His name is Cheb Mami. He sings in Algerian Arabic. He literally takes this song to another level of brilliance. He and Sting performed together at the Grammys in 2000. His voice is magical.
Sting had finished his parts of the song but something was missing. His version was sent to Cheb Mami. Cheb Mami doesn't speak English at all, so he wrote his own lyrics that went with the song. Sting doesn't speak Arabic at all. When they met for the first time, Sting asked Cheb Mami, through a translator, what he sang about. He said 'I sing about longing'. Sting was blown away, because that's exactly what his lyrics were about. It's a song about longing for romantic love as an analog for the love of God. They both wrote lyrics about the same thing, without understanding the other's lyrics, because that's what they both felt from the music. This is a perfect song.
That’s Arabic that Cheb Mami, the other singer on the song is singing in and Sting sings a few words in Arabic also. Two cultures combined to make an absolutely beautiful song. So glad that you loved it.😊❤️
@@linda-xy1rz i dare you to find one non arab word in cheb mamis part , seriously i dare you . algerian dialect is arabic mixed with french but in here cheb mami didn't include any french words so bug off
Yes! I suggested this around the time they asked for jazzy songs. I had to point out that he chose musicians from the jazz world to play on his solo record after he left the Police for a new sound. Sting is brilliant!
I first heard Shape Of My Heart in the closing credits of The Professional, a movie about a hitman who meets a neighbor girl (a young Natalie Portman in her first movie role). He teaches her as she teaches him. The song is perfect for the tone of the end of the movie.
The man who sings with Sting is a singer/songwriter from Algeria named Cheb Mami. His contributions to this masterpiece are stunning because they complement each other so well. Other Sting solo's that you should check out are "Brand New Day," "Russians," "Englishman In New York," "All for Love" (with Bryan Adams & Rod Stewart), "Be Still My Beating Heart" and so much more. You really can't go wrong with his catalog. He's one of the greatest musicians who emerged from the late 1970s.
The thing I have always admired about Sting is he never seemed to let commercialism interfere with his creativity, He did what he wanted and the rest of us just had to follow. I respect that in any artist or group.
Absolutely. He was once asked to make a Christmas album, and he said "Hell no, I'm not going to do that. But I will make a winter album". And that became A Winter's Night. If you've never seen the live concert at Durham Cathedral, I highly recommend it. His rendition of 'The Burning Babe' is magical.
"I hope the Russians love their children too" is an important song, and still relevant. Sting thought he'd never have to sing it again, and now here we are..........great video, as usual!
Yes! Russians is a great song. And written about the Cold War, so it's very appropriate now in light of our relations with Russia and China. A good perspective to see for what's coming up...
Jay & Amber, you'll love his "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free", "Fortress Around Your Heart", "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You" and "We'll Be Together"!!!
Great suggestions! I think Amber, in particular, would find "We Work The Black Seam", "Fortress Around Your Heart" and "Shape of My Heart", worth listening to as well.
The first time I heard this song was in 2001. Sting was preparing for a concert at his home in Tuscany on September 11, 2001. While preparing, they learned of the attacks on the WTC and discussed and debated cancelling the concert all together. They chose to perform one song, Fragile, and see how they felt. If it felt disrespectful, they would stop. They also decided to perform with a much more laid back sound, and the concert was truly one of the most magical performances I've seen. Desert Rose was performed in the dress rehearsal, but was cut from the final play list. The concert, the behind the scenes, the dress rehearsal are all on his DVD All This Time: Concert from Tuscany.
You saved me the trouble of writing this. I will add that the locals were invited to the dress rehearsal and there was a warm, festive atmosphere that night, including during this song. The concert the next night was supposed to be a thank you to his fans. I don’t remember how the guests were selected (in advance) but they were from around the world, pretty much. Including the USA. Understandably Sting and the other musicians felt that Desert Rose was not appropriate for that performance. It’s a great documentary.
Thank you for this post, 10 days after the 9/11 tragedy, Sting performed Fragile on a TV concert I saw . The tears flowed from me for the first Time since the attack. It was such an appropriate song for the time.
True this. One of the most breathtaking DVD's of prepping & performing a show that I have ever seen. It still moves me to tears just to think of this DVD.
One of my favorite songs he's done is the Portuguese version of Fragile. He also does an amazing cover of Elton John & Bernie Taupin's Come Down in Time. And I really wish they'd recorded his tour with Paul Simon. Sting singing Bridge Over Troubled Water. Chills.
I saw an interview one time where Billy Joel said he was driving his car contemplating a recent tragedy he had just heard about on the radio then Sting's song Fragile came on and he had to pull over
English man in NY is such a perfectly produced song! If you ever want to test out a stereo system or speakers... play that song! It had every single level you want to hear, from the highest, crisp, clear tones to absolutely thumping bass!
Sting is a true artist. His style varies and his lyrics are rich in imagery and symbolism. Check out "Be Still My Beating Heart", "Englishman in New York", and "Fragile". There's also a video of Stevie Wonder singing "Fragile" while Sting accompanies him. A brilliant and passionate performance. Lastly, "Voices Inside My Head" by The Police is one of their funkiest tracks.
