SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 41:03 Min.
As The Police’s fourth studio album, A&M Records initially released Ghost in the Machine in 1981. In addition to his work as bassist and on saxophone, Sting wrote all eleven tracks, though band members Stewart Copeland – drummer (Tracks # 7 and # 11) and Andy Summers – guitarist (Track # 9) also contributed.
Recorded in Canada, this album’s eleven tracks are:
SIDE A
- Spirits in the Material World 2:59
- Every Little Thing She Does is Magic 4:22
- Invisible Sun 3:44
- Hungry for You (J’Aurais Tojoures Faim De Toi) 2:52
- Demolition Man 5:57
SIDE B
- Too Much Information 3:43
- Rehumanize Yourself 3:10
- One World (Not Three) 4:47
- Omegaman 2:48
- Secret Journey 3:34
- Darkness 3:14.
Notes: This title is available in multiple formats (i.e. CD and digitally). Evidently, the album title is a nod to Arthur Koestler’s 1967 non-fiction book.
REVIEW:
Unsurprisingly, the majestic Track # 2 (“Every Little Thing She Does is Magic”) steals the show on Ghost in the Machine. Otherwise, this pop-reggae album’s recurring shifts between commentaries on real-world issues and metaphysical/sci-fi subject matter is at least an intriguing hodge-podge.
While Tracks # 1 and # 3 are distant favorites behind the iconic Track # 2, they still comprise a welcome opening trilogy. Afterwards, Track # 4 is performed primarily in French (for some reason). The fifth song is best known as a same-name inspiration for the cheesy 1993 Sylvester Stallone/Wesley Snipes action film. Suffice to say, Tracks # 4 and # 5 make for some good background noise, but neither one is memorable.
Track # 6 (“Too Much Information”) adds some disco flavor; if anything, this tune feels far more applicable in the Internet Age. Side B’s remaining five tracks are okay listening, but none leave much of an impression. If anything, Ghost in the Machine originates perhaps the Police’s best-ever song, plus an entourage of ten generally likable tracks that are a step above middling.
For Police fans, this album serves up a nostalgic treat. For others, it’s more like hearing a one-hit wonder.
PACKAGING:
Aside from listing the track titles, it’s ultra-sparse. The record itself lists both the tracks and their running times.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 6 Stars
