The Melodic Genius of STING 

I never get tired of listening to Rick talk about the genius of Sting.

One thing I've always loved about "I Burn For You" is how many variations he's done on it. A rock ballad, a very bluesy/jazz version, one almost choral version. I've heard him perform it live a few times and different every time. It's amazing.

"Be still my beating heart" is one of those fantastic songs of his, too...

So mature, smooth & charismatic. I’m a sucker for his Fortress Around Your Heart. One of our generation’s singing legends!

Sting is one amazing song writer and artist. I worked with him on 2 music videos back in the 80s. Fragile being one of them. I watched him play it with his wife by his side, sitting on an apple box and no shoes on, and wanted to always learn the song. Its so haunting and beautiful. Would be great to hear you disect it.

As a musician and audio engineer, I agree with you regarding Sting's brilliance. Loved Sting way back to the Police.

sting is often using medieval or old cultural melody lines to give its music this depth, melancholia and poetic glance.

Sting is like a minstrel with a lute from the future and otherworldly melody surprises right upfront with lyrical themes and word choices so pleasantly archaic. No wonder he used to live in a castle. He's this musical era's 'intangible heritage'.

This is one of my absolute favorite songs by Sting. So mesmerizing and soul-filling. Musically complex songs enthrall me.

Sting is an amazing artist. Your ability to explain this music with all it's complexities is also amazing, and it all comes out so instinctively. Of all the live concerts I've ever seen Sting sits far above the others. He and his bandmates, the tour after his second solo album, I will never, ever, hear anything like that again. Thank you for all you do. Nobody explains it better.

I am not a musician and do not have the ear to pick out and name each note, but I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your dives, which show me WHY I love music so much. Thank you.

He really knew how to make you FEEL what he was feeling, with words and sounds. So figgin underrated. Top 3 singer/songwriter of all time!

I Burn for You - one of the sexiest songs ever written. Never could work out why The Police didn't release it as a single. Interestingly, it would sit comfortably on his much later solo album, Tens Summoner's Tales. Also Sting is surely one of the most underrated bass guitarists around?

Sting is a MONSTER composer! The chord progression from Synchronicity 2 is INSANE....

I have always LOVED "I Burn for You". Music and lyrics are sublime. I am over the moon to finally find someone--Rick--who appreciates this song as much as I.

One of the greatest songs ever written. The live version with the Blue Turtles band was amazing as was the original Police version. Check out the best drum based ending of all time by Omar Hakim in the film Bring On The Night

The Police is my favorite band and Sting is my favorite musical artist. Burn For You is STUNNINGLY beautiful as I was introduced by to it from The Bring On The Night film/soundtrack. It also reminds me of “Children’s Crusade” from Dream of the Blue Turtles. Thank you, Rick, for always consistently highlighting the Bard of Newcastle. LOVE your channel!!!

The Police just bowled me over-back in the eighties-little did I know then that Sting would become the Measure of all I had dreamed of doing with Original music as a Vocalist, Guitarist, and Bassist. His Orchestrated Album continues to Move and Enchant me , and when I am vulnerable, brings me to Tears for what this Life Might have been.

This is one of the least known Sting songs but one of his most beautiful. And a fan favorite. I remember that some years ago there was this poll on his website about which songs should he include in the set for an upcoming tour. I Burn For You won by far! Sadly it wasn’t included but shortly after that he re-recorded it for the Symphonicities album. The 1986 live recording is unparalleled, though, in my opinion - and the 2011 remix of this track will bring you to tears. This song was first recorded in 1976 with Last Exit, Sting’s band before The Police, with slightly different lyrics. It should be on RU-vid. I love your videos about so many songs that are imprinted on my DNA, it allows me to appreciate them even more. Thank you for that, Rick.

The thing to remember about the police. Half their career was at the same time as the Sony Walkman, aiwa, Panasonic personal stereos came out. It really made you appreciate the arranging, engineering, production etc. Very classy band, perfect trio

Please never stop making videos about Sting. They are all amazing and super interesting.

