Album Information:

About Sting:

Sting, born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner on October 2, 1951, is a well-known British musician, singer, songwriter, and actor. He is famous for his versatility and ability to incorporate a wide variety of music genres into his works, ranging from rock, jazz, reggae to classical and world music.

Sting was born in Wallsend, Northumberland, England, to a working-class family. He attended the Northern Counties College of Education in Newcastle in the early 1970s, where he graduated with a degree in education before becoming a teacher. While teaching, he started playing in a local jazz band, the Phoenix Jazzmen, and later formed the rock group, The Police, with drummer Stewart Copeland and guitarist Andy Summers.

The Police quickly became one of the most popular bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Their unique blend of rock, reggae, and punk music resulted in a string of hits, including 'Message in a Bottle,' 'Roxanne,' 'Don't Stand So Close to Me,' and 'Every Breath You Take.'

After The Police disbanded in 1984, Sting launched his solo career with the release of his first album, 'The Dream of the Blue Turtles.' The album showcased Sting's jazz influences and featured collaborations with jazz musicians such as Branford Marsalis and Omar Hakim. It included the hit singles 'If You Love Somebody Set them Free' and 'Fortress Around Your Heart.'

Throughout his career, Sting released several other successful albums, including 'Nothing Like the Sun,' 'Ten Summoner's Tales,' 'Mercury Falling,' and 'Brand New Day.' He also collaborated with numerous artists, including Eric Clapton, Bryan Adams, and Dire Straits.

Aside from his music career, Sting has become known for his activism and philanthropy. He is a member of Amnesty International and has worked for various causes, including rainforest preservation, human rights, and anti-war efforts.

Sting has won numerous awards for his work, including 16 Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards, and a Golden Globe. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Police in 2003 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2000.

In addition to his music and activism, Sting has also acted in several films, including 'Quadrophenia,' 'Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels,' and 'Zoolander.' He has also appeared on television series, including 'The Simpsons' and 'Ally McBeal.'

About the album Mercury Falling:

Mercury Falling is a studio album released by English musician Sting on March 8, 1996, through A&M Records. Produced by Sting and Hugh Padgham, this eleven-track album has a distinctive sound that blends together elements of rock, blues, folk, and jazz music.

The album begins with the track 'The Hounds of Winter,' which sets the tone for the rest of the album. The song opens with a haunting piano riff and features Sting's rich, smoky voice. Next up is 'I Hung My Head,' a somber ballad that tells the story of a man who accidentally shoots a stranger and is haunted by his actions.

The third track, 'Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot,' is one of the album's standout tracks. It's a soaring piece of rock music that features a memorable chorus and an uplifting message about self-discovery and personal growth. This song was a commercial success and reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

'Mercury Falling' is a slow-burning track that features a moody guitar riff and atmospheric soundscapes. 'I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying' is a poignant ballad about a man who has lost everything but still finds joy in life's simple pleasures. The song is notable for its country music-inspired instrumentation, which includes mandolin and pedal steel guitar.

'All Four Seasons' is a jazzy number that features an upbeat horn section and catchy hooks. 'Twenty-Five to Midnight' is one of the album's darker tracks, with its ominous bassline and lyrics about the end of the world.

The album closes with 'The Secret Marriage,' a slow, contemplative ballad that showcases Sting's songwriting skills and emotional depth.

Overall, Mercury Falling is a mature and introspective album that showcases Sting's musical versatility and songwriting prowess. The album's lyrics deal with themes of loss, regret, and self-discovery, but it's not without its moments of joy and optimism. Musically, the album blends together various genres and influences to create a unique and cohesive sound that has stood the test of time.

Members:

Sting is mainly known as a solo artist, but he occasionally collaborates with other musicians. However, I can provide you with a brief bio for his most frequent collaborators:

1. Dominic Miller: Born in Argentina, Miller is Sting's longtime guitarist and co-writer. He has worked with Sting extensively on solo projects and tours, as well as with the jazz fusion group Jazzpaña.

2. Vinnie Colaiuta: Born in Pennsylvania, Colaiuta is a highly respected drummer who has worked with Sting for many years. He has also played with a wide range of musical acts, including Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell, and Herbie Hancock.

3. Manu Katché: Born in France, Katché is a drummer who has worked with Sting on multiple albums and tours. He has also played with a variety of other artists, from Peter Gabriel to Tears for Fears.

4. Kenny Kirkland: Born in New York, Kirkland was a jazz pianist who played with Sting on his 1991 album, 'The Soul Cages.' He was a member of the jazz fusion group Weather Report and also worked with jazz icons such as Wynton Marsalis and Branford Marsalis.

5. Branford Marsalis: Born in Louisiana, Marsalis is a renowned saxophonist who has collaborated with Sting on multiple occasions. He has also played with artists such as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Herbie Hancock.

These are some of the most prominent musicians that Sting has collaborated with over the years.

Track List for Mercury Falling:

Sure, here are all the tracks in the album Mercury Falling by Sting, in order of appearance, along with their play time and a brief description:

1. 'The Hounds of Winter' – 5:27
This is the opening track of the album, and it's a moody, atmospheric tune that sets the tone for the rest of the record. The lyrics are introspective, and the music is based around a repeating piano figure and a haunting saxophone solo.