All great songs. My favorite has to be "Fragile". There was a live version recorded for the album ...All This Time that, given the events of the day it was recorded (September 11, 2001), was given completely new emotional meaning for a song that already had a deeply important message. "Desert Rose" was also supposed to be played at this show with Cheb Mami, but was cancelled.
In the 90s when this came out, it hit the professional Belly Dance community like a ton of bricks. We loved it and used it in shows and classes. It was an instant classic for us.
woah woah woah dont do that to me, I went and got this CD after seeing this when i was a junior in highschool. You say the 90s buuuuut come on makin me feel way old it was 1999! =D
Sting has had an excellent career. Starting with The Police and then going solo, he’s been successful and just keeps getting better and better. He’s an unlikely success story, too. Was married, a new father, at age 27 and was a schoolteacher who played in a jazz band on the side. Then he joined The Police and became a superstar. My favorite song of his as a solo artist is “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You”. My favorite Police song is “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”. That was my ex-girlfriend’s favorite song by them, too. In fact, it was OUR song. Great fun seeing you do this song and video.
Their comment about "It was good that he left The Police" was interesting. The Police were my favorite rock band, and their sound was built around Stewart Copeland. The first two Police albums in particular sound very much like Copeland's previous project, Klark Kent. The Police was basically a continuation of that, except now with a really good vocalist. So when Sting's first solo album came out, it sounded weird at first to a Police fan like me -- it was so expansive, and it traded that driving percussion for more diverse soundscapes. The bottom line is that I love The Police, and Stewart Copeland is my favorite musician, but I think Sting *needed* to go on his own musical journey, and everyone (including the listeners) was probably better off that way.
@@Johnny_Socko The Police were an anomaly when it came to rock bands. Typically, they form during teenage years by kids who went to school or college together. Band members leave and come, the ones who join because it’s a hobby or they want to meet boys or girls but lack the ambition to want a career in music get phased out. Then they become huge stars and go on their journey. The Police did none of that. They were three guys from other bands who got together almost like an arranged marriage or shotgun wedding and had to get along. They met in their late 20s and all three guys were alpha males. You get three of them in the same room and trouble will ensue. Yet out of that tension came brilliant pieces of music and art. Stewart grew up in Lebanon and lived overseas until he was 18. His father was one of the founding members of the CIA. Stewart grew up listening to Arabic music on the radio and rhythms that were different from the western rhythms. I think that had a lot to do with The Police style. They were really a different kettle of fish. It just got to a point where Sting was becoming a huge star and overshadowing the others. And he felt it was best to go out on top. Amber and Jay are dead-on. Because Sting got to make the music he wanted to with the musicians he picked and not have to deal with two other guys in a band.
I knew you guys would like it! Thanks for reacting this this! Yes the dude singing with Sting is Cheb Mami from Algeria. When this song came out in like 1999, I worked with two Algerian guys and they told me that he was a pretty big artist in Algeria. This song mixing the Arabic culture is genius. I think this might be my favorite Sting song and one of my favorite songs in general.
The "other guy" in this duet is Mohamed Khelifati, better known by his stage name Cheb Mami -- an Algerian singer-songwriter who works in a large number of styles, and generally sings in Algerian Arabic and French. This song put him on the map internationally when it came out in 1999, and he got a lot of exposure (including a Superbowl performance).
It's so cool to read comments who knows Cheb Mami, he's my favorite Algerian singer of all time (him and Cheb Khaled) Mami is the prince of Raï (an Algerian music genre) thats his nickname 😊
Man I haven't heard this song forever!! Wow thanks for doing this song. Sting is amazing! He came from a time where artists actually strove to be unique and try new things so that all there music didn't sound the same and it still got played on the radio. The "pop" radio stations used to be beautifully eclectic. I miss those days.
Great choice.... Just an AMAZING song! It's the perfect blend of styles. Sting didn't always hit the mark with his "world music" ambitions BUT this song is a masterpiece.
Oh gosh, PLEASE do more Sting reactions...anything from his albums, "Dream of the Blue Turtles", "Nothing Like the Sun". "Mercury Falling", etc... His songs are so different, and so inspiring..compelling...haunting...and lovely...sometimes all at the same time!
One of my favorite Sting songs! It's a TOTAL VIBE! Sting is very into World music. I love when he incorporates it into his own. Saw them live & it was fabulous!
Fantastic choice for Sting...he has so many great songs to choose from but this is one of my favorites. I agree...leaving The Police gave him a chance to break out and really show his range and depth.
This is why I've gone to see Sting 6 times in concert! So talented and every concert is so different. He has a way of taking a song he's performed hundreds of times probably and making it new every time we go see him. I've been a fan for 40 years and honestly wish I could have seen him even more than I have.
Sting has so many fantastic songs! Two I highly recommend are "Fortress Around Your Heart" and "Russians". Definitely put them in line. You will not be disappointed.
Yes, he always surrounded himself with absolute top musicians. Check out the 'Live In Oslo 1993' concert, that is Sting at his peak. Sadly only released in VHS quality, but well worth it. The band is incredible.
This is why I've been requesting this for 6 months, favorite Sting song of all time. Next, do Rod Stewart singing "Have I Told You Lately" from MTV unplugged.
It is an amazing piece.... letting the eastern music set the tone and expanding on it. Many pieces of art and music have been inspired this way. eg. Kashmir (LZ). There is not enough of it because all cultures have lots to contribute. I was in Egypt some years ago. The call to prayer across the city was haunting to hear.
