Reviews (page 6 of 13)
Adorable bangers most of the way through (the clunky ones like "Contact" are at least interesting. I kinda wanna cover "Does Everyone Stare") and a fleet of dreamboats on the cover! The Clash and PIL and Specials laid all the reggae-punk-pop groundwork before them, but the Police really made it blossom into its own thing.
Andy Summers takes center stage on this record. His chiming guitar tone is unlike anyone else’s I can think of, and the riff on “Message in a Bottle” might be the strongest and most recognizable one the band ever recorded. Not that the rest of the band are slouches: Witness Sting’s bass playing on the same song or the dubby “Bed’s Too Big,” or Stewart Copeland’s nimble drumming on the intro to the title track. In addition to containing some fantastic songs, Regatta de Blanc really highlights the incredible musicianship of The Police. It's also a little more polished than the punky Outlandos d’Amour, its predecessor. It’s interesting to learn that the band arrived in the studio to record this album short on actual songs, so both Sting and Copeland borrowed snippets from material each had written prior to forming the band. I dock a point for the clumsy “On Any Other Day” and Copeland’s lyrics about his wife burning scrambled eggs and his son turning out gay.
should have called it Forgetta De Ble
I missed out on this band when they were literally the biggest band in the world, because I was tired of the over exposure of the singles. Turns out to be a pretty good lp after its top 40 days are over.
I enjoyed this one way more than I thought I would. I think I like it better than the previous Police album we listened to. My vinyl copy also sounds remarkable just in production quality. Good record.
I like the two popular songs: "Message in a Bottle" and "Walking on the Moon". The rest of the album is OK, but I think this still a bit shy of 4-star territory for me. I like Sting but I think I prefer the post-Reggae style more.
Waffled between a 3 and 4 on this, and decided for a high 3. The two hits are great, and overall I feel like the band benefits from a loose lo-fi sound.
I have a soft spot for 'Message in a Bottle' and 'Walking on the Moon' from when I was a kid, and they both more than hold up. Some of the rest of the album felt like filler (It's Alright For You) and some flirted with being as good as those two monster singles (the title track, 'Bring on the Night'). Might be a high 3, low 4 type situation, but grading up because nostalgia.
At its best this is a fantastic album. Message in a Bottle is a classic and there are a few other nice tracks, and everything is interesting and well played, but it does drop in a few places. A 4 just from the musical ability and the combination of reggae grooves with rock band instrumentation, but could be better.
Okay. I don't know if this is going to make sense to any of you, but I'll say it anyways. I've seen a lot of people on internet music spaces talk about the band Queen in a very specific way. I've seen the general sentiment of "Yeah, the singles are awesome, but they have some weak deep cuts and their albums aren't particularly great," echoed plenty of times. You see, I disagree with that sentiment regarding Queen. However, I feel like that's kind of how I feel about this album from the Police. Like, there are some fantastic things with this album. For as much as I may say that I don't like the police, that has never been in reference to the band, as I have no issues with Sting and the gang. They're all incredibly talented. Sting himself is a solid frontman with decent bass skills, Andy Summers writes some excellent guitar riffs, and Stewart Copeland has got to be somewhere in the top 10 or even top 5 best rock drummers of all time in my eyes. As for their overall sound, it's pretty good. The instrumentation is tight and the "white reggae" sound that this album's translated name is a reference to is pretty fun. There's a reason why the Police are as iconic as they are. However, when it comes to songs, this album has some duds. I'll start with the good. Obviously, "Message in a Bottle" is great. That song is actually really cool and I love it. It's easily this album's best song. I also like the other big hit, "Walking On The Moon" quite a bit. But those aren't deep cuts. What about those? Well, some are good. I think "Deathwish, "Contact," and the closer, "No Time This Time" are pretty solid. But not every one hits the same, with the worst one easily being "On Any Other Day." The instrumentation is still quite good on this song, but the singing and writing just kind of put me off. Oh yeah, it's also kinda homophobic. Just gotta point that one out. Still, I'd say the album has more good songs than weak ones, and the best ones are outstanding. Reggatta de Blanc is a solid album. It's not my favorite, but it's still pretty good. Maybe I'll like Synchronicity more. That one's apparently "the classic" in their discography. For now, I'll give Reggatta de Blanc a light 4/5.
White guys appropriating Black Caribbean music. "Message In a Bottle" is great, and "Walking on the Moon" is OK, but the rest of this album is meh.
I really enjoyed this album and I can see how it influenced scar and punk and rock and I also felt like there was a reggae Reggaeton kinda under town. It was really cool. I like it.
Right out the gate with Message In A Bottle and I really liked the rest of it, particularly Walking On The Moon. Also, this was a great showcase in Copeland's drumming ability - absolutely stellar. 9/10.
Incredible album. Love The Police anyway though. Does anyone else feel math rock vibes from some of the drumming? Even if not it’s noticeably badass.
I mean, one of my favorites all time!
I liked this a lot more than I liked Synchronicity. Message in a Bottle is a great song. My favorite song was On Any Other Day, which they introduced by hedging that it was knowingly corny... kind of a cop out for writing a fun song but being embarrassed about it. The second half of the album was great.
Ok but bland and dated
Love this album even though it is not quite as vital as GHOSTS IN THE MACHINE or SYNCHRONICITY. The tales of despair, isolation, and hope in songs like "Message In a Bottle", "Bring on the Night", and "Walking on the Moon" are palpable. The intellectual cheekiness is on display in the album title which is a pseudo intellectual way of saying white reggae. Ironically, for me, this album marked a turning point in their songwriting, going from the more simple white reggae of their previous albums to becoming something much more iconic and sophisticated. This maturation we be more clear on GITM and SYNCHRONICITY. And, though bands tried, no one else in the 80s managed to capture this iconic sound. An album and a band that never gets stale with me. All 5 of their albums were lean, filled with solid bangers. One of those bands that broke up while at the top of their game. What they did was not appropriation, because all art forms belong to all humans. No art form belongs solely to a particular ethnic group or region of the world, and nor should that ever come to pass. If that were ever to come to pass, the world would become a very boring place. Being influenced by one another is one of the beautiful things that makes us human. Favorites: "Message In A Bottle", "Regatta de Blanc", "It's Alright For You", "Bring On The Night", and "Walking On The Moon". When I dig at least half of your album and it is clear that you influenced an entire generation of bands, you earn 5 stars from me.
