The Police Albums in Order: The Police, the legendary English rock band formed in 1977, took the world by storm with their unique blend of rock, reggae, punk, and new wave. Led by Sting’s unmistakable vocals, Stewart Copeland’s dynamic drumming, and Andy Summers’ innovative guitar work, they became global superstars in the late 1970s and early 1980s. With over 75 million records sold, they’re one of the best-selling bands of all time. If you’re looking for The Police albums in order, this guide covers their full discography, highlighting each studio album’s sound, hits, and significance. Let’s dive into the music that defined a generation!
Brief History of The Police
Formed in London in 1977, The Police—Sting (lead vocals, bass), Stewart Copeland (drums), and Andy Summers (guitar)—emerged during the British new wave scene. Their genre-blending style, fusing punk’s energy, reggae’s rhythm, and jazz’s sophistication, set them apart. From their debut single “Roxanne” to their chart-topping Synchronicity, they dominated the airwaves, earning six Grammy Awards, two Brit Awards, and a 2003 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Known as leaders of the Second British Invasion, they were dubbed “the biggest band in the world” by Rolling Stone in 1983. Let’s explore The Police albums in order, from their raw debut to their final masterpiece.
All The Police Albums Available on: Apple Music
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All The Police Albums in Order of Release
1. Outlandos d’Amour (1978)
- Overview: Released in November 1978, Outlandos d’Amour introduced The Police’s raw, punk-infused sound with reggae and rock influences. Recorded on a tight budget at Surrey Sound Studios, it captured their early energy and DIY spirit. The album reached No. 6 on the UK Albums Chart and marked their breakthrough.
- Track Highlights:
- “Roxanne”: A reggae-rock anthem about love and loss, it became a UK Top 12 hit upon re-release in 1979 and a US Top 32 hit.
- “Can’t Stand Losing You”: A bold single peaking at No. 2 in the UK, notable for its controversial cover art.
- “So Lonely”: A fan favorite blending reggae rhythms with emotional lyrics, later hitting No. 6 in the UK.
- Notable Facts: The album’s title, meaning “Outlaws of Love” in French, reflects its romantic and rebellious themes. “Roxanne” initially flopped but gained traction after US radio play. The band’s punk roots and Sting’s high-pitched vocals made them stand out, despite criticism from punk purists for lacking “street cred.”
2. Reggatta de Blanc (1979)
- Overview: Released in October 1979, Reggatta de Blanc (“White Reggae”) solidified The Police’s reggae-rock fusion. It topped the UK and Australian charts, showcasing their growing confidence and musicianship. The album’s instrumental title track earned a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.
- Track Highlights:
- “Message in a Bottle”: Their first UK No. 1 single, a storytelling masterpiece about isolation, also hit No. 2 in Canada.
- “Walking on the Moon”: Another UK No. 1, its minimalist groove captured their signature sound.
- “The Bed’s Too Big Without You”: A reggae-infused track later included in their Six Pack release.
- Notable Facts: Recorded at Surrey Sound Studios, the album was made under time constraints, yet its polished sound elevated their status. The band’s first world tour in 1980, including stops in Mexico and India, followed its release, cementing their global appeal.
3. Zenyatta Mondatta (1980)
- Overview: Released in October 1980, Zenyatta Mondatta was recorded in just three weeks in the Netherlands due to tax reasons. It topped the UK Albums Chart and reached No. 5 on the US Billboard 200, marking their US breakthrough. The album balanced pop accessibility with experimental edges.
- Track Highlights:
- “Don’t Stand So Close to Me”: The UK’s best-selling single of 1980, it won a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance.
- “De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da”: A catchy pop hit reaching No. 10 in the US, reflecting Sting’s playful lyricism.
- “Behind My Camel”: An instrumental by Andy Summers, it won a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.
- Notable Facts: The rushed recording left the band dissatisfied, but critics praised its energy. The album’s success fueled their first world tour, documented in The Police Around the World film. Its title, a play on words, reflects their quirky creativity.
4. Ghost in the Machine (1981)
- Overview: Released in October 1981, Ghost in the Machine marked a shift to a richer, layered sound with saxophones and synthesizers. Recorded at AIR Studios in Montserrat, it hit No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 in the US, showcasing their evolution from punk roots to polished rock.
- Track Highlights:
- “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic”: Their fourth UK No. 1, a pop gem with a Caribbean vibe, reaching No. 3 in the US.
- “Spirits in the Material World”: A philosophical track blending reggae and new wave.
- “Invisible Sun”: A politically charged single addressing the Northern Ireland conflict.