I love how the young lady is listening to the music, closing her eyes and letting the passion of the music release through her movements. BTW if you like this one check out Thousand Years.
Love that you guys loved the song. When Sting sang that to me during his Vegas residency last year, I almost fell out because it is my absolute favorite song of his. If you ever get the chance, go see his show. You won't be disappointed, and he starts his North American tour in September. 😊
If you love this song check out Sting's "I Burn For You", from the movie he was in Brimestone and Treacle. I got to see Sting perform this song on his Back to the Bass Tour, here in Victoria. Literally the best concert I've seen. They pumped fog through out the whole place for the whole show and it made it seem like it's own world. Everyone on stage was so relaxed, a random woman from the audience jumped up on stage when he did this song and just started dancing off to the side and Sting was totally digging it, playing his bass looking at her, egging her to keep doing it. It was beautiful.
@@Julieroo28 An ex girlfriend when I was in my 20's showed me that movie on VHS, she like a lot of women loved him too. When that scene came on with him in the bed and this song started playing, I fell in love with the song. " ohh ohh ohh, oh oh oh"
"I Burn For You" was (to the best of my knowledge) the very last time the Police recorded together - and that came *years* after the broke up. Great song!
I remember being on a motor cycle trip to the south east a number of years ago. My buddy and I were stopped at a small country store for fuel and a snack. I was changing the CD on my Harley and a local, noticing us as Canadians came over to talk and asked if I had country music? This song was next up so I started it off and you should have seen the look on his face. I killed it just after the intro and said "You didn't say what country". We all had a great laugh and that was the start of a beautiful friendship that lasts to this day. Damn, we had great times with him and his family and went back to visit a number of times.
listening to this song in my childhood, in a small town by the coast of Tunisia, surrounded by olive trees, the family, the 10 cents icecream from Fatima... This song brings me old memories of childhood and real happiness ... man i wish i could go back 🙌
This is still my favorite song of Sting's. I read somewhere that may have been the first song recorded with a person of the Christian faith & a person of the Islamic faith together. What a gorgeous song!
Sting went solo in the mid 80s; Desert Rose came out in 1999. His music and influences really evolved over that period--but he was always worth listening to!
Seeing Sting perform on Saturday night coming. Cannot wait. I have never heard Desert Rose before. This song is new to me which is surprising as I grew up with The Police and Sting.
You would probably enjoy the entire album this song is on (Brand New Day). Sting is really experimenting with blending genres and cultures in unique ways (A black gospel choir singing over a prog rock like odd time signature at the end of a country song “Fill Her Up” is just one example). This is also a very late 90s sounding album as opposed to the 80s sound we usually associate with him. Honestly, you could react to every song on every album of his and you wouldn’t regret it. Some very good music in there.
i came back again for jay's reaction. it knocked me out when i first played it on cd 200 years ago.lol damn time goes by quick. so glad a younger generation gets to enjoy this stuff.
Amber's "Who is this guy???" 🤣🤣🤣 LOVED watching y'all discover this song! and Cheb Mami. This was a REAL reaction, you can tell! Can I also recommend Tarkan ("Hup" is my favorite, but "Simarik" was a massive hit) or Ofra Haza ("Im Nin Alu" and "Galbi" were her biggest over here, I think).
Without question THE greatest Sting ( solo ) song is ' Fortress around your heart". It's simply perfect. It's artistry, vocals and instrumentation on another level. It's Sting's magnum opus without a doubt. Another awesome solo tune by Sting is, ' If you love someone, set them free ' but please do ' Fortress around your heart ❤️ first. It's sooooo good
I’m so happy I got to see him way back when I was a freshman in high school touring for “the dream of the blue turtles” album. Since it was early in his solo career it was just in a small local gym. Simple but awesome!!
There are 3 artists, who broke away from their original groups, and embarked on a discovery of sounds from different countries, composing world music. STING from The Police, PETER GABRIEL from Genesis, and DAVID BYRNE from Talking Heads. The music of the three of them as part of their groups is wonderful, but it was great, as Rob said, their separation allowed them to produce these wonderful songs. I love one Sting's song, called RUSSIANS, and maybe you would like PETER GABRIEL, song IN YOUR EYES, but the live version. DAVID BAYRNE, as always, made the strangest music, mixing at some point, rock with Cumbia and Latin American sounds, and although he was not as successful as the other two singers, he was the most avangard.
Sting really embraced world-influenced music both with the Police and his solo career. I think that's what sets his music apart from others in that era.
Sting, real name Gordon Sumner, is British and his solo career has been phenomenal since The Police broke up in a way a lot of other "group" leads haven't have or will ever have because he's so diverse and eclectic. His work is a deep dive you NEED to take. Some of my favorites...If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, If I Ever Lose My Faith In You, A Thousand Years, After the Rain Has Fallen, Tomorrow We'll See, Brand New Day, The Lazarus Heart, Be Still My Beating Heart, Englishman in New York, They Dance Alone, We'll Be Together, his duet with Sheryl Crow - Always On Your Side, My Funny Friend and Me from Disney's Emperor's New Groove which plays during the end credits.
