...Nothing Like The Sun  by Sting

The album ...Nothing Like The Sun by Sting was released on October 13, 1987, and is his second solo endeavor after the Police. It is considered one of the most sophisticated records of the '80s, combining pop with political and personal introspection. The title is derived from Shakespeare's 130th Sonnet ("My mistress' eyes are nothing like the sun"). Sting chose the phrase after a chance encounter with a drunk on the street who asked him, "how beautiful is the moon?" to which Sting replied with Shakespeare's line (!).

The record is a blend of pop-rock, soft rock, jazz, reggae, world music, and funk rock. Its sound is characterized as "mature" and atmospheric, with extensive use of digital technology providing exceptional clarity for the time. It was recorded primarily at AIR Studios on the island of Montserrat in the Caribbean between March and August 1987. The core band consisted of Kenny Kirkland (keyboards), Manu Katché (drums), Branford Marsalis (saxophone), and Mino Cinelu (percussion). Guest musicians: Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), and his former Police collaborator, Andy Summers, on guitars. Also featured were Rubén Blades and the orchestra of Gil Evans (!) Englishman In New York, Fragile, We'll Be Together, and They Dance Alone (Cueca Solo) were the biggest hits of ...Nothing Like The Sun.

The album reached No.1 in the United Kingdom and No.9 on the Billboard. It has sold over 18,000,000 copies worldwide. In the U.S., it became double platinum. It won the Best British Album award at the 1988 Brit Awards.