Sting – Ten Summoner's Tales

Ten Summoner's Tales by Sting, released in 1993, is a polished and musically diverse record that marked a high point in his solo career. Drawing its title from a play on Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and Sting’s real name, Gordon Sumner, the album blends pop rock, jazz, and classical touches with clever wordplay and refined instrumentation. It features some of Sting’s best-known solo hits, including the Grammy-winning “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” and the enduringly romantic “Fields of Gold.”

Unlike his more somber earlier solo work, Ten Summoner’s Tales carries a brighter, more melodic tone, balancing introspective lyrics with accessible pop arrangements. Its musical precision, rhythmic sophistication (like the 5/4 time in “Seven Days”), and tasteful restraint have earned the album wide acclaim and cemented Sting’s reputation as a solo artist who can combine mainstream appeal with artistic ambition.

As Rolling Stone noted in its review of the album, Sting's band seemed "capable of playing anything" at the time. Equally remarkable was the fact that, despite surrounding himself with 18 accomplished musicians-including former David Bowie saxophonist David Sanborn - the album had a vibrancy that reflected Sting's newfound ease. Ten Summoner's Tales is arguably his most energetic release to date, ostensibly harking back to the jazz excursions of his earlier solo albums - even if they are now delivered in a softer, more radio-friendly manner.
If Sting was waiting for a hit, he was amply rewarded. While the nihilistic grunge wave seemingly engulfed everything in the U.S. and the U.K. fell for retro Britpop reboots, Ten Summoner's Tales comfortably placed at No. 2 on both sides of the Atlantic and won three Grammys, including Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for one of the undisputed highlights of Sting's solo catalog, "If I Ever Lose My Faith In You."

Reviews

“An album of dazzling musicianship and lyrical subtlety... one of Sting's most satisfying solo projects.” – AllMusic

“Sting delivers a work of refined pop craft and earnest romanticism.” – Rolling Stone

“The album's mix of musical virtuosity and commercial appeal makes it one of the best in his solo catalogue.” – The Guardian

“Fields of Gold’ and ‘Shape of My Heart’ are perfect examples of pop songs that achieve both elegance and emotional depth.” – Entertainment Weekly

“It’s a record that proves Sting can be clever without being cold, and catchy without being shallow.” – Los Angeles Times