Jay and Amber, if you want the very BEST solo song by Sting, then you have to do a first reaction for, " Fortress Around Your Heart". It literally is a masterpiece. I promise you, you will both love it and be blown away
a lot of people haven't heard of this guy but i know your abundance will be shocked and glad you review what i consider in almost every song (which are live by the way) a master showing in talent, range, emotion, stamina.
Level 42 is maybe one of my top 3 groups of all time. I bought every album they ever made. I had my picture taken with Mark King as a gawky 17YO in 1987. ;) Great suggestion!!
Check out the lyrics. They'll make you feel like you're travelling back in time as does the music. The phrase "tied to a horse that will never tire" is just so visual in itself 🎧 💓 🎶
Great reaction you guys! This is off his "Brand New Day" CD. It has soooo many great songs, you will love it. Go find his live performance of Brand New Day ( Sting's 60th Birthday). It has to be your next Sting reaction, it is 🔥🔥🔥. His lyrics are so good on all the songs he does. Amazing performer and song writer!!!
I forgot about this song, and I didn't quite get it when it came out, but I fell in love with it today! In fact, I just watched your reaction to it 3 times. The look of awe on Jay's face was priceless!
I have so many fav Sting songs..but this one has become my favorite..the lyrics, instruments and the addition of Cheb Mami's background vocals...SOOO good!!
His name is Cheb Mami. He sings in Algerian Arabic. He literally takes this song to another level of brilliance. He and Sting performed together at the Grammys in 2000. His voice is magical.
He's amazing!
It wouldn't be the song it is without him!!
Took the words out of my mouth!! 😁
Beautiful!!! Always loved this song , so very glad they did a collaboration!!!
That was an iconic and incredible performance.
Sting had finished his parts of the song but something was missing. His version was sent to Cheb Mami. Cheb Mami doesn't speak English at all, so he wrote his own lyrics that went with the song. Sting doesn't speak Arabic at all. When they met for the first time, Sting asked Cheb Mami, through a translator, what he sang about. He said 'I sing about longing'. Sting was blown away, because that's exactly what his lyrics were about. It's a song about longing for romantic love as an analog for the love of God. They both wrote lyrics about the same thing, without understanding the other's lyrics, because that's what they both felt from the music.
This is a perfect song.
I'd never heard that! What a wonderful thing that is.
This is what is possible when cultures come together to create something beautiful!
Damn I've never heard about this... This is a beautiful story.
It's a perfect example of how music is universal and transcends all barriers, languages, cultures, religions and whatsoever.
Now it all makes sense. Thank you!
That’s Arabic that Cheb Mami, the other singer on the song is singing in and Sting sings a few words in Arabic also. Two cultures combined to make an absolutely beautiful song. So glad that you loved it.😊❤️
Algerian darija is not Arabic
@@linda-xy1rz i dare you to find one non arab word in cheb mamis part , seriously i dare you . algerian dialect is arabic mixed with french but in here cheb mami didn't include any french words so bug off
@@linda-xy1rzdarija means dialect of Aeabic
24 years on and it still sounds fantastic. Cheb Mami's voice is incredible.
👆👆ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ☝️ᴛᴏ ᴄʟᴀɪᴍ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴘʀɪᴢᴇ 🎁🎁🎈🎈🤗🤗
25 years..not 24..1999
Sting "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free"...TRUST ME!!
YES to that!
Yes! I suggested this around the time they asked for jazzy songs. I had to point out that he chose musicians from the jazz world to play on his solo record after he left the Police for a new sound. Sting is brilliant!
Its a must
I'll add "All This Time."
Yesssss
"Fortress Around Your Heart" by Sting is a masterpiece. The chord progression is stunning.
I agree. It's my favorite of his solo career.
This. ✨
Fortress is a beautifully written love song.
From his best album "The Dream of the Blue Turtles", chock-full of incredible tracks.
I burn for you, don’t stand so close to me 86, and something the boy said. Really stunning
Shape of my Heart is one of his many great songs. The lyrics are incredible.
Yes! I hope they react to that song!
Agree. It is one of his best songs!
I first heard Shape Of My Heart in the closing credits of The Professional, a movie about a hitman who meets a neighbor girl (a young Natalie Portman in her first movie role). He teaches her as she teaches him. The song is perfect for the tone of the end of the movie.
@@walterrutherford8321 That would be a great movie for them to react to!!!
Agreed!
Sting is from Newcastle in the north of England, he was a teacher in my hometown
The man who sings with Sting is a singer/songwriter from Algeria named Cheb Mami. His contributions to this masterpiece are stunning because they complement each other so well. Other Sting solo's that you should check out are "Brand New Day," "Russians," "Englishman In New York," "All for Love" (with Bryan Adams & Rod Stewart), "Be Still My Beating Heart" and so much more. You really can't go wrong with his catalog. He's one of the greatest musicians who emerged from the late 1970s.
They already did "All for Love"
Complement 😁
Cheb mami is one of most famous singers in arab world and he is one of a legendes in Algeria
The thing I have always admired about Sting is he never seemed to let commercialism interfere with his creativity, He did what he wanted and the rest of us just had to follow. I respect that in any artist or group.
👍
Absolutely. He was once asked to make a Christmas album, and he said "Hell no, I'm not going to do that. But I will make a winter album". And that became A Winter's Night. If you've never seen the live concert at Durham Cathedral, I highly recommend it. His rendition of 'The Burning Babe' is magical.