ну это треш какой-то) если б ещё красиво было что они экспроприировали...
Another solid effort from the Police. Good grooves, and Sting has great energy throughout. Walking on the Moon is a bit… weird 80s cringe, but I’m willing to look past it on the merits of the rest of the record.
Message in a Bottle bangs, but I found the rest just kinda fine
Good album. I enjoyed listening to The Police.
Echos and effects, reggae mixed with post-punk and some pop. 80’s style hybrid with great drumming, singing, and guitar work. Excellent rhythm parts, fun bounce. Numerous songs also on their greatest hits completion Every Breath You Take: The Singles a few years later.
Good sometimes great songs, but no flow as an album. I like The Police a lot but this isn’t really their best. Still good stuff 7/10
point9.
Not really a fan of reggae but this album was pretty good.
Classic Police, pretty good, though not my main thing. Appreciate the faster pieces.
The hits on this album (walking on the moon and message in a bottle) are amazing but what surprised me the most was the other songs on the album.
It's weird but I always hate the production they put on Sting's voice so it sounds like his breathy, upper level tone is singing into an echoey, empty hall. It's why I've never really liked The Police. But damn, can these cats jam. Great musicianship and even their deep cuts on this album sound fresh and exciting.
I had a review all lined up for this one based on how I remembered it, and it was only when listening when I realised that I may actually have never listened to it. So I scrapped it. Still, the Police were outlaws of love once, and topping that album would be hard, especially since they were out of ideas. What to do? Well, they'd had the bright idea to record in the same studio as last time, using the money they'd got from the previous album, so the label had no way to influence them. They could do what they want, and honestly it shows. I don't necessarily mean that in a bad way; Sting, Andy and Stuart's willingness to write goofy lyrics completely earnestly and step outside the confines of the reggae sound they cultivated is endearing. But, aside from the stellar singles, it just doesn't hold together like their better albums do. Tangent: More bands need to sing about accidentally kicking someone in the shins. Favourite Song: Message in A Bottle Least Favourite: ... No Time This Time Strong Bad Demerit Count: 2
New-Wave's self described 'carpet-baggers' record a #1 single, follow the punky reggae formula for the next few tracks, then got bored and did whatever the hell they liked.
Nice!
I like the reggae aspects, or even the bo diddley rhythm they find sometimes. Seems like they pulled from fun places to make a fun sound. The album is really well produced and has a clean sound.
Nunca conecté mucho con la música de The Police, y sinceramente no entiendo muy bien cual es la fascinación que tiene el público general de su repertorio. La experiencia de escuchar este álbum no fue la excepción a las ideas que tengo respecto de la banda. No creo que sea mala, para nada, pero casi nunca me sorprende o me atrapa. La música está bien ejecutada, el estilo es interesante en tanto que fue una de las bandas inglesas que movilizó el híbrido entre rock y reggae en su época, y es sorprendente que Sting cante y toque el bajo considerando que muchos de los grooves son complejamente sincopados. A su vez creo que tienen un sonido con mucha identidad, sobre todo gracias a la voz de Sting. Y por supuesto varios de los temas son hits muy reconocidos, pero es interesante notar en el álbum que fuera de estos hits ("Message In A Bottle", "Bring On The Night" y "Walking On The Moon") los temas son poco memorables o interesantes. Creo que la obra fuera de estos tres temas se pierde en un estilo más experimental y extraño que no logra capturar el atractivo de los susodichos temas.
Nope
Naw, thought I would have enjoyed this for some reason
Probably a 2.5, I was kinda dreading listening to this album and held it off but it was alright
Weird album, mad mix of like fake reggae and joke songs, some great guitar on this (Bring On The Night was a highlight), but the one constant was Stuart Copeland's drums. Man can make the most basic 4/4 drum beat super interesting. Probably won't listen to this again tbh, can't hear anything by Sting without thinking about him in the middle of one of his marathon shaggin sessions
I liked the first side better than the second. I would give the first side four stars, and the second three. The whole thing gets three stars from me.
Classic album. Obviously Message in a Bottle is one of the biggest classic rock staples out there, but thealbum does have some great pop punk tracks like Bring on the Night. Stewart Copeland always locks down the drums, easily the best (and most underappreciated) aspect of The Police IMO. Will say, getting to the second half of the record though, it's kinda losing me. Some weird vocal choices, and odd musical ideas. Thought this was gonna be better than it is.
I did not vibe with this album. It’s only 49 minutes long but every single song seemed to last forever. My bf said he likes this album, I’ll see if he has a fever. Anyways, ACAB.
meh
Outside of Message in a bottle and Walking On the Moon, I wasn’t super familiar with this album. The Police were always a hits band for me. Something about the “appropriation of reggae” (Wikipedia, and it says the album title literally translates to “white reggae”) and the mononym of Sting just doesn’t grip me. Sure he’s good looking, but what’s he REALLY doing? After listening to this album, though, I found a couple more songs that could’ve definitely been minor hits. Meh, I guess I would listen again, but probably not by choice. Again, I think they’re a Hits band.
I was excited to listen to this album because I’d never heard any album by The Police except for their greatest hits. Turns out “Message In a Bottle” is the only good song on Regatta De Blanc (I couldn’t even get into Walking On The Moon). Someone needs to tell Sting to shut the fuck up. I haven’t had an album disappointment me this bad since KISS released their 1998 dog-shit-disguised-as-a-record “Psycho Circus”. Like Cube says… “Fuck The Police”
The album tracks aren't superb but there are amazing moments on this album that I found very sonically interesting.
Meh.