I have the Brimstone and Treacle soundtrack and love it. I loved "I Burn for You" so much that I wrote an arrangement for my old a cappella group. It's one of my favorite songs of all time. Stewart and Andy are *brilliant* on it as well.

Sting is a master of the old game of tension and release. The only game there is in music, really. Thank You, Rick, for sharing a glimpse of how it works in melody (and harmony yet once again)!

His music paints such a beautiful mental picture on "Why Should I cry for you". Takes my breath away every time I hear it. Just an absolute masterpiece of a song. The Symphonicities album just takes it up another notch which is quite an impressive feat considering how good the original version is.

What is beautiful is that you, Mr. Beato, decided to share your mighty talents in examining songs and the artists who write them. That is beato-tiful! 😉😊

Sting was amazing last week in Saratoga Springs, NY with his smaller family band. He sang every song and played bass for almost two hours featuring the talents of every band member, including an appearance of his son. Rick, your analysis helps me appreciate the breadth and nuances of his song writing and ability to surprise us with his melodies and lyrics. I have been a fan for years and have seen him with many versions of his touring band and The Police. His mastery in live performance stays with you. Thank you.

I would love to see an interview with Andy Summers. He is an excellent musician. A guitarist for all genres: jazz, reggae, rock, punk, bosa nova, tango, waltz, ballad...an a great producer, composer and arranger. Sting is my favorite musician but he also work with the best of the best!

That's a great medieval sounding melody. Another modal sounding song by Sting that I really like is Seven Days from Ten Summoner's Tales .

Not only is this song wonderful, but the drum solo by Omar Hakim in the live performance of this song was glorious. That group of musicians playing this music was divine.

I've been on a Sting kick the past month or so. My car has been my favorite kareoke spot. The song "Invisible Sun" is good one to have stuck in your head for days.

Love these fantastic deep dives into the details of the melodies and their relation to the chord progressions. It seems sometimes the more "obscure" songs, rather than the "hits" are the most interesting songs that artists challenge themselves with, just to keep their hand in the creative pool.

It is so interesting to listen to an intelligent individual analyzing these classic songs

Just saw Sting Fri eve in CT, his son Joe opened-what a show!! It was my son’s first time at an arena show-a kid could do worse than Sting for a first concert, right? Now both of my kids are scouring his catalog with incredulous faces-‘Mom, have you heard this?! And this??” Yes kids, I have. Thank you for this & all you do, Rick!

An incredible analysis of one of his best songs. I listened over and over to this song when it first came out, memorizing the tones that pulled me into the center of his music. Every version is brilliant, as the man pushes his creativity beyond what anyone might have imagined from him back in the 70’s. Brilliant Rick.

Sting is my all time favorite. His music has been there for me in the richest times of my laughter, the deepest wells of my despair, and the most intimate yearning I’ve had for the women in my life. It always seemed a new album would materialize when I needed It to raise me up or push me over the edge. The funny thing is that his birthday is the day after mine (although I’m 20 years his junior), so I celebrate two days in a row. Sting, thank you. Just thank you, sir.

Sting's music breaks my heart in all the right places.

Thank you for highlighting one of the best (my favorite) modern songwriters of our time. His Melodies are amazing and timeless!

I was blessed to see him here in Argentina when he invited Madres de Plaza de Mayo to the stage at Amnesty aniversary tour and later with Police. A blast

One of his best albums, soul cages…has one of my favorite songs from him. Wild wild sea. Dominic’s work on that one is impeccably done

Rick.....I'm not even a musician, but your passion for music keeps me on the edge of my seat when watching your videos.

A brilliant song. Full credit to Sting. Special mention to Omar Hakim on the live version circa 1985. Phenomenal drumming.

I saw him perform live with the Utah Symphony back in 2019 celebrating the 100th anniversary of Zion National Park. The first half of the concert was with the symphony. They played this song and I about melted out of my seat it was so jaw-droppingly good. The whole concert was just perfection! Absolute bucket list ✓ He is my all time favorite because of the depth and breadth of his range in styles and composure. He's a GOAT as far as I'm concerned. Thank you SO much for the in depth analysis of his genius!

