Police

Outlandos D'amour

RAW, EDGY, ROCKIN' DEBUT ALBUM!

Review Score:

(8/10)
The Police hit the music scene in 1978 with their debut album. At first they were dubbed as a punk rock band but in truth the trio was much more than a bunch of Clash/ Sex Pistol wannabes. Each member of the Police had musical roots that reached into reggae and jazz as well as rock. The Police embraced the punk rock image, knowing it would be the only way they'd be recognized in England. Here they are just a high energy band looking for success rather than the new wave philosphers they'd be later on.

In the midst of Britain's punk fever, The Police did a very smart thing by placing NEXT TO YOU as the opener. It was a clear punk rock track and not a band opener either. This is certainly not where The Police shine on this album though. They're fusion of reggae rock is displayed wonderfully on SO LONELY, CAN'T STAND LOSING YOU and ROXANNE which is clear why they became the album's hits. These hits certainly do not overshadow the rest of the album though. Tracks like the rockin' TRUTH HITS EVERYBODY and PEANUTS are both awesome. Some of the album tracks do not stand up as well though. HOLE IN MY LIFE and BORN IN THE 50's are somewhat inane and draggy while BE MY GIRL - SALLY, and MASOKO TANGA are just plain weird. However none of these tracks are completely unlistenable and that makes the Police's debut album a solid record.

Overall Outlandos d'Amour is a great debut album and not a bad start for the Police. A group who was trying to escape the shackles of punk rock music. While it's not their best it's still an essential CD to own of theirs. Highly recommended.

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