White people doing reggae
Melko afrikkalais ja jamaikalaisrytmisiä biisejä. Enemmän tykkäsin rokkibiiseistä. Ei nämä Policen biisit kovin iske
Not sure about the dude putting on a Jamaican accent for some reason, I think some of the songs are good fun and quite interesting, and they're obviously great players. Its a real mix though some of these songs sound more like the talking heads and some a bit like Gary Numan like Contact. They feel a bit punk in the same way as bands like the Jam but I think its probably worse as it seems they can't really decide on a single style. Favourite songs: message in a bottle, regetta de blanc, its alright for you, contact. Overall around 6/10
Some of the tunes are a bit camp but the overall album is good. It's interesting to hear each of the three musicians at that stage of their careers.
Ein großartiges Album. Auch heute noch tolle Lieder.
The mass appeal of the police is baffling as always 2*
For the last four years I've wondered if I should've given Synchronicity a 4 instead of a 3.5. It's really kept me up at night. Thought this was finally my chance to redress the balance and put on record that I do actually rate The Police rather highly. Message In a Bottle and Walking On The Moon: great - classic singles to build a classic album around, right? Alas, beyond those two it's just a bit average, really. Bring On The Night and a couple of others are nice, but the Stewart Copeland-penned tracks let the side down. Apparently they were scratching around for material at this point, and it kinda shows.
I can't think of any other band who disappointed me as much as The Police. My first exposure to them - Can't Stand Losing You on Whistle Test '78. Phenomenal. First two albums - Outlandos d'Amour then this one - absolutely exceptional. Three tremendous musicians, great songs. Welcome to the future. Then the future turns out to be Zenyatta Mondatta and the sanitised pulp that followed. Wrapped Around Your Finger? Give it a rest. So, in memory of the end of 70s I'll listen to Od'A then RdeB and enjoy them. And stop there.
Didn’t land for me
I knew the classics (Walking on the Moon and Message in a Bottle). The rest of the songs were just okay.
пять баллов.
This is the music they play when you go to the grocery store mid morning on a weekday. Not terrible, not great, just eh.
After the first song I was pumped. That was the only pump I got. Boring.
I’m not the biggest fan of the police, but I did enjoy some of the deep tracks on this one.
This album is very good. I don't really understand all the hate for The Police. Let's move on. They have. Andy is a photographer. Stuart does soundtracks. And Gordon is still Sting.
Bara första låten var bra
Nothing special
Sting would make a great valley girl
really solid album, very unique police sound, mixing rock reggea and new wave to something very distinct
This was fun. I was familiar with Message in a Bottle, thanks Guitar Hero. I found the other songs interesting with the obvious reggae influences.
I started thinking I had listened to this album and realized pretty quickly my sister had their greatest hits album instead. I have decided I like The Police much better than Sting. There are some bangers on here and the lyrics are way less creepy
So many iconic songs I grew up with, big fan of the drumming and bass. Overall just an enjoyable album.
Lots of fillers with a couple of hits in between, very samey guitar riffs throughout, lyrically not fantastic
I feel The Police did a lot for music (or at least that is what we are told) but I don't think I quite get them. Sting's voice starts to grate on me in all honesty and a lot of this album sounds like a prolonged jam session. I love the punk influence and the start of ska showing itself in their music and maybe that is why they were important, for what they influenced others to create but apart from that as a reason i don't think i'll be listening again.
"And my fine son has turned out gay." - On Any Other Day Woof. Not aged well. This song seems a throw away gas but still...
Lots of nostalgia with this one, catchy as hell with great vibes all the way through. Definitely a few boring moments but overall an enjoyable listen.
The Police are such an odd band. They're all so freaking good at what they do but seem to want to do anything except write hits. They're so good at the hits too. Message in a Bottle is one of my top 100 favorite songs of all time. The rest of the album does not disappoint but goes to such odd places. I love weirdo music but it just feels like such a waste of what we could have from this band. All around excellent album.
Solid album. It's very unique and full of life and energy. Some really good tracks on here, and some that I was more indifferent to. Great playing, and the vocals were fun and lively. Solid album, and definitely a great work
I expected to enjoy this album, but it just didn’t click for me. There’s very little flow, and some of the tracks are just ridiculous. Copeland’s wonderful drumming squeaks it into a 3.
I dont know what to make of The Police, or Polizia as they're known in Italian. After years of working in a chain department store, you come to hate a certain kind of easily digestible rock music. That's all this sounds like to me.
I love this album’s sound, though it’s a bit patchy on the whole. There are a few powerhouses here in songs like Message in a Bottle, but there’s also a few forgettable misses. I appreciate the band were at least experimenting with their sound on tracks like On any other Day, but the result leaves much to be desired. It’s an easy listen overall, with some standouts. Mostly I just enjoy Copeland’s skill behind the kit. ✨
An all time album for me, one that I share with anyone who will sit still long enough
killer album. these guys at their best.
Good shit
So The Police, so good
Começar com Message In A Bottle me parece uma péssima ideia. Provavelmente a melhor canção dessa banda, logo de cara, e tudo que vem a seguir soa pior. Enfim… minhas expectativas a respeito do disco eram baixas. Conheço os grandes hits do grupo, e é aquilo, são canções OK, tocadas até o ponto de exaustão (especialmente Roxanne). Nunca ouvi um disco inteiro deles e não sabia exatamente o que esperar. Fui até que surpreendido. A banda é tecnicamente bem boa. A percussão e o baixo são ambos fantásticos, essas faixas possuem uma progressão rítmica sem igual. Faz jus a suruba hedonística de Reggae com New Wave e pedaços de Punk. Os vocais do Sting podem machucar o espírito de vez em quando, mas nada tão agravante quanto uma Janis Joplin da vida. Uma coisa é certa, o grupo se destaca no imenso oceano de atos New Wave deste período. Disco bom e envolvente. Difícil ficar parado. 4/5
A good album, very much rooted in their own reggae sound and full of hooks. The best part of the album is that it doesn’t sound all the same, while remaining coherent. There is also some solid writing, but it’s mostly about the music as the title track (with lyrics that are mostly sounds) clearly suggest. I found myself very impressed by the drums, over the record they print around fast and furious, and they try a lot of different things (like on Walking on the Moon). Obviously, there is also that incredible base line in Message In a Bottle. That hit alone makes it worth a listen. I don’t know that I like all of it, cause the middle of the album is a bit stiff but I can vibe with it well. The opening however is quite interesting, (up to Bring On the Night) and clearly the popular part. However, I don’t understand the lack of love streaming wise for I found No Time This Time, not a hit, but very interesting and forward sounding, (it’s giving the Who on speed). On any other day is however, on there. The song is about a man’s birthday being a crybaby and lamenting, and the worst thing that happened to him is that “ My fine young son has turned out gay”. Yeah. Not great. The pitch for the song is a good idea, and the construction is clever going down like that, but not a fan of lyrics that are homophobic. However, it's one song out of eleven. It’s offensive, but “ it would be okay any other day”? Overall, it’s fun, and while not better than their first outing it’s solid and still relevant today sonically. That one line though.