He’s an Arabic singer , called Cheb mami , he’s from Algeria
"I hope the Russians love their children too" is an important song, and still relevant. Sting thought he'd never have to sing it again, and now here we are..........great video, as usual!
Yes! Russians is a great song.
And written about the Cold War, so it's very appropriate now in light of our relations with Russia and China. A good perspective to see for what's coming up...
GREAT SONG!!
How can I save my little boy from Oppenheimer's deadly toy is such a chilling line in that song. In my opinion it's one of Sting's best.
@@dragonmac1234 I literally just watched the video (in forever) and could still remember all the words.
Great suggestion
“Desert Rose” is one of Stings’ best. So original and beautiful.
Jay & Amber, you'll love his "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free", "Fortress Around Your Heart", "If I Ever Lose My Faith in You" and
"We'll Be Together"!!!
Yes, all of them are great.
React too "Englishman in N.Y"and "Fragile"
Yes yes yes!!!
Shape of my heart is my absolute favourite and second would be Fields of Gold. So many great songs.
Great suggestions! I think Amber, in particular, would find "We Work The Black Seam", "Fortress Around Your Heart" and "Shape of My Heart", worth listening to as well.
The first time I heard this song was in 2001. Sting was preparing for a concert at his home in Tuscany on September 11, 2001. While preparing, they learned of the attacks on the WTC and discussed and debated cancelling the concert all together. They chose to perform one song, Fragile, and see how they felt. If it felt disrespectful, they would stop. They also decided to perform with a much more laid back sound, and the concert was truly one of the most magical performances I've seen. Desert Rose was performed in the dress rehearsal, but was cut from the final play list. The concert, the behind the scenes, the dress rehearsal are all on his DVD All This Time: Concert from Tuscany.
I have this on CD. It’s a great live album.
You saved me the trouble of writing this. I will add that the locals were invited to the dress rehearsal and there was a warm, festive atmosphere that night, including during this song. The concert the next night was supposed to be a thank you to his fans. I don’t remember how the guests were selected (in advance) but they were from around the world, pretty much. Including the USA. Understandably Sting and the other musicians felt that Desert Rose was not appropriate for that performance.
It’s a great documentary.
Thank you for this post, 10 days after the 9/11 tragedy, Sting performed Fragile on a TV concert I saw . The tears flowed from me for the first Time since the attack. It was such an appropriate song for the time.
True this. One of the most breathtaking DVD's of prepping & performing a show that I have ever seen. It still moves me to tears just to think of this DVD.
One of my favorite songs he's done is the Portuguese version of Fragile.
He also does an amazing cover of Elton John & Bernie Taupin's Come Down in Time.
And I really wish they'd recorded his tour with Paul Simon. Sting singing Bridge Over Troubled Water. Chills.
I think my favorite Sting solo songs are “Fragile”, “Mad About You, “Englishman in NY” and “Fortress Around Your Heart”.
Agree with all of these!
I saw an interview one time where Billy Joel said he was driving his car contemplating a recent tragedy he had just heard about on the radio then Sting's song Fragile came on and he had to pull over
@@tdtodd Wow. It is definitely a beautiful, touching song.
my favorites are Roxanne, Desert Rose, Fragile, Englishman in NY and Mad about You :)
English man in NY is such a perfectly produced song! If you ever want to test out a stereo system or speakers... play that song! It had every single level you want to hear, from the highest, crisp, clear tones to absolutely thumping bass!
What a beautiful song, and Cheb Mami's voice is the most beautiful voice I've ever heard!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Love and respect from 🇱🇷
Sting is a true artist. His style varies and his lyrics are rich in imagery and symbolism. Check out "Be Still My Beating Heart", "Englishman in New York", and "Fragile". There's also a video of Stevie Wonder singing "Fragile" while Sting accompanies him. A brilliant and passionate performance. Lastly, "Voices Inside My Head" by The Police is one of their funkiest tracks.
All great songs. My favorite has to be "Fragile". There was a live version recorded for the album ...All This Time that, given the events of the day it was recorded (September 11, 2001), was given completely new emotional meaning for a song that already had a deeply important message. "Desert Rose" was also supposed to be played at this show with Cheb Mami, but was cancelled.
Fragile is one of my favorites.
What do you think of Algerian Mami and his voice? 😊
Sting is the true definition of an artist, in every sense. Love him!
This song is brilliant even all these years later! It has an incredibly expansive, cinematic feel to it. ❤️❤️❤️
Expansive cinematic feel. I like it.
Cinematic is the most appropriate word to apply for this song!
In the 90s when this came out, it hit the professional Belly Dance community like a ton of bricks. We loved it and used it in shows and classes. It was an instant classic for us.
.. 👆👆ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ🎁🎁🎁🎁
woah woah woah dont do that to me, I went and got this CD after seeing this when i was a junior in highschool. You say the 90s buuuuut come on makin me feel way old it was 1999! =D
Sting has had an excellent career. Starting with The Police and then going solo, he’s been successful and just keeps getting better and better.
He’s an unlikely success story, too. Was married, a new father, at age 27 and was a schoolteacher who played in a jazz band on the side. Then he joined The Police and became a superstar.
