Duets Sting Artist

A companion album of sorts to 2019's {|My Songs|}, {|Duets|} collects 17 duets {|Sting|} has recorded over the years. Some of these tracks appeared on soundtracks, some were included on albums by his duet partners, others -- including September, a song recorded with {|Zucchero|} that makes its debut here -- trickled out on compilations. Collectively, these duets showcase {|Sting|} The Polymath, a cultured and worldly individual with an ability to synthesize his diverse interests into smooth, jazzy, mature pop. What's striking about the compilation is how a roster as diverse as {|Eric Clapton|}, {|Shaggy|}, {|Mary J. Blige|}, {|Annie Lennox|}, {|Herbie Hancock|}, {|Sam Moore|}, and {|Julio Iglesias|} doesn't sound especially eclectic; when the common denominator is {|Sting|}, all the guests adapt to his particular ways. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine