Ghost In The Machine  by The Police

In the fourth studio album titled Ghosts In The Machine, released in 1981, the Police change their musical style. This is mainly due to the change of producer. British producer Hugh Padgham takes over the production of the new album and leads them into avant pop. The band's sound gains a sensuality, and the rough rock and punk sound disappears.

Another new thing Hugh Padgham implemented was in the recording method of the album. Padgham had the idea for all three members not to be in the same room during the recording of their parts. Thus, Andy Summers took over the main studio with his guitars, Sting was in the control room with his bass "plugged" directly into the console, and Stewart Copeland was in a large dining room with his drums. Another change in the sound of the album was the use of saxophone and many keyboards by the Police themselves without using almost any session musicians.

Ghosts In The Machine nearly achieved the ultimate commercial goal as it found itself at No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 in the United States. They would have to wait a little longer for that to happen.