My favorite song of his as a solo artist is “If I Ever Lose My Faith In You”. My favorite Police song is “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”. That was my ex-girlfriend’s favorite song by them, too. In fact, it was OUR song.
Great fun seeing you do this song and video.
Looking forward to more Sting and The Police.
BTW, this was litterally a car commercial. Some of the video footage was used direction and cut to 30 seconds.
Their comment about "It was good that he left The Police" was interesting. The Police were my favorite rock band, and their sound was built around Stewart Copeland. The first two Police albums in particular sound very much like Copeland's previous project, Klark Kent. The Police was basically a continuation of that, except now with a really good vocalist.
So when Sting's first solo album came out, it sounded weird at first to a Police fan like me -- it was so expansive, and it traded that driving percussion for more diverse soundscapes. The bottom line is that I love The Police, and Stewart Copeland is my favorite musician, but I think Sting *needed* to go on his own musical journey, and everyone (including the listeners) was probably better off that way.
@@Johnny_Socko The Police were an anomaly when it came to rock bands. Typically, they form during teenage years by kids who went to school or college together. Band members leave and come, the ones who join because it’s a hobby or they want to meet boys or girls but lack the ambition to want a career in music get phased out. Then they become huge stars and go on their journey.
The Police did none of that. They were three guys from other bands who got together almost like an arranged marriage or shotgun wedding and had to get along. They met in their late 20s and all three guys were alpha males. You get three of them in the same room and trouble will ensue. Yet out of that tension came brilliant pieces of music and art.
Stewart grew up in Lebanon and lived overseas until he was 18. His father was one of the founding members of the CIA. Stewart grew up listening to Arabic music on the radio and rhythms that were different from the western rhythms. I think that had a lot to do with The Police style. They were really a different kettle of fish.
It just got to a point where Sting was becoming a huge star and overshadowing the others. And he felt it was best to go out on top. Amber and Jay are dead-on. Because Sting got to make the music he wanted to with the musicians he picked and not have to deal with two other guys in a band.
I knew you guys would like it! Thanks for reacting this this! Yes the dude singing with Sting is Cheb Mami from Algeria. When this song came out in like 1999, I worked with two Algerian guys and they told me that he was a pretty big artist in Algeria. This song mixing the Arabic culture is genius. I think this might be my favorite Sting song and one of my favorite songs in general.
Cheb Mami is a legend in the Arab world and far beyond..love from morocco to my Algerian brothers and sisters !
The "other guy" in this duet is Mohamed Khelifati, better known by his stage name Cheb Mami -- an Algerian singer-songwriter who works in a large number of styles, and generally sings in Algerian Arabic and French. This song put him on the map internationally when it came out in 1999, and he got a lot of exposure (including a Superbowl performance).
I always get teary eyed with this song. It's beauty overwhelms me. Cheb's voice combined with Sting and the instrumentation is perfection.
His entire "Nothing Like the Sun" album is a must listen. Cheb Mami is singing with him, and is a star in his own right internationally.
Cheb Mami sang on the Brand New Day album...............
It's so cool to read comments who knows Cheb Mami, he's my favorite Algerian singer of all time (him and Cheb Khaled) Mami is the prince of Raï (an Algerian music genre) thats his nickname 😊
Man I haven't heard this song forever!! Wow thanks for doing this song. Sting is amazing! He came from a time where artists actually strove to be unique and try new things so that all there music didn't sound the same and it still got played on the radio. The "pop" radio stations used to be beautifully eclectic. I miss those days.
This is why I like the reaction videos. It reintroduces me to songs I haven't listened to in a while.
Sting’s solo career has been fantastic, another diverse song is Englishman in New York, I highly recommend it.
Man I love you guys! That guy is Cheb Mami. I ran many a mile in Iraq to this song. Sting has one of those voices. Great reaction.
Ladies and gentleman his name is Cheb Mami he is legend Algerian singer with one of the best voice in the world.
Great choice.... Just an AMAZING song! It's the perfect blend of styles. Sting didn't always hit the mark with his "world music" ambitions BUT this song is a masterpiece.
Oh gosh, PLEASE do more Sting reactions...anything from his albums, "Dream of the Blue Turtles", "Nothing Like the Sun". "Mercury Falling", etc... His songs are so different, and so inspiring..compelling...haunting...and lovely...sometimes all at the same time!
This song is beautiful as is the rest of the album it is on, love Sting ❤
One of my favorite Sting songs!
It's a TOTAL VIBE! Sting is very into World music. I love when he incorporates it into his own.
Saw them live & it was fabulous!
Fantastic choice for Sting...he has so many great songs to choose from but this is one of my favorites. I agree...leaving The Police gave him a chance to break out and really show his range and depth.
This is why I've gone to see Sting 6 times in concert! So talented and every concert is so different. He has a way of taking a song he's performed hundreds of times probably and making it new every time we go see him. I've been a fan for 40 years and honestly wish I could have seen him even more than I have.
Shape of My Heart by Sting is my favorite song! Listen to that one too❤️❤️❤️
I highly suggest reacting to Sting’s “Englishman In New York”. The composition is incredible! His best work.
Sting has so many fantastic songs! Two I highly recommend are "Fortress Around Your Heart" and "Russians". Definitely put them in line. You will not be disappointed.
This song is a true masterpiece; my personal favorite among Sting's songs.
