Album Info
| Artist: | The Police |
| Album: | Zenyatta Mondatta |
| Released: | Australia, 1980 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Don't Stand So Close To Me | 4:03 |
| Written-By - Sting | ||
| A2 | Driven To Tears | 3:21 |
| Written-By - Sting | ||
| A3 | When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What's Still Around | 3:33 |
| Written-By - Sting | ||
| A4 | Canary In A Coalmine | 2:24 |
| Written-By - Sting | ||
| A5 | Voices Inside My Head | 3:51 |
| Written-By - Sting | ||
| A6 | Bombs Away | 3:07 |
| Written-By - S. Copeland | ||
| B1 | De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da | 4:09 |
| Written-By - Sting | ||
| B2 | Behind My Camel | 2:53 |
| Written-By - A. Summers | ||
| B3 | Man In A Suitcase | 2:15 |
| Written-By - Sting | ||
| B4 | Shadows In The Rain | 5:09 |
| Written-By - Sting | ||
| B5 | The Other Way Of Stopping | 3:21 |
| Written-By - S. Copeland |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $150 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid cardboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship in stock vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
"Zenyatta Mondatta," the third studio album by the British rock band The Police, was released on October 3, 1980. This album is often regarded as a pivotal moment in the band's career, showcasing their ability to blend rock, reggae, and new wave influences into a cohesive and innovative sound. Produced by the band and Nigel Gray, "Zenyatta Mondatta" solidified The Police's status as one of the leading bands of the early 1980s.
The album's title, "Zenyatta Mondatta," is a playful combination of words that, according to the band, has no specific meaning but was intended to sound exotic and intriguing. This sense of playful experimentation is reflected throughout the album's tracks, which range from energetic rock anthems to more introspective and atmospheric pieces.
One of the standout tracks on the album is "Don't Stand So Close to Me," which became a major hit and won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1982. The song's lyrics, dealing with the controversial subject of a teacher-student relationship, are delivered with Sting's characteristic wit and sensitivity. The track's infectious melody and driving rhythm made it an instant classic and a staple of The Police's live performances.
Another significant track is "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da," which, despite its seemingly nonsensical lyrics, addresses the limitations and frustrations of language and communication. The song's catchy chorus and upbeat tempo helped it become a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries.
"Zenyatta Mondatta" also features "Driven to Tears," a song that highlights Sting's growing interest in social and political issues. The track's powerful lyrics and urgent instrumentation reflect the band's ability to tackle serious subjects while maintaining their distinctive sound. Similarly, "When the World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Still Around" showcases the band's knack for blending thought-provoking lyrics with infectious grooves.
The instrumental tracks "The Other Way of Stopping" and "Behind My Camel" further demonstrate the band's versatility and willingness to experiment. "Behind My Camel," written by guitarist Andy Summers, won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 1982, underscoring the band's musical prowess.
Critically, "Zenyatta Mondatta" received a positive reception upon its release. Many reviewers praised the album's innovative sound and the band's ability to evolve while maintaining their unique identity. The album's production, musicianship, and songwriting were frequently highlighted as strengths. However, some critics noted that the album's experimental nature occasionally led to uneven moments.
Commercially, "Zenyatta Mondatta" was a significant success. It reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and number five on the US Billboard 200. The album's success helped to cement The Police's reputation as one of the most important and influential bands of the era.
In terms of historical and cultural significance, "Zenyatta Mondatta" represents a key moment in the evolution of rock music in the early 1980s. The Police's ability to blend different genres and experiment with new sounds helped to pave the way for other artists and bands exploring similar territory. The album's success also contributed to the growing popularity of new wave music and the broader acceptance of reggae influences in mainstream rock.
In conclusion, "Zenyatta Mondatta" is a landmark album that showcases The Police at the height of their creative powers. With its blend of catchy hits, thought-provoking lyrics, and innovative sound, the album remains a testament to the band's enduring legacy and influence. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to The Police's music, "Zenyatta Mondatta" is an essential listen that continues to resonate more than four decades after its release.