Not really my thing even I do appreciate how it was produced.
I knew only one of the songs beforehand, I found the album quite soothing and relaxing, and strangely I never noticed how the drums have such an importance before, I often listen to songs where the vocals that precedence, but for some reason I was quite hypnotized by the drums in all of the album's songs.
Message In A Bottle!
The best combination of rock and reggae I've ever heard. Really great bass, guitar and drum playing on the whole album. Got my head bopping a lot. As with almost every Police album the beggining is stronger than the end but it's still great overall.
Reminds me of dad
Loved this! Wasn't familiar with most of the songs but I found most, if not all of them very enjoyable.
Message in a Bottle and Walking on the Moon are great tracks but the rest fall pretty flat in comparison.
I like the Police but did t think this is one of their best
Not really a fan of reggae but enjoyed a few songs. Not a terrible album to start with, likely wouldn’t listen top to bottom again.
Message in a Bottle Carries the Album
Nice enough but the hits didn’t hit that hard for me and actually got quite bored towards the end of the album
Yeah starts good, it petered out for me. 3/5 because I would have it on the background
Regatta de Blanc is what happens when three talented Brits dabble in reggae like it’s a party trick. There are flashes of brilliance (“Message In a Bottle” slaps, I’m not made of stone), but most of it feels half-finished and a bit like I should be embarrassed on their behalf.
Chill. Message in a bottle is a classic.
I don't really like the police but it was a decent listen
Amazing album!
Meh. I don't have feelings one way or the other about The Police (the band, not law enforcement, ACAB always). Their sound is just so milquetoast. 3/5, slightly above average is fine for me, as I did like Message in a Bottle and Walking on the Moon.
A fun listen
Interesting to know that the title translates to "White Reggae". Apparently I like watered down reggae. Tracks to Track: Walking On The Moon
That sure was a full album of the police
This album has a clear reggae vibe. The strong reverb/echo and sparse arrangements make it sound very desolate. This isn't helped by the fact that the guitar riffs are also all on very high notes that overlap with Sting's voice and the high hats. I've heard Message in a Bottle and Walking on the Moon before, but I don't particularly like either track and there weren't any other real standouts.
Message in a bottle
Yeaah
An interesting blend of new wave and sort-of reggae - props for having an original sound, at least. Other than “Message in a Bottle,” which is pretty good, this didn’t hold much appeal for me.
Favorite Track: Message In A Bottle
Good on though I have heard it all before.
Had this album already. Some great songs and popular hits. Easy to listen to.
I like it more than synchronicity *ducks tomatoes*
Solid album - own it as a record (for like $2). Improvement from their first album, and the big songs (Message in a Bottle, Walking on the Moon, Bring On the Night) are some of their best. Nothing exceptional, however, and the style of the album tracks kinda blend in with each other and I forget which one's which. A solid 3. Don't know if it's quite a 4? This is only my second album, so leaving room open for 4s and 5s.
- não sei bem o que dizer desse álbum - a mistura de ritmos caribenhos com músicos bons traz inovação importante pro rock - tem alguma coisa sobre ingleses brancos tocando reggae que me incomoda
A classic. Loved it from Day 1. The Sparse arrangements, the songs, the vocals, the unique drumming and the energy.
I think this one is a 3 star for me. It was just fine.
♥️
not their best imo
The singles are great. Some dips on the rest of the album though
Stuart Copeland is full tilt on this album and drives the whole thing along. Big singles and no real duds.
Here Sting manages to bring bits of reggae into the performance without going ridiculous on the voice - he’ll need to keep an eye on that. There’s some great pop songs in Message in a Bottle and On Any Other Day, the rest is totally fine but not particularly attention grabbing.
Goes by nicely and some great instrumentation but i wish he wouldn’t do the voice
Iconic Police album
The hits and highlights were great. There was some fluff which explains why you never hear the songs anymore.
8/27/25: Another classic to start off the album- Message in a Bottle. I appreciated the reggae vibes mixed within this rock genre.
4.9
Their five albums between 1979 and 1983 were some of my favorite rock albums of all time. But, this album was the first that got me hooked. Andy Summers is one of my favorite guitarists. Such brilliant melodic ideas and great finesse.
Of all The Police albums to put on here in addition to Synchronicity, they chose this one? Outlandos d'Amour and Zenyatta Mondatta deserve a place on this list way more than Reggatta De Blanc. It doesn't mean the album is bad, it's just not really special or exciting in any way. I guess it's because of the "white reggae" aspect, while Outlandos leaned a little more punk/new wave, but like, do we need to celebrate white reggae? Is that really a thing to be excited about? Also why does there always have to be one fucking weird song on every Police album? Granted, "On Any Other Day" isn't quite on the level of Synchronicity's "Mother," but boy that line about the song being gay did not age well. The singles are pretty good on here, but otherwise the album is just alright. Probably closer to a 3.5 for me, but I can't justify rating this higher than Synchronicity, which I gave a 3 when it was really a 3.5 too.
Some good, some not so good. Some timeless, some DATED. It was fine! I like the Police, I didn't love this version of them. It's just a little.... much. I do see how this could have been a pivotal album to the turn of the new decade and the sound of the 80s. Mostly it was just wailing noise.
