Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 09/28/1999
Run Time: 48:49
By the late '90s,
Sting had reached a point where he didn't have to prove his worth every time out; he had so ingrained himself in pop culture, he really had the freedom to do whatever he wanted. He had that attitude on
Mercury Falling, but it was too somber and serious, everything that its successor,
Brand New Day, is not. Light, even effervescent,
Brand New Day feels like little else in
Sting's catalog. Not that it represents a new beginning, contrary to what the title may promise. The album is not only firmly within his tradition, it sounds out of time -- it's odd how close
Brand New Day comes to feeling like a sequel to
Nothing Like the Sun. Musically, that is. The sparkling, meticulous production and the very tone of the music -- ranging from light funk to mellow ballads to the
Lyle Lovett tribute
"Fill Her Up" -- are of a piece with
Sting's late-'80s work. That's the main thing separating it from
Ten Summoner's Tales, his other straight pop album -- well, that, and the levity. There are no overarching themes, no political messages on
Brand New Day -- only love songs, story songs, and, for lack of a better term, inspirational exhortations. This is all a good thing, since by keeping things light he's managed to craft an appealing, engaging record. It may not ask as much from its audience as
Sting's other '90s efforts, but it's immediately enjoyable, which isn't the case for its cousins.
Brand New Day doesn't boast any new classics, and it does sound a little dated, but it's well-crafted, melodic, and has a good sense of humor -- exactly the kind of record
Sting should be making as he embarks on the third decade of his career.
~Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
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