But after hearing a couple of the new songs, something kept niggling at me. These songs sounded so different, so wonderful, even revolutionary, that I had to rejoice in them. By the time I finished listening to all 10 songs, I knew I had to write something about this incredible piece of musical and lyrical mastery.
Sting is accompanied on this album by a group of now-familiar musical virtuosos, including Dominic Miller on guitar and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. He is also joined by James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, and Branford Marsalis. But the real shot in the arm is the appearance of popular Algerian singer (living in France) Cheb Mami (pronounced mah-MEE). More on him and his style in a bit. The Argentine Rolling Stone review correctly stated Brand New Day "opens the door to the world, a transcontinental trip in first class" and awarded the new release with three and a half stars out of five. I won't award stars, because for me, every album is a five-star masterpiece. I'm a little biased.
Today show, 9/24/99. Courtesy Joe Lemire.
A Thousand Years - This is my favorite tune on the album, this lush and languid ode to love reminds me of desert sands and love stories from epic movies like "Beneath the Sheltering Sky" and "The English Patient." An awesome tribute to the woman and the love that inspired Sting to pen this poetry.
Desert Rose - This is the spine-tingling song that is going to change everything, bringing a refreshing alternative to the predictable American radio playlist. Read the lyrics at http://www.stingchronicity.co.uk/ and tell me if you don't think of the dance of seven veils, aphrodisiac sweetmeats, and the whisper of silk garments being removed by expert fingers. Cheb Mami deserves special mention as the man who brings raï music to American radio after conquering Europe with his voice of sweet suffering. Raï, described as rebellious Middle Eastern music and Algerian rock 'n roll, was featured on the soundtrack of the 1995 multiple award-winning movie "Dead Man Walking" and was my first exposure to raï. (Go to http://www.amazon.com for song downloads and other raï musical resources.)
Big Lie, Small World - Sting's smooth, husky singing in this tune--reminiscent of George Michael's 1996 album, Older--recalls loneliness, disappointments, and
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