3.1
Oh yea fantastic album
Better than the last Police record that was on here but still irritating as fuck. 1.5
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would actually, there were some songs on here that were a bit more loose and indie than I would have expected. Generally though I find their 80s sort of reggae sound a bit odd to build a whole band around, so a whole album was tiring. Still beat expectations mind.
There has been a lot less Sting and his mates than I thought on this list. Averaging their output, I much prefer the songs without the reggae undertones. Notable classic songs Message in a Bottle, and Walking on the Moon stand out. Though I am not sure much else jumped out at me - not to say I didn't enjoy the album. Really found myself bopping along to the second half. In my opinion, more of a collection of songs than anything cohesive. I think that pretty much sums this review up, too. Can't complain with this one.
Ah it's Sting from the big house. I've got it in my head that I don't like Sting, but I'm not really sure why. This was much better than I was expecting, much less poppy. Goes some almost reggae and punk sounding bits going on at times. Message in a bottle is undeniably a good track, not too sure about walking on the moon though.... On any other day was rubbish....Think the first half was better than the latter, I'd had enough by the end 2.5
Loved how this is a mix of reggae, punk, and a hint of jazz. Great album that I enjoyed more than I thought I would.
You know those things where everything is out of sync for a long time, but every so often everything lines up and sounds cool for a bit. That’s this album Reverb!!!!!
Good, but not their best album...
Message in a bottle!
Tres músicos tremendamente dotados y originales, liderados por una fuerza compositiva de las que salen pocas por década. No sé si es su mejor disco, pero es un formidable disco, atrevido, experimental, clásico y muy muy reconocible. No ha habido grupo que se parezca a The Police.
White reggae seems like a stretch of the definition - I hear it in the instrumentals but not necessarily the vocals. Kind of a fun album. Highlights: message in a bottle
Starts of strong
mid
Is all about the Bangers 7/10
White reggae toss
Ah, now this is more like it from them. Had Synchronicity recently which really didn’t do it for me. Enjoyed this one much more. Message in a Bottle is an all time classic and the rest is good too with top musicianship and more variety and quirkiness than I expected. Still a greatest hits girl when it comes to them though
Kinda sterile kinda interesting kinda nothing all at the same time. I've never really cared about stings singing voice and I dont really here either. Alot of the record just isn't worth much for me. Message in a bottle is a classic and that one up strummed reggae type song were the only saves I had. Everything else just blended together. Its fine but thats about as high of praise as I can give it.
One of those bands you’ve never met somebody who’s said they’re their favorite band (although I’m sure they’re out there). The lead single obviously broke the band into the mainstream, but the rest of the album is okay although the latter half is a little more generic. The band’s strength is not doing the post-punk thing really well but inventing a whole new sound. I used to think of The Police as kind of an overpolished 80s band but the history shows they invented a lot more of their sound than I used to think.
Hard to assess this objectively, but it’s pure gold
This was a nice listen, enjoyed the instrumentals a lot.
You hear some punk and reggae influences here but it never quite comes together. Message in a Bottle still rocks though
It wasn’t bad. It had a great first half and then the intensity started to wane in the second half. I would prefer listening to Synchronicity over this album.
I have always enjoyed the singles - had not listened to the album previously and not sure what to make of it after 3 listens. It sounds like they are having fun - but I think of Sting as being so po faced and serious that it does not quite ring true for me. A disappointing 3.
Sting is an enigma and made for best ofs. He writes some wonderful songs with insightful lyrics, and then every album has a couple of dross tracks.
Dope
8th grade science fair, 3 piece band Message in a bottle Walking on the moon
Boring. Cant listen further than 4 tracks
It's ok. That's the best I can offer it. Even the hits on this album are meh. It's not so bad that I'd say I disliked it, but it's pushing it. 3/5
There’s some certified hits here but it’s not as great as their debut or some of their later work. Still, you can’t deny one of the most technically proficient power trios of all time.
On any other day starts with a bang. I liked the latter half better.
Still as awesome as when a girlfriend gave me this a few decades ago.
6/10
Couple of bangers. Mostly quite irritating.
I still love Stewart Copeland Will I listen to again: 95%
Interesting to listen to a rock reggae album. Problematic elements aside, I liked this album a lot more than yesterday’s. I think the bass and the drums were my favorite part of this album.
Meh, prefer the debut
Pretty big disappointment outside of the singles, honestly! Nothing bad here, but nothing that makes me think I've really been badly neglecting the Police.
nice
So many classics on one album!
Faque, pas mauvais, meilleur que ce que je pensais, pour être honnête, mais pas pour moi.
It was fine. Wasn’t crazy about the sound, I can tell the lyrics are likely quite good but I couldn’t properly appreciate them with one listen. Therefore a 3 feels the most fitting based on first impression. Message in a bottle and walking on the moon are obviously quite good. Vocals got annoying
Some more rock and roll that my grandparents probably listened to. Not bad
Barring a few exceptions, I never could find much to like about The Police. They are all great musicians in their own right, but their Reggae style is just not my cup of tea. This album is just par for the course. 2.5/5
I was not aware white people did reggae but apparently they did. Was a nice listen definitely some chill tracks.it was kind of airy too. I will check other the police albums.
9/10
I find it quite sad how The Police seem to be one of those bands who are slowly being forgotton. There are artists out there who will likely be remembered forever, ie The Beatles etc. But The Police's contributions to rock music often do unacknowledged, which is a shame because not only were they super influential, but it's also just plain and simply really good music.
Jeg kan virkelig godt lide det, meget min stil, men det er ikke unskippable.
Just flawless
Reggae pop? Some familiar deep beats. Don't really enjoy any of the songs except Message in a Bottle.
Not the biggest police fan. Other than the hits the songs are not really there. Nice drums throughout, and some creative guitar parts.
Easy listening uptempo new wave album Highlights: - It’s Alright For You - Message In A Bottle - Deathwish
Nice. Refreshing when the police first emerged. And I reckon it still sounds fresh.
One of those albums that started as a 5 but ended up getting 3 after repeat listen.
Iconic album, so many great songs and some pretty terrible songs too!
Apart from "Message In A Bottle", I did not jive with this. The way they do reggae doesn't work for me.
