Sting's early solo recordings are about to gain a new life with the announcement of expanded deluxe editions for five of his iconic albums, now available for pre-order exclusively through Japanese retailers. The reissues promise an in-depth exploration of Sting’s creative heights from 1985 to 1999, offering a mixture of remastered classic tracks and extensive bonus material. Fans will recognize the effort to make these compilations a definitive collection of his early work, although the release decisions raise some tantalizing questions.

The albums included are The Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985), …Nothing Like The Sun (1987), The Soul Cages (1991), Ten Summoner’s Tales (1993), and Brand New Day (1999). Notably, The Dream of the Blue Turtles and Brand New Day will feature as three-disc packages, while the others are set as two-disc editions. Each album includes a curated selection of B-sides, demos, live performances, and remixes. However, a few notable tracks from the era, like “Gabriel's Message” from the Russians single, are inexplicably absent, and some additional remixes from later years have been included instead, sparking debate about tracklist choices.

The decision to reissue these expanded editions is undoubtedly exciting, yet restricted to the Japanese market for now. All releases will feature SHM-CD (Super High Material CD) formatting, allowing playback on traditional CD players while enhancing audiophile-level clarity and depth. The packaging is yet to be confirmed, though early indications suggest these will not follow the collectible “paper sleeve” aesthetic. Sting's 1996 album, Mercury Falling, curiously remains omitted from this rollout, leaving a gap in the otherwise complete snapshot of his solo evolution.

Critics and enthusiasts alike have expressed a mix of admiration and confusion. On one hand, original B-sides such as “Another Day” and “The Ballad of Mac the Knife” provide an invaluable archival glimpse into the artist’s catalog, while later appearances of DJ remixes, like the “Soulpower” series of If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, might feel excessive for purists. Particularly, fans of …Nothing Like The Sun are scratching their heads at the inclusion of uninspired 2001 remixes of “Fragile,” presented alongside the timeless beauty of the base album.

Amidst questions surrounding territorial exclusivity and future release plans in North America and Europe, there’s hope that these editions could spark a broader preservation effort for Sting’s discography. For the time being, the July 11, 2025 launch stands as a special opportunity for collectors and aficionados to deepen their appreciation of Sting’s solo work—albeit through a Japanese lens.

With decades of artistry wrapped into these deluxe editions, the news feels like both an invitation and a puzzle. For now, interested parties can look to Japanese retailers for a chance to delve into Sting’s expanded, reimagined legacy. Would these collections ultimately serve as definitive monuments, or will they leave fans yearning for what wasn’t included? Time, as always, will be the judge.

Sting's early solo recordings are about to gain a new life with the announcement of expanded deluxe editions for five of his iconic albums, now available for pre-order exclusively through Japanese retailers. The reissues promise an in-depth exploration of Sting’s creative heights from 1985 to 1999, offering a mixture of remastered classic tracks and extensive bonus material. Fans will recognize the effort to make these compilations a definitive collection of his early work, although the release decisions raise some tantalizing questions.

The albums included are The Dream of the Blue Turtles (1985), …Nothing Like The Sun (1987), The Soul Cages (1991), Ten Summoner’s Tales (1993), and Brand New Day (1999). Notably, The Dream of the Blue Turtles and Brand New Day will feature as three-disc packages, while the others are set as two-disc editions. Each album includes a curated selection of B-sides, demos, live performances, and remixes. However, a few notable tracks from the era, like “Gabriel's Message” from the Russians single, are inexplicably absent, and some additional remixes from later years have been included instead, sparking debate about tracklist choices.

The decision to reissue these expanded editions is undoubtedly exciting, yet restricted to the Japanese market for now. All releases will feature SHM-CD (Super High Material CD) formatting, allowing playback on traditional CD players while enhancing audiophile-level clarity and depth. The packaging is yet to be confirmed, though early indications suggest these will not follow the collectible “paper sleeve” aesthetic. Sting's 1996 album, Mercury Falling, curiously remains omitted from this rollout, leaving a gap in the otherwise complete snapshot of his solo evolution.

Critics and enthusiasts alike have expressed a mix of admiration and confusion. On one hand, original B-sides such as “Another Day” and “The Ballad of Mac the Knife” provide an invaluable archival glimpse into the artist’s catalog, while later appearances of DJ remixes, like the “Soulpower” series of If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, might feel excessive for purists. Particularly, fans of …Nothing Like The Sun are scratching their heads at the inclusion of uninspired 2001 remixes of “Fragile,” presented alongside the timeless beauty of the base album.

Amidst questions surrounding territorial exclusivity and future release plans in North America and Europe, there’s hope that these editions could spark a broader preservation effort for Sting’s discography. For the time being, the July 11, 2025 launch stands as a special opportunity for collectors and aficionados to deepen their appreciation of Sting’s solo work—albeit through a Japanese lens.

With decades of artistry wrapped into these deluxe editions, the news feels like both an invitation and a puzzle. For now, interested parties can look to Japanese retailers for a chance to delve into Sting’s expanded, reimagined legacy. Would these collections ultimately serve as definitive monuments, or will they leave fans yearning for what wasn’t included? Time, as always, will be the judge.