44/876 (2018)

44/876 is a collaborative record between Sting and reggae artist Shaggy that may surprise fans of both artists. While the pairing may seem unexpected, the record is a solid and surprisingly enjoyable release that is true to its reggae-inspired sound. The record’s sound is a fusion of reggae, pop, and world music influences, with a heavy emphasis on upbeat rhythms and catchy hooks.

Some songs on the album, however, are a bit too reliant on modern day production techniques. The opening self titled track 44/876 is the biggest victim of this. Additionally, some tracks sound a little too similar to each other, which can make the album feel repetitive at times. One who isn’t hyper well-versed in the world of reggae may find this to be the case more often than not.

Despite these minor shortcomings, there are some standout tracks on the album that make it worth a listen. It is a surprisingly solid record that will likely appeal to fans of both Sting and Shaggy. It is great to put on at a pool day or a beach day and you don’t have to worry about the album not fitting the vibe you’re trying to maintain. While some tracks may rely a little too heavily on modern production techniques and some songs may sound too similar, the record’s sound is executed well and there are enough standout tracks to make it a worthwhile listen. The more and more I listen to it, the more and more I enjoy it.

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Highlight Songs:

• Waiting For The Break of Day

• Gotta Get Back My Baby

• Just One Lifetime

• Crooked Tree

• Sad Trombone

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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?

I say just stream it. Unless you have a physical cd boombox that you take with you to outdoor events, you should stream this album whether it’s at home, in your headphones or over a bluetooth speaker. Definitely worth a listen and definitely worth adding a few songs to your playlists.

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Overall Rating:

3.5 Stars