Talk about three people that should not work together but should also work together. The Police cram into a three person lineup what other bands do in five or six. Each master of their trade come together to make an awesome album. Sting's ego can comprise another band. 3.5/5
The Police are cool and this album is cool. Message in a bottle right out of the gate. Stewart Copeland just smashing the drums from start to finish.
Not my favorite album of theirs but love me some Police. 3.5 stars
I really, really liked Synchronicity, but comparatively, this one fell flat for me. The Police’s hits hit. But the songs in between are forgettable, and the vocal performance is weak to the point where it becomes grating.
The only kind of tolerable Police, this album has some unquestionable jams and some legit drumming. Hadn't listened to the whole album before in order, the sound gets a bit repetitive as you move through the songs, even with the second to last song "Does Everyone Stare" starting with a more punk sound then mushing back into the established groove of the album by the end. Will always sound like the 80s to me.
As with any Police record its very uneven. A couple of fantastic songs and then a mixed bag of "eh". I have to question, AGAIN, who is making this list? Of all the Police albums this is the one you picked? I get that music is subjective and tastes vary, this list feels like someone trying to squeeze in some radio friendly groups chosen at random to legitimize some of the absolute try hard trash someone thinks makes them cool.
The Police were a perfect mix of Punk and New Wave, with a Reggae beat and melodies that word leave a pop song writer considering a new career. As a sophomore effort, Regatta de Blanc is raw energy and experimentation that shows their incredible potential that blossoms in later works. Definitely a must.
2 great singles and a decent pop album.
Not bad not good. It has a few good memorable tracks but not the best 5/10
great
I always liked the Police. I'd definitely say Message In A Bottle is one of my favorite songs if I think super hard about it. But I truly can't think of I've heard a Police album in full before? Anyway, this album was alright. I never heard a non-"greatest hit" Police song and....eh it's alright I guess. One Any Other Day did not age well and I find it very funny. Bring On The Night is such a huge highlight for me I could listen to it for multiple times a day. I feel like a majority of the album switch between those two feelings. I liked it, it was alright.
Liked this more than I expected to mainly because I enjoyed the tracks that weren’t released as singles.
I've heard Message In A Bottle and Walking On the Moon a million times, but I've never listened to the whole album. New discovery: Deathwish. The rest of the album is meh.
good
Manages to peak early and sort of becomes this boring slow burn after. Not bad, not as good as Synchronicity.
Nice trax
Brought back memories
It's hard to argue with the influence of this one, given how many white reggae acts that still bubble up on pop radio. The Reggae/New Wave blend heard here isn't so popular anymore, but I feel like we can blame The Police (at least partially) for Ska and that's proven more enduring over the last few decades. "Message In A Bottle" is a great opener since that's the only track most people are going to listen to when they play this album. "Deathwish", "Contact", and "No Time This Time" feel like blueprints for Ska (without horns). "Walking On The Moon" and "On Any Other Day" are mostly pretty terrible. How on earth did anyone allow WOTM to be 5min long? The chorus is catchy, but you have to go through sooo much to get there and I just don't want to. OAOD feels like a garage band demo that wouldn't get them signed anywhere. Is that Stewart doing vocals? He should not do that.
The Police aren't just white reggae, they're reggae lite, they've nothing to do w/ Haile Selassie or the political machine crushing Kingstown natives. They're rhythm moochers and profoundly shallow, but they're a group that makes so much out of so little that I can't help but dig their one-off brand of pop music. Sting's voice is a permanent mainstay in the listener's brain after hearing him but once, as are the buoyant guitar riffs and the indelible wielding of the hi-hat, perhaps the crucial item for the band's signature sound. 'Some say / Tomorrow's another day / You stay / I may as well play.' That's a laudable axiom, and a helpful one for appreciating this more-than-popular group, impossible to forget tho you may forget to throw them on.
Walking On The Moon saves this album from being a 2 for me.
I liked this album from the past. I also liked the videos for the 3 songs on the album that were their big hits and were very popular with the fans
Fine
Not the police's best album but still iconic.
One of the bands that has a sound all their own. Holds up great
Love message in a bottle. Apprechiate walking on the moon. Dont care for the rest that much and have to say that the on any other day lyrics didnt age well.
Not bad songs but many of them failed to make a strong impression on me. I had heard the first song before which I enjoyed.
GM
it was alright
Enjoyable! The Police are awesome
The Police finding their way with signature vocals and occasionally asynchronous rhythms. Good listen
I knew that The Police is very admired band and now I know the reason why! This whole album had such a cool vibe, I mean like every song has its own. The base work, the chaotic guitar in the background, the reggae sound, the masterclass of a drumer Stewart Copeland (I really like how he would easily drum on his ass in videoclips if he wanted to), everything was just so medium rared, truly a work of art. Favourite songs - Message in a bottle, On any other day, Does everyone stare, Bring on the night...
the album title translates to white reggae and it unfortunately sounds like it. using jamaican accents is weird asl
Solid album by a solid trio, I just find Police’s message in a bottle, so to speak, has gotten a bit soggy in the intervening decades.
My favourite police album. I don’t listen often but when it’s on, I love most of it. Admittedly I don’t love every song but I still Find it. Solid album with some standout tracks (love the bass in message in a bottle).
I was hoping to like this a bit more than I actually did. It's fine, but none of the songs (not even "Message In A Bottle") stood out to me.
Yeah, nothing bad here. True classic.
Kinda chill rock with reggae vibe 4/5
Maybe 1.5 great songs. Too bad when the best part of the album is done in the first four minutes.
Album has two hit songs, the rest is pretty mundane, but “On Any Other Day” was downright terrible
Bit conflicted with this one. But it's quite fun and musically they are great
Some good songs and some really dated sounding songs. Not my favorite album of theirs but would definitely listen to it again.
Great - loved it. Well, most of it! Good classics
Some flourishes, Copeland’s drumming is to be admired. Some interesting deep cuts that got me to understand the “post-punk” label a little, but still feels like music students who studied punk, jazz, blues rock and reggae rather than anything organically related. Overall, I’m not a fan of Sting’s voice, and the white reggae thing sits uncomfortably - it feels like they understood reggae better musically than eg The Clash, but profited well from an accurate reproduction rather than letting it flavour their own music.