Great video on one of Sting’s oft-overlooked songs. Beautiful, sophisticated and haunting.

I never noticed how deep, every breath you take was. Until I played and sang it !

28:40 Rick shows his familiarity with Holdsworth. His affinity with Sting is so justified.. Probably the greatest songwriter of our day. Holdsworth the most amazing composer of our day. Put them together ? It’s beyond amazing.. Just beyond. Thank you, Rick. You’ve done an incredible job. Amazing!

Sting is one of the musicians who inspire me to play still…..

Just saw him last night in Bangor, ME. It always amazes me how complex his music is, but at the same time his vocal melodies make it seem so accessible. Such a genius composer.

The Omar Hakim drum solo on "I Burn For You" (live) version is simply perfection. Knocks me on my ass each time ! Such fluidity, groove, power, precision and sheer awesomeness.

It's always a wonderful listening journey with Rick. We stop to savor each fragrance, to sample all the delights along the way.

The reason Sting is so great at writing is because he knows jazz and jazz bass......and how the bass line should compliment the melody - something I strive for in my music. Also he knew a lot a bout John Dowland's music way before he recorded his Dowland album..... For examples of bass/melody lines just listen to jazz trios for example Pat Metheny with Charlie Haden or Dave Holland....or especially his duo album with Charlie Haden....wow!!!

Rick, first of all, thank you so much for your generosity on taking so much of your time in making these videos for us. We appreciate it very much. Secondly, Sting's musical genius just blows me away! I am thankful that you were able to explain it all to someone like me who has no musical background at all, aside from listening to great music. I am thankful that I got to see the Police in concert once and they gave such an amazing performance. Because of this incredible song you played, I just downloaded all of Sting's solo work. He is incredible. Thank you again Rick for everything you do.

Incredible songwriter. Incredible lyricist. When I think about the 20th century’s greatest composers Sting stands with other legends like Duke Ellington and John Williams.

Saw Sting in concert waaaaaay back in 2000 here down under. Got back from a 6 month deployment and my wife surprised me with front row and backstage tix. Sting was unbelievably awesome and amazingly memorable. Also saw The Police a few years later - also amazing concert…. And Sting is coming back next year, very excited to see him play again.

Stating the obvious: the string arrangement (and of course the playing) is absolutely fantastic.

right with you on Sting, huge fan. He said once he always looks for the metaphor

Your a good man Rick!! I’m buying your stuff for as many young musicians I can find.

Huge Fan of Sting too. There are so many examples of his genius of melody and surprise from him and the police.. You really do such a great job explaining the complexity. I think a great example of surprise the most simplest form for people who hear these things and love them but can't explain with your knowledge why.... Is. . . The bass line in Wrapped around your finger.. When you listen to that base line close you find yourself wrapped around his finger waiting for the next surprise. Almost in its most basic form .. I also think this his most basic foundation of all his writing. I think that song speaks to that.. Politely invited in .. the hook that leaves you longing.. and his subtle patience in that surprise that floats by... for the next listen. You really hit the nail on the head with that question of surprise in that interview. Excellent job. When you asked that question to him it was so exciting for me as I have loved this in his music for so so long. It really helps his music stand the test of time in those layers. Even if you don't have your knowledge as most don't. That leaves it even more mysterious.. and draws you back.. I would like hear if you agree with some of that. It's definitely a big part of his genius before you get to the genius.. I so hope you get to interview him again . By far the best interview of him I have seen. Your love of music shines when you talk about Sting. Thank you for all your work.

I believe that I am just a big a Sting fan as you are, mr Beato! Love these videos! However, I think this version lacks the transition from the first chorus to the second verse which he does on the "Bring on the night" record, which in my opinion ties the whole thing together in a wonderful way!

"I burn for you" has been that song that move me to tears everytime I listen it, starting with the Bring on the Night live version. And it's true the medieval sound it has! I'm absolutely in awe you choose it and the way you have dissected it the smooth composition and even those beautiful lyrics.

