Sting has amassed a collection of hits throughout his career (Image: Getty)
Sting, the legendary frontman of The Police and a massively successful solo artist, has carved out one of the most diverse and enduring careers in modern music. With a blend of rock, jazz, classical, and world music influences, his catalog is filled with songs that have stood the test of time, captivating even the younger generations in recent years.
From his days leading The Police with hits like ‘Every Breath You Take’ and ‘Roxanne’ to his solo career, where he pushed the boundaries of genre and storytelling, Sting’s music has continued to resonate across generations.
Based on their current popularity, here are Sting’s top 10 songs on streaming platform Spotify, ranked from 10 to 1.
10. ‘Redlight’
‘Redlight’ may not be as instantly recognizable as most of Sting’s biggest hits, but it has garnered a strong following thanks to it being a powerful collaboration. The track features Swedish house supergroup Swedish House Mafia, adding a modern twist to Sting’s signature style. Released in 2022, the song blends pop and hip-hop elements, with Sting’s voice bringing depth to the chorus.
The combination of the group’s contemporary sound and Sting’s classic appeal helped ‘Redlight’ rack up almost 84 million streams, making it one of his most popular songs today.
Don’t miss… Paul McCartney says most ‘hurtful’ thing John Lennon did after Beatles split [LATEST]
9. ‘If I Ever Lose My Faith in You’
Released in 1993 as part of the critically acclaimed album Ten Summoner’s Tales, ‘If I Ever Lose My Faith in You’ remains one of Sting’s most enduring tracks. It won a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 1994, for which Sting expressed surprise: “I got a prize for this. It was the most played record on American radio in 1993, which kind of surprised me. But I suppose it captured a mood. We’ve lost faith in a lot of institutions, our government, our churches – most things. And yet we still maintain a sense of hope about the future.”
With over 65 million streams on Spotify, it continues to resonate with fans who appreciate Sting’s signature mix of poetic lyrics and sophisticated musical arrangements.
8. ‘Dreaming’
‘Dreaming’ is another example of Sting’s ability to reinvent himself through collaborations. Released in 202s, this track sees him teaming up with world-renowned DJ and producer Marshmello and pop-rock queen P!nk. The result is an electrifying fusion of electronic dance music and Sting’s timeless vocals.
In a promotional video for the song, the trio shared how the seemingly random collaboration came together: “Marshmello was the prime leader of this,” Sting explains. Marshmello says: “This is kind of the most maybe unexpected collaboration I think any of us ever thought or maybe the world might think”, to which P!nk agrees: “It’s beautifully random”.
7. ‘Another Part of Me (feat. Sting)’
In yet another groundbreaking collaboration, Snoop Dogg teamed up with Sting for the track ‘Another Part of Me’, features on Snoop’s 2024 album Missionary, entirely produced by Dr. Dre.
The song samples The Police’s iconic 1979 hit ‘Message in a Bottle’, and Sting not only lends his distinctive vocals but also plays the guitar riff that forms the backbone of the track. Notably, he also adopts a rap cadence in his verse, adding a surprise factor to contribute to the track’s popularity.
6. ‘Fragile’
One of the most poignant and moving songs in Sting’s catalog, ‘Fragile’ was released in 1987 on the album …Nothing Like the Sun. The song is a heartfelt reflection on the fragility of life, inspired by the tragic death of Ben Linder, an American engineer who was murdered in Nicaragua.
In a 1994 interview with Miami Herald, Sting said that “the song’s meaning changes yearly. When I sing it now I think of Bosnia and Yugoslavia.” Over the years, ‘Fragile’ has been performed at peace rallies, memorials, and humanitarian events, further cementing its legacy. The song was also released by Sting in Spanish (‘Fragilidad’) and Portuguese (‘Frágil’).
5. ‘Desert Rose’
Few songs in Sting’s solo career have been as globally influential as ‘Desert Rose’. Released in 1999 as part of the Brand New Day album, this track features Algerian raï singer Cheb Mami, blending Western pop with North African musical traditions.
At the time of its release, ‘Desert Rose’ was groundbreaking, introducing millions of listeners to the hypnotic melodies of raï music. The song became a massive international hit, helped in part by its high-profile Jaguar commercial, which brought it to mainstream audiences. With over 150 million streams, the song remains one of Sting’s most recognizable and celebrated tracks.
4. ‘What Could Have Been’
One of Sting’s more recent successes, ‘What Could Have Been’ was released in 2021 as part of the soundtrack for the hit Netflix series Arcane: League of Legends. The song’s haunting melody and deeply remorseful lyrics are intened to be interpreted from the point of view of the character Jinx, pre-established in League of Legends lore.
‘What Could Have Been’s inclusion in the Arcane soundtrack helped introduce Sting to a younger audience, leading to millions of streams and a resurgence in his popularity among Gen Z listeners.
3. ‘Englishman in New York’
A staple of Sting’s discography, ‘Englishman in New York’ was released in 1987 and remains one of his most beloved songs. Inspired by English writer and gay icon Quentin Crisp, the song celebrates individuality and self-expression.
With its jazzy undertones, catchy melody, and timeless lyrics, the song has maintained its status as a fan favorite. “Be yourself, no matter what they say” has become one of Sting’s most quoted lines, resonating with audiences worldwide.
2. ‘Shape of My Heart’
‘Shape of My Heart’ another standout from Ten Summoner’s Tales, gets the silver medal. The track tells the story of a card player searching for meaning in the suits and numbers, using the game of poker as a metaphor for life’s uncertainties.
Over the years, the song has been sampled by numerous artists, including Nas in ‘The Message’, helping to introduce it to new audiences. Its intricate guitar work and poetic storytelling have made it a fan favorite, with almost 400 million streams on Spotify.
1. ‘Fields of Gold’
At No. 1 is ‘Fields of Gold’, the song that has captured the hearts of millions over the years and remains Sting’s most streamed track. Released in 1993, this beautifully melodic ballad paints a picture of love and the passage of time.
With its soothing acoustic guitar and heartfelt lyrics, ‘Fields of Gold’ has become a wedding favorite and a song of nostalgia for many listeners. Its timeless appeal has helped it rack up over 418 million streams on Spotify, making it Sting’s most enduring and cherished song today.
