Sacred Love
Sting explores his shiny, happy side onSacred Love, adding playful touches of techno to his smooth, vaguely multi-cultural pop sound. Like 1999'sBrand New Day,Lovesounds effortless and content, with expert musicians backing up Sting's gauzy revelations about love and life. The formerPolicefrontman shakes things up here and there; DJ/producers likeBTandVictor Calderonebreathe life into tracks like "Never Coming Home" and "Send Your Love," whileMary J. Bligeputs her smoky vocals to work on "Whenever I Say Your Name." "This War" takes a not-so-subtle shot at George W. Bush, as Sting gives his left-leaning fan base a thrill with lyrics like "Your daddy was a businessman/ and it always made good sense/ You know the war can make you rich my friend/ In dollars, pounds, and cents." Of course, Sting long ago cashed in his rebel cachet for adult contemporary oblivion. But even though this music is designed for broad appeal, it does so with the natural, unforced ease of a seasoned showman. --Matthew Cooke