Thank you for encompassing essentially the love of music Rick.

I'd never heard this one from Sting before, simply entrancing.

Your energy and passion for music is contagious!!

Sting is one of the most brilliant song writers of the 20th Century and this song is one of his best. But whoever produced this song is a bloody genius. Such beautiful work

Sting has so many great melodies with " weird " chords assembly. Always loved it !

Thank you Rick. One of my favorite pieces by Sting. And this rendition is just stunning with the full orchestra. I wish you would have explored the ending, as It introduces another new idea as well.

I am not a musician, but I deeply love music and it's composition. I really enjoy your enthusiasm over great music. This is actually a version of "I Burn For You" that I've never heard before, and it's absolutely brilliant. Another version that I absolutely love is the live version from Bring On The Night. It's a different arrangement and you are treated to Sting playing an upright bass, Branford Marsalis on sax, and the always amazing Omar Hakim absolutely SLAYING the drums at the end!! If you haven't seen or heard this, do yourself a favor and look it up. Thank you for your breakdown and reaction Rick! 😁

I love the elasticity, and the floating arc of how we kind of move through the melody. He stretches syllables here and there. But "Now that I have found you'' just kind of sound conversational. A song is a sonic experience. But this is a swimming kind of sensation. Especially with headphones. I feel like I'm in it, not just hearing it.

Oh, Sting. Making us sigh exquisitely for decades.

Glad you did this one rick. Its always been a "lost" favourite of mine. The movie was weird and the song suited the duality of the story. Ive come back to this song over and over since it was released and the soundtrack version is dark and beautiful too. Thank you

Sting is an absolute one of a kind genius! From his lyrics to his melodies, to his singing, with all of the depths and layering. Absolutely amazing!! Some of his newer ballads are over the top. I was blessed to have met him when he made a surprise visit at the Blue Note in New York City several years ago. I met him going up the staircase, and he and his wife Trudie were gracious enough to stop and chat for a moment. I told him that I wanted to die to his music. To be the last music I hear. And he replied, "Well, that's something" with a warm smile and a touch by his hand. I feel blessed to have met him. I pray that his music from God never stops playing. I pray for all the best that life has to offer to him, to Trudie and his family.

This is just one of Sting's songs that I categorize as his "Medieval Sound". You can just clearly imagine it being sung by a bard. I have no idea if he specifically studied Medieval music, but its influence is undeniable and I have always loved it. So melancholy and haunting... and I'm such a complete sucker for minor notes! Led Zeppelin also captures that Medieval feeling in some of their songs.

I fell in love with the original Police version of the song which was on the B side of the Wrapped Around Your Finger single. It's actually quite hard to get as a Police song (can't find it on Spotify the last I checked). The Police version is in Fm, modulating to Dm. The key change, from this, jazzier, version, is irrelevant; the modulation is still glorious and moving. Tears will flow. Loving yer work, Rick.

Regarding that modulation... it occurs to me that Sting writes his songs to highlight the best aspects of his voice (which should be kinda obvious). Before the modulation, he's singing in his lower register. After the modulation, he sings in his upper range. The fact that the song modulates *down* means that he has an easier time hitting those high notes post-modulation. The miracle is that this modulation, which makes the song easier to sing, also is so pleasantly striking to the listener.

Bought 'Bringing on the night' in the 80s double cassette case. That song is the best track of an excellent live album. Still listen the it regularly on Vinyl and disc. Just depends on the mood. Highly recommend it.

Whenever im short on some inspiration I come to these breakdowns. Keep em coming!

Sting wrote this, as he did alot of The Police songs when he was in Last Exit. There is a version on RU-vid dating back to early/mid 70's. I Burn For You is and always be one of my favourite Sting songs.

It sounds like madrigals I sang in chamber choir in college. I love it. Your playing sounded like a lute almost.

Sting is a classy, intelligent genius, who never stops working on his craft. I wish Sting would release an orchestral album, he's done just about every other idiom so far!!

