Sting

The Dream of the Blue Turtles

First released1985

The Dream of the Blue Turtles, Sting's debut solo album released in 1985, was recorded primarily at The Power Station and other New York studios. The album was produced by Sting alongside renowned producers including Bill Laswell and Hiram Bullock, who brought their expertise in funk and world music fusion. The recording featured prominent session musicians such as saxophonist Branford Marsalis and drummer Omar Hakim, contributing to the album's sophisticated blend of rock, jazz, reggae, and world music influences. The production employed cutting-edge digital recording technology and innovative arrangements that marked a significant departure from Sting's work with The Police, establishing his solo artistic identity. The album's commercial and critical success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard 200, demonstrated the viability of Sting's experimental approach and influenced subsequent releases in the mid-1980s.