Description
The Police – Ghost In The Machine – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Released on October 2, 1981, Ghost in the Machine marked a sonic shift for The Police, moving away from the stripped-down, reggae-infused rock of their earlier albums and embracing a more layered, experimental sound. Incorporating synthesizers, saxophones, and jazz influences, the album showcases the band’s growing musical ambition while retaining their signature blend of new wave, rock, and reggae. Ghost in the Machine explores alienation, technology, political unrest, and existential questioning, making it one of their most introspective and socially conscious records.
Unlike the tight, guitar-driven sound of albums like Outlandos d’Amour (1978) and Reggatta de Blanc (1979), Ghost in the Machine features a richer, more textured production, with Sting taking a stronger role in shaping the album’s musical direction. The addition of synths, saxophones (played by Sting himself), and jazz-infused rhythms gives the record a brooding, atmospheric quality, making it a bridge between their early rawness and the polished grandeur of Synchronicity (1983).
Lyrically, the album reflects a growing disillusionment with modern society, inspired in part by Arthur Koestler’s book The Ghost in the Machine, which examines human nature and the flaws in civilization. Songs touch on themes of political oppression, isolation, and personal struggles, giving the album a darker, more philosophical edge compared to The Police’s previous work.
Key Tracks and Highlights
Spirits in the Material World – The album’s opener blends reggae rhythms with synth-driven new wave, featuring lyrics that critique political systems and materialism. Sting’s message: There is no political solution to our troubled evolution.
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic – One of the band’s most beloved hits, this track contrasts the album’s darker themes with its uplifting, piano-driven melody. The song’s buoyant, romantic lyrics and infectious energy made it a commercial success, reaching No. 1 in the UK and No. 3 in the US.
Invisible Sun – A haunting, slow-burning track about war and suffering, inspired by the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The moody synths and introspective lyrics make it one of the album’s most powerful moments.
Demolition Man – A hard-hitting, funk-infused rock song that showcases Sting’s fiery vocals and Andy Summers’ gritty guitar work. Later covered by Grace Jones and used in the 1993 action movie Demolition Man.
Too Much Information – A punchy, fast-paced track that critiques media overload and modern society’s obsession with trivial content—a theme still relevant today.
Rehumanize Yourself – An aggressive, saxophone-driven anthem calling for societal change in a world where people feel dehumanized.
One World (Not Three) – A reggae-inspired track that preaches unity and criticizes nationalism, reflecting The Police’s continued political awareness.
Omegaman – Written by guitarist Andy Summers, this song adds a futuristic, dystopian feel, further reinforcing the album’s themes of isolation and control.
Ghost in the Machine was a commercial success, reaching No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 in the US. The album’s blend of pop hooks and deeper, socially conscious themes resonated with audiences, producing some of The Police’s most enduring hits. Critics praised the band’s willingness to evolve, though some noted the heavier use of synths and saxophones as a departure from
Ghost in the Machine stands as a crucial turning point for The Police, setting the stage for their final album, Synchronicity, which would elevate them to superstardom. The record’s themes of technological alienation, political turmoil, and emotional disconnection remain eerily relevant today, making it a timeless, thought-provoking listen. Whether for its memorable hits or its deeper conceptual layers, Ghost in the Machine remains one of The Police’s most fascinating and ambitious works.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Spirits In The Material World
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
Invisible Sun
Hungry For You (J’Aurais Toujours Faim De Toi)
Demolition Man
Too Much Information
Rehumanize Yourself
One World (Not Three)
Ωmegaman
Secret Journey
Darkness