Gah. White reggae vibes are just kind of tough for me. Nothing terrible here but it’s just all… eh.
Fun album but this didn't grab me like a lot of other bands from the same era have. Absolutely one of the most gifted bands of the 70s and 80s but a lot of the songs on this album don’t really seem to go anywhere.
Message in a Bottle - no notes; raises the floor of this album, otherwise it's mediocre except for Copeland masterfully mashing the skins and cymbals
Genre: New Wave A fun time is always had when one listens to The Police. Bouncy reggae-style rhythms and guitar licks, Sting’s classic vocals, and slick 80s production has always made these guys a joy. There are big hits (Message in a Bottle) and also some solid deep cuts (The Bed’s Too Big…). The album does a great job of showcasing the group as a whole, with very technical, but measured approaches to their craft. Great record. 4/5
The Police has the wits and charms and self-indulgence
Only thing worse than this album is the awful take about 'true black reggae' that somehow made it into the top 3 reviews, but looking at the user's summary page, it's either a troll account or a deeply traumatized individual or both.
Two major songs in this album but i cant give it 4/5
Glad i første låta. Sliter litt med resten.
Gear: HEDD Audio HEDDphone Two Artwork: 🧒🧒🧒 Production (Remastered 2003): 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🥁🕶️🌴 Rating: 🐷🐷🐷(🐷)/5
insanely amazing. perfect drumming. every song is a banger and sounds so poppy but has such complexity underneath
On Any Other Day is a weird song. Some Synchronicity II vibes.
More than just the hits, I do find the lyrics a bit repetitive in places
3.5 rounded up starts to blend together at certain points, but also an undeniable classic highlights: message in a bottle, bring on the night, no time this time (apr 12 2026)
I think this proved to me that the police are a greatest hit band. They’re great, Stewart Copeland is obviously the stand out being a top 20 drummer all time, but some of these songs are so average. Naming the album white reggae is so funny and apt. Message in a bottle is phenomenal but the rest of the album is very samey and indistinguishable, but good!
Classic, timeless, periodt! I enjoyed some of the other non-hit songs as well even though they sounded similar. Good album relative to the rest in this list, but definitely not approaching 5 territory. 4
Okay, I loved this album with the exception of On Any other Day. The delivered the corniest heap of shit on that track... but I there's so many strong songs on here that it doesn't linger for too long. Both the song before (Walking on the Moon) and the one after (The Bed's Too Big Without You) are top-tier songs. I am so impressed by this 3-piece bands huge sound. Together they are greater than the sum of their parts, which is saying something. Everyone in The Police are at the forefront of their instrument. I love how Sting and Copeland in particular are in this pull/push dynamic where Sting is laying into the beat with his syncopated bass lines and Copeland is as on top of the beat and pushing it as you can get. Very cool, no one sounds like them. Real strong 4/5. Would've been a five without that one stinker
The Police just aren't my jaaaam for the most part. I did enjoy unpolished vibe of "On Any Other Day."
Some good, some bad, and a whole lotta boring. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t awful, but it The Police -at least early on- seem to pale in comparison to their new wave contemporaries. Too messy for my liking.
Phenomenal album that defines The Police. Love the ska vibe, and nearly every song gets you moving.
This sounds so 90s and fresh even in 2025, I can only imagine what the people back in 1979 thought and felt listening to this timeless work of art. Best tracks: Message In A Bottle Walking On The Moon The Bed's Too Big Without You 3.5/5
The ska filler tracks can do one. Bit disappointed by this really as the singles are clearly classics
Goes back & forth between solidly OK to surprisingly alright.
It's The Police. They're fine. It was fine. I really don't have anything else to say.
Not sure I can get on The Police bandwagon. I like songs like Deathwish, but cringe at Message in a Bottle-style blah (this means you, Walking On the Moon). They have some talent, just wish it were more to my tastes.
Those drums are great and the songwriting is accomplished. Sting always comes across (in The Police at any rate) as a bit fake. I appreciated their hits but never quite connected.
The Police are a great band. I'd struggle to pick the one album that I think is their finest (other than a best-of), but neither of the two that were picked by these reviewers are it. In fact, I'd rank their debut, Ghost In The Machine, and Zenyatta Mondatta higher than the two chosen. So, this is a 3-star only because some of this material flags, and some tunes ("Walking on the Moon" among them) get a bit tedious. Stewart Copeland remains the element that really makes this work for me, and Andy Summers guitar work is amazing. And Sting... yeah. I have a hard time articulating my feelings about him, but as ingenious and talented as he is, he's simply not my fave.
They have a great sound and their playing is fantastic, but there's something about them that has always left me a bit cold.
This hit that deep nostalgia chord for me. I was surprised how all the lyrics came flowing right out of my mouth. When The Police hit I thought the sound was so unusual and it was a nice change from my non-stop Beatles and Dylan rotation. As I was singing On Any Other Day that one line came out so naturally while my mind was saying "what the fuck?!" Maybe it's the nostalgia speaking but I still like this album.
...
Boring album full of some classics
Неожиданно хорошо, даже за пределами супэр-хитов. Лучшая песня - Message in the Bottle.
Very good. Enjoyable to listen too throughout.
Not a fan of reggae or Sting's voice. Most of the songs are annoying, but not even in an interesting way. The guitar is pretty good though.
Guitar Hero flashbacks as soon as Message In A Bottle came on. On Any Other Day - If Phish and the B52s wrote a song together
Mehh
Another great Police album!
If I had 3-4 minutes to live, I’d put on one of the songs from this album, because they make 3-4 minutes feel like an eternity. The Police hit songs are great. Their other songs on the other hand are quirky, strange, and half baked. This album is not great. I found it grating, annoying, and it made me keep looking at the clock to see how much longer I had to endure listening to it.
Pretty good
Message in a Bottle is obviously a classic and it holds up, although I can never really get used to how the Police let their songs end by fading out instead of writing an ending Walking on the Moon and Bring on the Night are nice What the heck is On Any Other Day doing? It's cartoon punk?
