Gordon Sumner, better known as Sting, had a very successful career as the lead singer and bassist of the band The Police. With The Police, he released huge hits including “Roxanne,” “Message In A Bottle,” “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic,” “Every Breath You Take,” and many others. During his solo career, he released great songs like “Englishman in New York,” “Fields of Gold,” “Brand New Day,” and many more.
“Seven Days” was released in 1993 off his fourth solo album entitled Ten Summoner’s Tales. His band is incredible on this track, but the standout player besides Sting himself is the great Vinnie Colaiuta on drums. Vinnie played with many artists throughout his career, including Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, Frank Zappa, and Sting.
This song’s timing is definitely unique. You’ll hear that each bar has 5 beats in it. Because Vinnie has the drum pattern span 2 bars, the phrasing feels complete and balanced. Playing in 5 can sometimes feel awkward or square, but Vinnie takes this unique time signature and makes it feel normal and groovy.
Listen for… the drums. Vinnie is a master. I love his overdub around halfway through the song where he “chugs” a little harder on the snare. The pizzicado strings also take this song to the next level. Also, I can’t ignore the fact that Sting is playing bass and singing. Maybe he wasn’t in the studio, but I’ve seen video of him playing and singing it live, and he is incredible. At the end of the song, he has a short call back to a song he wrote with the police in 1981, “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic.” Listen to Vinnie play those drums!!! Cymbals kick snare. Everything is top-notch! Also listen for the line, “Ask if I am mouse or man, the mirror squeaked, away I ran.” Makes me smile every time.
Enjoy!
Song: “Seven Days”
Artist: Sting
Album: Ten Summoner’s Tales
Year: 1993
Other great tracks on the album:
“If I Ever Lose My Faith In You”
“Fields Of Gold”
“Shape Of My Heart”
Monday, I could wait ’til Tuesday
If I make up my mind
Wednesday would be fine
Thursday’s on my mind
Friday’d give me time
Saturday could wait
But Sunday’d be too late
My name is Michael Sanchez and I’m an avid record collector and obscure song searcher. My goal is to post one song a day that’s been on my stereo/turntable frequently.
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