This is why nothing will beat the music of the 70s - 90s
The Police was a great group, but, yeah Stings body of work is AMAZING!
Look into the people he's worked with - and the genres he's delved into!
I was present for opening night of Sting's second solo tour . He was unbelievable and the musicians he assembles into a group are beyond words.
Yes, he always surrounded himself with absolute top musicians. Check out the 'Live In Oslo 1993' concert, that is Sting at his peak. Sadly only released in VHS quality, but well worth it. The band is incredible.
This is why I've been requesting this for 6 months, favorite Sting song of all time. Next, do Rod Stewart singing "Have I Told You Lately" from MTV unplugged.
Please, please please react to, "Fortress around your heart" it's one of his earliest solo singles. AMAZING SONG!!!
Sting is your basic over achiever. Thank goodness. When you're able to go with one name, you got it. He is so special. Thank you.
It is an amazing piece.... letting the eastern music set the tone and expanding on it. Many pieces of art and music have been inspired this way. eg. Kashmir (LZ). There is not enough of it because all cultures have lots to contribute. I was in Egypt some years ago. The call to prayer across the city was haunting to hear.
omg i purchased this album brand new day, after seeing this video on MTV. WHAT A BANGER of an album.
At the time this was the only Arabic and English duet in history!! Proof that music is universal
I love how the young lady is listening to the music, closing her eyes and letting the passion of the music release through her movements. BTW if you like this one check out Thousand Years.
Sting's song Fragile is amazing as well. He has so many hits that really shine a spotlight on his talent as a songwriter, a musician and a singer.
Love that you guys loved the song. When Sting sang that to me during his Vegas residency last year, I almost fell out because it is my absolute favorite song of his. If you ever get the chance, go see his show. You won't be disappointed, and he starts his North American tour in September. 😊
Sting is a musical genius! He is so underrated. He does all his own music, writes and sings, what can't he do?
Totally forgot about this song! Thanks again for reminding me of great songs I've forgotten!
Platinum. Never been a great Sting or Police fan but this song ROCKS. Bought the cd single as soon as it was released.
So many full, ethereal high points. Uplifting and perfect.
If you love this song check out Sting's "I Burn For You", from the movie he was in Brimestone and Treacle.
I got to see Sting perform this song on his Back to the Bass Tour, here in Victoria. Literally the best concert I've seen. They pumped fog through out the whole place for the whole show and it made it seem like it's own world. Everyone on stage was so relaxed, a random woman from the audience jumped up on stage when he did this song and just started dancing off to the side and Sting was totally digging it, playing his bass looking at her, egging her to keep doing it. It was beautiful.
Great song. Creepy af movie!
@@Julieroo28 I agree. The acting wasn't all that great either but...interesting.
@@VicMikesvideodiary I actually owned that movie on VHS when I was a teen because I had such a crush on Sting. Now I think back on it and OMG.
@@Julieroo28 An ex girlfriend when I was in my 20's showed me that movie on VHS, she like a lot of women loved him too. When that scene came on with him in the bed and this song started playing, I fell in love with the song. " ohh ohh ohh, oh oh oh"
"I Burn For You" was (to the best of my knowledge) the very last time the Police recorded together - and that came *years* after the broke up. Great song!
I remember being on a motor cycle trip to the south east a number of years ago. My buddy and I were stopped at a small country store for fuel and a snack. I was changing the CD on my Harley and a local, noticing us as Canadians came over to talk and asked if I had country music? This song was next up so I started it off and you should have seen the look on his face. I killed it just after the intro and said "You didn't say what country". We all had a great laugh and that was the start of a beautiful friendship that lasts to this day. Damn, we had great times with him and his family and went back to visit a number of times.
listening to this song in my childhood, in a small town by the coast of Tunisia, surrounded by olive trees, the family, the 10 cents icecream from Fatima... This song brings me old memories of childhood and real happiness ... man i wish i could go back 🙌
Sting, is from England. I love hehe combined this other dynamic of another religion, ethnicity with this song of Desert Rose. Uniquely Perfect.
This is still my favorite song of Sting's. I read somewhere that may have been the first song recorded with a person of the Christian faith & a person of the Islamic faith together. What a gorgeous song!
Sting is one creative musician. He explores music from all over the world and brings those influences into his songs.
Sting went solo in the mid 80s; Desert Rose came out in 1999. His music and influences really evolved over that period--but he was always worth listening to!
Seeing Sting perform on Saturday night coming. Cannot wait. I have never heard Desert Rose before. This song is new to me which is surprising as I grew up with The Police and Sting.
You would probably enjoy the entire album this song is on (Brand New Day). Sting is really experimenting with blending genres and cultures in unique ways (A black gospel choir singing over a prog rock like odd time signature at the end of a country song “Fill Her Up” is just one example). This is also a very late 90s sounding album as opposed to the 80s sound we usually associate with him. Honestly, you could react to every song on every album of his and you wouldn’t regret it. Some very good music in there.
i came back again for jay's reaction. it knocked me out when i first played it on cd 200 years ago.lol damn time goes by quick. so glad a younger generation gets to enjoy this stuff.