Contiene algunos clásicos de The Police, pero no es su mejor álbum, ni por lejos.
Um belo disco que consegue produzir um resultado agradável através da fusão da economia sonora do Reggae com a energia crua do Punk Rock, com a adição de elementos de New Wave. A primeira metade é bem superior, apresentando-se mais consistente com faixas como "Message in a Bottle", "Bring on The Night" e "Walking on The Moon". Já na segunda metade perde um pouco o fôlego, com temas menos inspirados, como "On Any Other Day" e "Does Everyone Stare".
I like the song where they sing about dinosaurs. That is not on this album but message in a bottle slaps.
FUCK 12
Lyrics not their strong suit, eh? Babby started singing along to the "Cha! Cha! Cha!" of the title track, though, so I'll let it pass.
Started off strong but felt kind of one-note by the end
It was fine. Message In a Bottle not enough to bring the meh up in this album... I never really liked it, compared to some of their other stuff. Just not my thing.
Fucking pigs. Blue lives matter my ass. Take your thin blue line and.... They're British police? No guns? Not even badges? That's embarrassing... Damn. That Stings... Message in a Bottle is perfect. Please, tell me how you'd make it better. You can't. It's a jam, it's catchy, and it flows. It gets a mild infraction for the early stereo high hat panned hard left, but I'll forgive it. The rest of this album will need to kill brain cells to get less than 5 stars. Indeed, they'll be sending out an SOS. Sending out an SOS. Sending out and SOS. Sending out an SOS. Hate on it if you want, that's your decision. Rest of the album is fine. The Police can get a little same-y, and I think they admit a good amount of the record is filler. It's fine.
3.5
2.5
3.5
Yeah, this is still my least favorite Police album. I'm not sure why thus is on the list over *Outlandos de Amour*. With the exception of "Message In a Bottle" even the singles are better. (possibly also "Bring On The Night" but I much prefer Sting's 1995 live version over the original). The Copeland songs are the weakest link on the album, and this has more Copeland songs than any other Police album. I do, however, like the Sting/Copeland co-written "It's Alright For You" even though it totally rips the Rhythm from "Too Much Monkey Business" by Chuck Berry Also, unlike any other police album, less than half, only lives only five songs, were written solely by Sting (with three by Copeland, also two credited to the whole band.) All in all I've always felt this felt like a hasty follow up to *Outlandos*, even though it did chart higher and is actually more critically acclaimed than their debut. (8.33) ★★★★
Quite catchy at times, but too much reggae. 3.5 stars
Regatta de Blanc is a classic Police album -- a few great singles and some other songs. 3.5 stars.
2.5
A fairly classic Police album on the surface. This has Message In A Bottle and Walking On The Moon which are amongst their very, very best. It does get a tad stretched in the second half and with a surplus of wacky, often subpar Stewart Copeland songs. On Any Other Day is pretty cool tbf with its snotty, monotone rap delivery that is a bit like proto Bloodhound Gang. Does Everybody Stare is more like I’m Dancing In The Show Tonight by Ween. Greatest Hits is their ultimate album but all their albums along with this one need to be on 1001 tbh. Easy 4 stars.
3.5
Loved it. Playing with a lot of different styles. Lots of dynamic rhythms. Good production.
Nearly a 4 for me. Love the Police, but parts of the album are a smidge slow. It’s probably 3.75.
After The Police opened a new chapter in the then rolling New Wave with Outlandos d'Amour, I was very excited about their second album, Regatta de Blanc. I was thrilled. Unfortunately my pocket money, which I needed for beer, tobacco and gasoline, was not enough to buy this LP as well as others. But my brother had the record and I followed the band on MTV whenever possible. It was a great time and this music is part of their soundtrack. 5/5
Känns som att bandet har ett helt eget sound vilket definitivt är ett plus men samtidigt tycker jag inte riktigt om låtarna och har ju allmänt svårt för allt reggae-aktigt så det är ju två minus (:
Gillar deras sound överlag och Message in a Bottle är en riktig banger, men kändes lite enformigt annars
I don’t think this album aged very well. The performances were on point! Guitars, drums, bass - these guys are masters at their crafts, absolutely. But I swear, Sting’s lyrics are something I could go about not having to listen to. His heavy-handedness with his lyricism is like a cold shower as I attempt to get into the groove of the instrumentals. “On Any Other Day” was probably cutting in its time; now it feels embarrassing. “I’ve got contacts in my book and in my eyes”? Yeesh. It’s a bummer, because Sting has a great voice! Album has some decent tracks, but I wouldn’t say this is something I see myself going back to.
I don't care if this makes me an idiot, but I prefer Reggatta de Blanc to Synchronicity. The punkish energy on Reggatta suits the new wavish songs better and really lets each band member showcase their skills. The first three singles are all great.
Regatta De Blanc suffers from The Police Syndrome - too many filler tracks, but the hits are hits for a reason. The fillers are more interesting here than on Synchronicity, but there’s also tracks like “Contact” keeping the record from being a joy all the way through. It’s not a massive 4, but there’s enough great tracks on here to keep it from being a 3.
I love the Police but I've never actually heard this whole album before. The hit songs that you have heard a million times are great but there are some other less popular songs that are still a great listen. Great vocals and music. Really a power trio, big sound coming from these three.
When Sting mysteriously disappeared one day from the Band, the fans were devastated that the Police had no leads. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ As for this album. It's alright. I appreciate the reggae influences in songs like "the Beds to Big Without You". But "Message in a Bottle" is the headliner here. 3 stars
This was not a pleasant album. Sting can sing well, but at times he just doesn't. I think "On Any Other Day" was intentionally sung poorly, and the last track was written to intentionally make the singing really annoying. The album starts out solidly with "Message In A Bottle" but it goes downhill from there.
An absolute top-tier five star band. But a little too much atonal filler here for a five star album for me.
Such a great album by the Police.
6/10
good (not for me)
Great album. Some of my faves are not the radio friendly ones but I like those too.
Love it