The Police‘s Synchronicity was one of my favourite albums of 1983, but unfortunately it was their last album together. I was heartbroken. There were a few bands/artists I was a huge fan of around this time: The Cars, Blondie, Journey, Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Nicks and of course The Police. I think The Police was my favourite of all the bands at this time. I loved their sometime playful manner in their earlier videos. They looked like they were having fun, but that was not the truth. The went on hiatus in 1984 and officially broke up in 1988. At least they went out on a high unlike The Cars, Journey, and Blondie.
Listening to this album after all these years, it does not hold up as well as Ghost in the Machine for me. It starts off great with “Synchronicity I”, “Walking in Your Footsteps”, but then it starts to veer off with some bad tracks.
Fortunately, the albums swings back into gear with “Synchronicity II” and stays on course until the end with one of my favourite tracks “Murder by Numbers”.
Even though “Every Breath You Take” was one of the most misunderstood songs at the time. It is really disturbing if you think about it. Do you really want someone watching every move you make and every breathe you take? Welcome to 2019! We are watched by Google.
Of all The Police songs, none of them resonate with me as much as “King of Pain“. I knew I would always be the king of pain. I still feel that pain I felt so long ago. It never goes away, in fact, it seems to be increasing lately. I have never been more alone in my life as I am feeling now. I am so sad all the time. I hide it often. I have to hide everything I feel.
There’s a little black spot on the sun today
It’s the same old thing as yesterday
I have stood here before inside the pouring rain
With the world turning circles running ’round my brain
I guess I’m always hoping that you’ll end this reign
But it’s my destiny to be the king of pain
King of pain
King of pain, king of pain, I always be king of pain
1983 was an important year for me. I had a summer job at a local amusement park called Pontchartrain Beach. We were a bunch of kids who were coming of age, maybe on our for some of us and maybe by force for others. I wish I could erase some of those memories. I do not look back with fondness on those times. I wish someone had explained to me about life, but I had to learn everything on my own. I was basically a kid on his own. I was free to do whatever I wanted. Yet, I was afraid of everything.
My other favourite song was “Wrapped Around Your Finger“. I wanted to be wrapped around someone’s finger and have them wrapped around mine. I did not want to be alone, but I was alone. I could not trust anyone.
Vanish in the air you’ll never find me
I will turn your face to alabaster
When you’ll find your servant is your master
Overall this album is still incredible, maybe I was a little harsh at first. The Police were smart to stop while on top of the world, but it hurt. I was sad I had never seen them in concert. I have seen Sting, but during his first solo tour, I think. He was great, but eventually became boring. I suggest listening to the whole album, but know that there are a couple of bad songs. Fortunately, the awesomeness far outweighs the terrible. I have missed this album. 9.8/10.
an ocean roars 