced, with pace only being picked up towards the end of the tune.

I Hung My Head A lot of Sting's work seems to center around cowboy tunes, themes and justice. It's not a happy tune, and one I tend to skip when I play it.

Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot This is one of my favorite cuts from this album. Simple, honest, and to the point, all about not giving up and trusting yourself.

I Was Brought To My Senses Cold at first, a troubadour's measure and beat to this one, much more medieval than Hounds, all about being with the one you love. Then the tune and beat pick up and becomes much more upbeat. It's a cheerful, happy tune and rather good.

You Still Touch Me Continuing on the fast beat, it's back to wondering where the one you love is, and how they manage to hang onto your memories even after they've gone and you're still helplessly in love with them.

I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying With a bit of country twang to it, this is a sad, sad song about the miseries of divorce and watching a family break up, told from a man's point of view. Heartbreaking actually, and as anyone who's been through one can tell you, the feelings and emotions here hit it dead on.

All Four Seasons Ah women. How we change with a moment's notice -- any man who's got his wits can keep up with us, and be the better for it. Fun and a little self-mocking as well.

La Belle Dame Sans Regrets Sung in french, all about those lovely, unattainable women that seem to always remain just beyond our touch, and cool to any emotion or thought beyond themselves.

Valparaiso The other big thing in Sting's lyrics seems to be the sea. Although not as heavily used as he did in Soul Cages this is one that is all about being alone on the sea, and wondering if there's anyone back home who knows or cares that you're out there.

Lithium Sunset Back to a western theme, and the joys of antidepressants. Oy boy. Yep, time to glide away to a happy little drug induced rosy-hued tomorrow...

This album isn't for all Sting fans. Most of them hated it when it was released, and it's one that has not received a lot of notice. That's fine by me, I like introspection and smart lyrics, and no one can sing about love the way Sting does.