Police

Ghost in the Machine

Musically and Lyrically - The Police Continue to Grow

Review Score:

(10/10)
"Ghost in the Machine" was the fourth studio album to be released by the trio, The Police. It was released in 1981 - almost exactly one year following "Zenyatta Mondatta". "Zenyatta Mondatta" marked a crossroads for the trio. On that album, The Police began to move more toward a Classic Rock sound, but still maintaining some of their foundation sound (a Rock sound containing elements of Punk, Reggae, and Jazz). "Zenyatta Mondata" also saw the band begin to some of the strongest lyrics that had been seen to date by the trio. "Ghost in the Machine" basically picks up where "Zenyatta Mondata" left off. The trio continues to deepen the lyrics contained in their music. They also continue to become more of a Classic Rock band while still maintaining the formula that has become the basis for their sound. The trio also begins to incorporate other instruments other than Sting's Bass, Andy Summers' Guitar, and Stewart Copeland's Drums - namely Keyboards and Horns. The result is another stellar effort and it sets the stage for the album that would follow - the landmark album "Synchronicity"

"Ghost in the Machine" will feature an infusion of Keyboards (played by all three members of the band throughout the album. It will also feature the incorporation of horns on many of the tracks. This was the album that Sting began to develop an interest in Brass/Horn Instruments. Sting had started experimenting with the Horn prior to the making of this album. This would eventually become a foundation for Sting's solo career as he would release the his 1985 Rock-Jazz infused album "The Dream of the Blue Turtles". However, if you want to hear where this foundation started - look no further than "Ghost in the Machine".

As for the lyrics, The Police this collection will contain a wide range of topics. There almost is a dark, sullen element that seems to be a common thread to many of the subjects tackled on this collection. Most of these are both sociological and political in nature. The best way to look at how these topics are addressed and how they fit in with the musical direction the band takes is to look at each track separately.

"Spirits in the Material World": This is the opening track and this immediately features the incorporation of the Keyboards that will dominate the music. The dark socio-political commentary is very present in this song with words such as "There is no political solution; to our troubled evolution" and "Our so-called leaders speak; With Words they try to jail you".

"Every Little Thing She Does is Magic": This is a song that doesn't fit the darker socio-political thread of the rest of the album. It has more of a pop song with a simple theme of being smitten by a woman. The infusion of Keyboards continues on this track. It's also worth noting that Stewart Copeland shines on drums on this track.

"Invisible Sun": This is perhaps the best track of the collection. The basis for this song dealt with the pain and violence in Northern Ireland. The song has a very haunting start, but it also makes it such an intriguing track. Yes you will hear Keyboards on this song, but the trademark Bass, Guitar (Andy Summers' work in the chorus is outstanding), and Drum work (that also includes some great crashing cymbols) is highly present in this track.

"Hungry For You (j'aurais toujours faim de toi)": The charm of this song is that the majority of it is in French. This is also the first tune where you begin to hear the Horn Element. Sting's Bass really begins to kick into high gear as well.

"Demoliton Man": The strong horn element with this track. This is a song written by Sting and we begin to see him write with a lot of the trademark metaphors that have become a staple of his music. The metaphors provide a picture of doom and destruction consistent with the album's thread. Stewart provides great drum work.

"Too Much Information": More great horn work. This is a underrated tune. What I like about it is it has almost a reggae like sound similar to ther first two albums, yet overlayed with the horns.

"Rehumanize Yourself": This is a song that deals with human rights. Just like "Too Much Information", it combines the elements of the classic Police sound combined with the horn elements. This is perhaps Stewart's best drumming on the collection.

"One World (Not Three)": Much like the previous two tracks - great combination of the classic sound with the new incorporation of horns. This socio-political song questions why we often differentiate a "Third World".

"Omegaman": Stewart provides some more fierce drumming. Sting has some great vocals - particularly on the chorus. This is another "dark" song that discusses how one who considers himself nearly "Superhuman" deals with the problems if the world. Also an underrated track..

"Secret Journey": This is another underrated song. This song begins to touch on some religious themes. Sting's Bass and Vocals are terrific.

"Darkness": Another underrated track. This is the album's finale. The title is consistent with much of the album's theme. There is some great Keyboard work in this track.

Overall, there isn't a bad track on this collection. In fact, I think this album has some of The Police's best work and it often gets overlooked because its sandwiched between their early work and "Synchronicity". It's also worth noting that all of the songs that are included on this album are included in the Boxed Set "Message in a Box: The Complete Recordings". This Boxed Set contains every song on every studio album by The Police. You can't go wrong by either getting this collection on a standalone CD or getting the boxed set. You will still get the same appreciation of the music. Either way, this music is highly recommended.

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