Sting - The Soul Cages - 1991 (24/96 Vinyl Rip)

The Soul Cages is the third full length studio album released by Sting. Released in 1991, it became his second No. 1 album in the United Kingdom.[2] It spawned four singles: "All This Time", "Mad About You", "Why Should I Cry For You" and "The Soul Cages". The latter won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.
The Soul Cages is a concept album focused on the death of Sting's father. At the time, Sting had developed a writer's block shortly after his father's death; the episode lasted several years, until Sting was able to overcome his affliction by dealing with the death of his father through music.




Review:

Sting At His Best
Starting this review, I intended it to be an ode to my most cherished CD. Instead, I simply cannot find the words. The rich tapestry of music and lyrics that enfold the listener defy description. Words that other reviewers have used, like "hypnotic," "poetic," and "beautiful" are right on target. This album takes you along on the artist's introspective tour of grief, love, and missed opportunities, and leaves you with a sense of peace and - if not understanding - at least contentment resulting from having the courage to undertake the journey in the first place.

You'll find everything here, from the sweeping "Island of Souls," "Wild, Wild Sea," and "When the Angels Fall;" to the heart-breaking "Why Should I Cry For You?;" the catchy "All This Time" and the harder, pop-ish "Soul Cages;" the elegantly simple acoustic guitar of "St. Agnes and the Burning Train" and the jazzy "Jeremiah's Blues, Pt. 1;" and the stunning depth of lyrics and imagery of "Mad About You."

Evidenced by my above descriptions, the music style swings from the sounds of Northumbrian pipes reminescent of the sea, to ensemble jazz, to solo acoustic guitar, to lush string arrangements. There's really something here for every music fan, but that fan has to be prepared for the overall somber tone of the album. This is my favorite album to listen to after the end of a hectic day, as it ultimately leaves you with a sense of peace. For sheer musicianship and sonic quality, this album deserves at least a listen. For the depth of involvement the music inspires in the listener, this album deserves a permanent place in any collection.

Patrick Murzyn@Amazon.com


Track List:

01 Island of Souls
02 All This Time
03 Mad About You
04 Jeremiah Blues (Part 1)
05 Why Should I Cry For You
06 Saint Agnes And The Burning Train
07 The Wild Wild Sea
08 The Soul Cages
09 When the Angels Fall