Amber's "Who is this guy???" 🤣🤣🤣 LOVED watching y'all discover this song! and Cheb Mami. This was a REAL reaction, you can tell! Can I also recommend Tarkan ("Hup" is my favorite, but "Simarik" was a massive hit) or Ofra Haza ("Im Nin Alu" and "Galbi" were her biggest over here, I think).
Cheb Mami has an awesome voice. He and Sting do a great job on this song.
Great Arab singer his name is Cheb Mami from Saida Orania region in Algeria
I love Jay's reaction at 2:17. Like a deer in the headlights.
Without question THE greatest Sting ( solo ) song is ' Fortress around your heart". It's simply perfect. It's artistry, vocals and instrumentation on another level. It's Sting's magnum opus without a doubt. Another awesome solo tune by Sting is, ' If you love someone, set them free ' but please do ' Fortress around your heart ❤️ first. It's sooooo good
Talk about being in a Middle Eastern desert without being in one! Just hauntingly beautiful! Thank you for reaction!
I’m so happy I got to see him way back when I was a freshman in high school touring for “the dream of the blue turtles” album. Since it was early in his solo career it was just in a small local gym. Simple but awesome!!
There are 3 artists, who broke away from their original groups, and embarked on a discovery of sounds from different countries, composing world music. STING from The Police, PETER GABRIEL from Genesis, and DAVID BYRNE from Talking Heads. The music of the three of them as part of their groups is wonderful, but it was great, as Rob said, their separation allowed them to produce these wonderful songs. I love one Sting's song, called RUSSIANS, and maybe you would like PETER GABRIEL, song IN YOUR EYES, but the live version. DAVID BAYRNE, as always, made the strangest music, mixing at some point, rock with Cumbia and Latin American sounds, and although he was not as successful as the other two singers, he was the most avangard.
Man this song is so unique, I love it💞
The look on his face is priceless...... he's like, are you hearing this?
Sting really embraced world-influenced music both with the Police and his solo career. I think that's what sets his music apart from others in that era.
Sting did a fundraising concert in Brazil, all in Spanish!!!! EXCELLENT!!!!!
We had some of the best music in my generation 1980’s. But I think two of the most important and influential bands were the Police and U2
Cheb Mami is amazing, and the pairing of voices is beautiful and haunting
Oh goodie!! Bout time...love this song!!
Cheb Mami is his name from Saida, Algeria.
Sting "FORTRESS AROUND YOUR HEART" ("option two" is best quality). Sting's favorite of his songs. (and mine also). ❤
I saw him in concert with Peter Gabriel and he was phenomenal. When We Dance is my all time favorite from him . ♥️♥️
I saw Sting & Paul Simon in concert together. That was awesome too.
Sting, real name Gordon Sumner, is British and his solo career has been phenomenal since The Police broke up in a way a lot of other "group" leads haven't have or will ever have because he's so diverse and eclectic. His work is a deep dive you NEED to take. Some of my favorites...If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, If I Ever Lose My Faith In You, A Thousand Years, After the Rain Has Fallen, Tomorrow We'll See, Brand New Day, The Lazarus Heart, Be Still My Beating Heart, Englishman in New York, They Dance Alone, We'll Be Together, his duet with Sheryl Crow - Always On Your Side, My Funny Friend and Me from Disney's Emperor's New Groove which plays during the end credits.
Jay and Amber, if you want the very BEST solo song by Sting, then you have to do a first reaction for, " Fortress Around Your Heart". It literally is a masterpiece. I promise you, you will both love it and be blown away
When you hit pause for the first time and haulted her vibe. That look she gave, I felt it.
Pretty much everything from his solo album - Dream of the Blue Turtles is a masterpiece
I was about 24 yrs old in Los Angeles when this came out. People were obsessed with this song. I was too, I still love it.
a lot of people haven't heard of this guy but i know your abundance will be shocked and glad you review what i consider in almost every song (which are live by the way) a master showing in talent, range, emotion, stamina.
This song takes me back to 99! It’s been a while since I heard this song. They don’t make music like this anymore
Love Sting!! MY era yet again lol. Please when you have a second try Level 42 Something about you, the bass is fire.😁😘
Level 42 is maybe one of my top 3 groups of all time. I bought every album they ever made. I had my picture taken with Mark King as a gawky 17YO in 1987. ;) Great suggestion!!
@@Shrykespeare thank you! They have been one of my faves since the 80s, please if you can help me request them. I have been trying for 6+ months.
The live version of this song is even better.❤
Check out the lyrics. They'll make you feel like you're travelling back in time as does the music.
The phrase "tied to a horse that will never tire" is just so visual in itself
🎧 💓 🎶
This is one of my top 3 songs ever - can listen to it on repeat for ages
Great reaction you guys! This is off his "Brand New Day" CD. It has soooo many great songs, you will love it. Go find his live performance of Brand New Day ( Sting's 60th Birthday). It has to be your next Sting reaction, it is 🔥🔥🔥. His lyrics are so good on all the songs he does. Amazing performer and song writer!!!
I forgot about this song, and I didn't quite get it when it came out, but I fell in love with it today! In fact, I just watched your reaction to it 3 times. The look of awe on Jay's face was priceless!
Please this Friday do the band Garbage! Shirley Manson is the lead singer! She's fantastic!
I have so many fav Sting songs..but this one has become my favorite..the lyrics, instruments and the addition of Cheb Mami's background vocals...SOOO good!!