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My five favorite songs from a group or solo artist.

Five is a tough number, as a band like The Police have a lot of hits and album tracks to pick from. Five is a number that generates discussion, “why not this one instead or you forgot this number four charting song…” That precisely my point. It’s difficult and bound to have differing opinions. As a band, The Police weren’t around for very long, but their music has stood the test of time. It’s easy to recognize one of their songs, the uniqueness of their sound came at a major shift in popular music, and despite being difficult to place in a genre, become successful across the globe.

Here are my five, in no particular order:

“Message in a Bottle” (1979) From the album Reggatta de Blanc. Not a big hit in America, but it was played frequently on radio stations I listened to. It has that driving riff, and then lovely guitar fills.

“Wrapped Around My Finger” (1983) From Synchronicity, a top ten song. Not really a ballad, it has a structural complexity changes gears in tempo and beat. It’s a lovely, but haunting song by Sting.

“When the World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What’s Still Around” (1980) From the album Zenyatta Mondatta. Not a single, but an album track, that barely has any separation from the song “Driven to Tears”, so they are often played together. Bonus!

“Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” (1981) Top five hit, a single from Ghost in the Machine. This song rocks and has an infectious groove. It’s a happy song. Jean Roussel provides the piano and other keyboard parts that really enhance this song.

“Don’t Stand So Close to Me” (1980) From the album Zenyatta Mondatta, it reached the American top ten. The has that driving bass line and more exquisite guitar textures.

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There you have it, join me next Friday for a set of five favorites.