Symphonicities (2010)

Is it possible that Sting made 2006's lute-powered Songs From the Labyrinth just so the orchestra-featuring revamps of his back catalog contained here would seem less pretentious by comparison? If so, the plan hasn't worked — there are only a few moments when Symphonicities doesn't seem completely preposterous. Worst of all is a string-slathered version of ''Roxanne'' that strips the pop classic of its reggaefied beat, its stench of narrative desperation, and its entire appeal. D

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