I love modal tunes. I play a mountain dulcimer, our group plays in ionian D which is pretty but I like Mixolydian D better. This song is awesome, never heard it before. Sting is such a romantic…..’the darkness folds around us’. I hope you get to interview Sting again too!

Hounds of Winter is the perfection of harmony and lyrics imo.

It's my favorite Sting song. I didn't realize that it sound so... medevial indeed. For the first time I heard this song in studio version. I know it by heart from the live version from Bring on the night. There it is less lyrical, but much more passionate song-this clarinet and drums..

Thank you Rick, I found I Burn For You on the Brimstone soundtrack when I was 14 or so, the music of Sting and the Police has been life changing.

Love the ‘bring on the night’ version. More haunting for me and one normally prefers the original as i though it was! The chime has cyclic pause that attenuates emotional anticipation . And all the while beautiful progression. A track that connects heart skin and mind.

Ooh and Omar hakim during the live version of I Burn For You, does a monster of a solo. One of my favorites.

Brimstone and Treacle had such a huge effect on me musically since I sat there in the theatre, utterly mesmerized and enthralled - with my eyes closed.

The version from the "Bring on the Night" documentary is my fave. Watching Omar Hakim build up from simple fills to what becomes a solo within the song ... To quote you, Rick: Oh, so good.

Well done Rick, as always.

More than the complexity of the music, I always appreciate when you highlight the choices a musician might have made,and how that makes said artists unique… sting is hands down one of a kind, and so were the police….I knew it already..but this video made sure that I was informed of more…great content as always Rick…

It's the folk soul of the British Isles the inner listening where the sound leads one along its merry path my friend, love your work Rick the Sting series has been wonderful thank you so much exquisite musician and producer, teacher, I just love your improvisations around theme, your ear, the choices and competence to play em and know exactly what you are playing, I hear but can't always reverse engineer ha ha. :)

So glad you mentioned John Dowland. While his name didn’t pop into my head immediately, I knew Sting’s melody sounded familiar when you played it on the guitar.

Seeing Sting for the second time next Friday the 16th. Can’t wait. That Rick for the video. Personal Sting favourites Valparaiso, Something the boy said, Inside and Shape of my Heart.

Always a great day to talk about Sting

Inspiring Rick - really like this melodic approach to a great song...

I was really young when I heard "A most Satisfying Morning Walk" - which tbh I always thought was called "Many Miles Away" but- I knew instantly, this is different, this is something special. And it was many, many years later before I understood the song and what I think it's about but- I still love it. That is the most satisfying, haunting, complex melody- Sting is unreal. He had another song after leaving the police- "Feilds of Gold" - it has this same quality where the melody concludes- accept in that song it's the chorus where the melody finally finds its resolution. Notice the way he drops the pitch of his vocals at the conclusion- and they become more staccato in nature. This is the same way we talk- when we're ending a sentence with a question mark our voice tends to rise in pitch at the end and trail off- when we're asserting a point, our voice tends to drop in pitch and end more abruptly.

Great video, Rick, but I feel like you missed out on talking about the genius of the original recording, especially the ending!!! Man, the chanting, Stewart going off, weird effects... I love this song! This has been one of my favorite Sting/Police tracks of all time for almost 40 years. It's also interesting how Sting revisits his previous work, either in new arrangements/recordings, or in the lifting of lyrics from previous songs... He quotes himself often in reprise lines.

I'd love to see Rick do an episode of the genius of the hugely underrated King's X, they've been the most monumental band to me and a lot of the greats and it's about time the new generations hear the importance of soul and conviction in music!

Thank you Rick. For all we love Sting work, you are the best to guide us on his musical mastery.

4 years watching your channel since I shortly after I started learning music. Finally made the purchase just now! Super excited to get the material and learn, especially the intervals. When I do practice them, I have gotten better but I am sure your lessons will be great. Keep up the great work!

I love Sting, he and I have the same birthday! To quote you Rick, "I mean COME ON!" Yeah!

Great video Rick I’m envious of musicians I spent my early life as a roadie, stage, lights and then sound, Venetta fields was my last band I was with.