
If there was ever a time in which weโve reached peak collaborations, that time would be now. Sting & Shaggy are the pairing that nobody saw coming and Iโm not sure anyone was asking for. I mean Sting hasnโt necessarily been in peak form in quite some time and although Shaggy is an instantly recognizable name and voice in reggae, there are countless better artists Sting could have chosen from the genre. However, despite going intoย 44/876 with a hefty amount of cynicism, I walked away generally positive and with a smile on my face. At times it can be as hokey as youโd expect, crossing off a checklist of myriad Caribbean and reggae cliches, but damn if it isnโt an enjoyable listen nonetheless. I canโt remember the last time weโve heard Sting having this much fun (he dives all in), Shaggyโs voice is nothing less than highly distinctive and a great foil to Stingโs smoother vocals, and their clear natural chemistry together makes for good vibes. This reggae-lite collaboration between Sting & Shaggy may not have been asked for, but it is welcomed.
โIโm not asking for forgiveness
Iโm not proud of what Iโve done
I did the things I had to do, like any other motherโs son
None of us are perfect, so remember what you see
When the Good lord carved this crooked soul, out of a crooked treeโ
Have you heardย 44/876? Whatโd you think about it? Do you think Sting & Shaggy worked well together? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to leave your own ratings and reactions for the album.
