Gordon Sumner (better known as Sting) has an eclectic taste that reflects his journey in music – from his early life in Newcastle to his success as The Police’s frontman.

During his 2021 episode of BBC Radio 2’s Tracks of My Years, the ‘80s icon shared his top ten favourite tracks ever, each holding a special place in his personal history.

From soul legends to synth-pop pioneers, find out the tracks that shaped and inspired Sting over the years.

10. ‘It Wasn’t Me’ – Shaggy feat. Rik Rok

Sting’s friendship and musical collaboration with Shaggy is well-known. This 2000 hit, which blends reggae and pop, became a defining track of the early 2000s. Sting expressed his deep connection with Shaggy, saying, “Sometimes you meet someone very different from you, but you recognise a kindred spirit.

“Shaggy and I genuinely love each other. We laugh at the same jokes, and I find him an intensely interesting artist.”

Their bond led to the Grammy-winning 44/876 album, proving their synergy goes beyond shared musical interests.

9. ‘Sledgehammer’ – Peter Gabriel

‘Sledgehammer’ from Peter Gabriel’s 1986 album ‘So’ is a funk-infused anthem with soul influences and one of the most iconic music videos ever made. Its playful lyrics and bold production style marked a departure for Gabriel and became his most successful single. The groundbreaking stop-motion video won numerous awards and set new standards in visual creativity.

8. ‘Don’t You Want Me’ – The Human League

Released in 1981, ‘Don’t You Want Me’ became a worldwide hit, encapsulating the sound of the synth-pop movement. The Human League’s infectious melody and dramatic story of a fading relationship struck a chord with millions, earning its place as one of the biggest-selling UK singles of the decade. It’s a true anthem of the early ‘80s, showcasing the rise of electronic pop.

7. ‘Here Comes the Rain Again’ – Eurythmics

Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart’s 1984 classic is a melancholic blend of synth and orchestral pop. With haunting vocals and lush production, the song captures the pain of lost love. It stands out for its cinematic quality, mixing electronic beats with sweeping strings, making it a timeless favourite among pop ballads.

6. ‘Careless Whisper’ – George Michael

Known for its iconic saxophone riff, ‘Careless Whisper’ was George Michael’s first solo hit. Released in 1984, the song’s soulful vibe and heartbreaking lyrics made it an instant classic. The track reflects themes of regret and infidelity, with Michael’s emotive vocals carrying the weight of the story. It’s one of those songs that never loses its impact, no matter how many times you hear it.

5. ‘West End Girls’ – Pet Shop Boys

‘West End Girls’ was released in 1985 and quickly became a defining track of British synth-pop. Inspired by TS Eliot’s ‘The Waste Land’, the song explores themes of class and urban life in London. Its brooding atmosphere and hip-hop-inspired rhythm made it stand out in the mid-‘80s, earning the Pet Shop Boys their first number-one hit.

4. ‘Baker Street’ – Gerry Rafferty

Sting shared a vivid memory tied to ‘Baker Street’, recalling the period when he was struggling to make it in London. “This was a time when I was living in a bedsit in Bayswater. I used to have the radio on a lot, and there were two hits that year: ‘Wuthering Heights’ and Gerry Rafferty’s ‘Baker Street.’ That saxophone solo completely destroyed me. It made me wish that I was in the charts too because these were number one records.”

3. ‘No Woman, No Cry’ – Bob Marley & The Wailers

The live version of ‘No Woman, No Cry’, recorded at London’s Lyceum Theatre in 1975, became a global anthem. Bob Marley’s soothing voice and the song’s comforting rhythm convey resilience and community strength. Its emotional depth and powerful message resonate with listeners worldwide.

2. ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ – Procol Harum

Procol Harum’s 1967 hit, with its Bach-inspired organ melody and cryptic lyrics, became an instant classic. Sting – much like Ozzy Osbourne when it was his turn to share some favourite songs – described it as “one of the most beautiful and mysterious songs ever written.” The song’s ethereal quality and timeless appeal have kept it relevant for generations, making it a staple on lists of the greatest songs of all time.

1. ‘(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay’ – Otis Redding

At the top of Sting’s list is Otis Redding’s iconic ‘(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay’. Sting vividly recalls buying the record just after Redding’s tragic death in 1967. “I think I was just 16, and Otis Redding had just died in a terrible plane crash. I went to my record store and bought ‘Dock of the Bay’ on the Stax label, a lovely blue label. There was a paper bag, and I took it out, put it on my turntable, the usual ritual, put the needle on it, and I heard (it). What a wonderful song. I mean, sad, sad song but without any minor chords. It’s all major chords, which is kind of an achievement in many ways.”