2. 'I Hung My Head' – 4:40
One of the highlights of the album, 'I Hung My Head' is a story song about a man who accidentally kills a stranger while hunting, and must live with the guilt and shame for the rest of his life. The melody is haunting and melancholy, and Sting's vocals are full of emotion.

3. 'Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot' – 6:41
A more upbeat and positive track, 'Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot' features a funky groove and a catchy chorus that encourages listeners to trust their instincts and follow their passions. The song features a soaring guitar solo from Dominic Miller.

4. 'I Was Brought to My Senses' – 5:48
Another highlight of the album, 'I Was Brought to My Senses' is a lush ballad with a beautiful melody and poignant lyrics about the transformative power of love. The song builds to a powerful climax with a soaring string section.

5. 'You Still Touch Me' – 3:46
A sensual, jazzy tune, 'You Still Touch Me' features a sultry saxophone riff and sparse, percussive instrumentation. The lyrics express longing and desire, with Sting's vocals gliding over the musical bed like a hot breeze.

6. 'I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying' – 3:56
A country-flavored track with a wry sense of humor, 'I'm So Happy I Can't Stop Crying' finds Sting singing about the end of a relationship with tongue firmly in cheek. The chorus is catchy and memorable, and the melody has a strong '90s pop sensibility.

7. 'All Four Seasons' – 4:28
A percussive track with a world music flavor, 'All Four Seasons' features a driving rhythm and an insistent melody. The lyrics touch on themes of change and transformation, with a nod to the cyclical nature of life and the passing of time.

8. 'Twenty Five to Midnight' – 4:08
A moody track with a minimalist arrangement, 'Twenty Five to Midnight' features Sting's vocals floating over a sparse bed of piano and guitar. The lyrics are reflective and introspective, exploring themes of doubt and uncertainty.

9. 'La Belle Dame Sans Regrets' – 5:17
One of the more experimental tracks on the album, 'La Belle Dame Sans Regrets' features a trip-hop beat and a dreamy melody. The lyrics are inspired by the 19th century French poem of the same name, and explore themes of longing and unrequited love.

10. 'Valparaiso' – 5:26
A driving, upbeat track with a Latin feel, 'Valparaiso' features a catchy chorus and a sing-along quality. The lyrics are inspired by the Chilean port city of Valparaiso, and explore themes of adventure and the thrill of travel.

11. 'Lithium Sunset' – 2:37
The closing track of the album, 'Lithium Sunset' is a mournful ballad featuring Sting's vocals and a simple piano accompaniment. The lyrics touch on themes of loss and letting go, and the song fades out on a haunting final chord.

Discography for Sting:

Sure, here is a complete discography for Sting in chronological order:

Albums:

1. The Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985)
2. ...Nothing Like the Sun (1987)
3. The Soul Cages (1991)
4. Ten Summoner's Tales (1993)
5. Mercury Falling (1996)
6. Brand New Day (1999)
7. Sacred Love (2003)
8. Songs from the Labyrinth (2006)
9. If on a Winter's Night... (2009)
10. Symphonicities (2010)
11. The Last Ship (2013)
12. 57th & 9th (2016)

Singles:

1. 'Spread a Little Happiness' (1982)
2. 'If You Love Somebody Set Them Free' (1985)
3. 'Fortress Around Your Heart' (1985)
4. 'Russians' (1985)
5. 'Love Is the Seventh Wave' (1986)
6. 'We'll Be Together' (1987)
7. 'Englishman in New York' (1988)
8. 'Be Still My Beating Heart' (1988)
9. 'They Dance Alone (Cueca Solo)' (1988)
10. 'All This Time' (1991)
11. 'Mad About You' (1991)
12. 'The Soul Cages' (1991)
13. 'Why Should I Cry for You?' (1991)
14. 'If I Ever Lose My Faith in You' (1993)
15. 'Fields of Gold' (1993)
16. 'Shape of My Heart' (1993)
17. 'It's Probably Me' (1993)
18. 'When We Dance' (1994)
19. 'This Cowboy Song' (1995) (with Pato Banton)
20. 'All for Love' (1995) (with Bryan Adams and Rod Stewart)
21. 'Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot' (1996)
22. 'You Still Touch Me' (1997)
23. 'I Was Brought to My Senses' (1997)
24. 'Brand New Day' (1999)
25. 'Desert Rose' (1999) (featuring Cheb Mami)
26. 'After the Rain Has Fallen' (2000)
27. 'Send Your Love' (2003)
28. 'Stolen Car (Take Me Dancing)' (2003)
29. 'All Would Envy' (2004)
30. 'Whenever I Say Your Name' (2004) (featuring Mary J. Blige)
31. 'Christmas at Sea' (2005)
32. 'Lullaby to an Anxious Child' (2005)
33. 'Next to You' (2005)
34. 'We Work the Black Seam' (2005)
35. 'The Last Ship' (2013)
36. 'Practical Arrangement' (2014)
37. 'Heading South on the Great North Road' (2016)
38. 'I Can't Stop Thinking About You' (2016)

Other releases:

1. Bring on the Night (1986)
2. ...Nada como el sol (1988)
3. The Soul Cages Concert (1992)
4. Mercury Falling - Live from The Olympia (1997)
5. Brand New Day - The Remixes (2000)