- Notable Facts: Co-produced by Hugh Padgham, the album’s title was inspired by Arthur Koestler’s book. Its cover featured digital likenesses of the band, a nod to their futuristic sound. Sting’s growing stardom began straining band dynamics during this period.
5. Synchronicity (1983)
- Overview: Released in June 1983, Synchronicity was The Police’s magnum opus, topping charts in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Italy. Selling over 8 million copies in the US alone, it’s their best-selling album. Recorded amid band tensions, it showcased their peak creativity.
- Track Highlights:
- “Every Breath You Take”: Their only US No. 1 and fifth UK No. 1, it won Grammys for Song of the Year and Best Pop Performance.
- “Wrapped Around Your Finger”: A haunting track with mythological themes, hitting the UK Top 10.
- “King of Pain”: A US Top 3 hit reflecting Sting’s personal struggles.
- Notable Facts: Recorded in separate rooms due to band conflicts, Synchronicity was a tense but triumphant effort. Its Shea Stadium performance in 1983 was a career highlight, with Sting calling it “Everest.” The album earned three Grammy Awards and was nominated for Album of the Year.
How many albums does The Police Have?
The English rock band the Police has released five studio albums, three live albums, seven compilation albums, fourteen video albums, four soundtrack albums and twenty-six singles.
All The Police Albums in Order of Release Date
Studio albums:
1. Outlandos d’Amour — 17 November 1978
2. Reggatta de Blanc — 5 October 1979
3. Zenyatta Mondatta — 3 October 1980
4. Ghost in the Machine — 2 October 1981
5. Synchronicity — 17 June 1983
Live albums:
1. Live! — May 1995
2. Certifiable: Live in Buenos Aires — November 2008
3. Around the World — 20 May 2022
Compilation albums:
1. Every Breath You Take: The Singles — 31 October 1986
2. Their Greatest Hits — October 1990
3. Greatest Hits — 28 September 1992
4. Every Breath You Take: The Classics — March 1995
5. The Very Best of Sting & The Police — 3 November 1997
6. The Very Best of Sting & The Police (updated) — 18 February 2002
7. The Police — 5 June 2007
8. Flexible Strategies — November 2018
Box sets:
1. Six Pack — 30 May 1980
2. Message in a Box: The Complete Recordings — 27 September 1993
3. Every Move You Make: The Studio Recordings — 16 November 2018
Extended plays:
1. Voices Inside My Head (Remixes) — May 1995
Compilation Albums and Live Recordings
Beyond their five studio albums, The Police released notable compilations and live recordings. The Police (2007) is a comprehensive compilation of their hits, while Live! (1995) captures concerts from 1979 and 1983, showcasing their raw and polished eras. Certifiable: Live in Buenos Aires (2008) documents their 2007-2008 reunion tour, a testament to their enduring stage presence. These releases round out The Police discography for collectors and fans seeking more.
The Police’s Legacy
The Police’s fusion of rock, reggae, and new wave left an indelible mark on music. As pioneers of the Second British Invasion, they influenced countless artists, from U2 to No Doubt. Their innovative sound, Sting’s introspective lyrics, and Copeland’s rhythmic complexity remain relevant. With four albums on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time” and a 2003 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, their legacy endures. The Police album list continues to inspire new generations.
Where to Start Listening
New to The Police? Start with Synchronicity (1983) for its polished hits like “Every Breath You Take” and universal appeal. For their raw, punky energy, try Outlandos d’Amour (1978) with “Roxanne.” Both showcase different facets of their sound, making them perfect entry points into The Police music chronology.
FAQ
How many studio albums did The Police release?
The Police released five studio albums: Outlandos d’Amour (1978), Reggatta de Blanc (1979), Zenyatta Mondatta (1980), Ghost in the Machine (1981), and Synchronicity (1983).
What is The Police’s most successful album?
Synchronicity (1983) is their most successful, topping charts in multiple countries and selling over 8 million copies in the US alone.
Are there any unreleased Police albums?
No unreleased studio albums exist, though a sixth album was attempted in 1986 but abandoned due to band tensions and Copeland’s injury.
What is the best Police album for beginners?
Synchronicity is ideal for beginners due to its accessible hits like “Every Breath You Take,” while Outlandos d’Amour offers their raw early sound.
Conclusion:
The Police’s five studio albums, from the gritty Outlandos d’Amour to the iconic Synchronicity, trace their meteoric rise and genre-defining sound. With over 75 million records sold and a lasting influence, their discography is a must-explore for rock fans. Whether you’re revisiting classics or discovering them anew, The Police albums in order offer a timeless journey. Which album is your favorite? Share below and check out our other classic rock guides!
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