The Last Ship by Sting is the first album of entirely new songs that he has released in almost a decade. The music has different levels, some in areas which he has not ventured before. It reflects the deep  introspection and soul searching which was spurred on by a confusing childhood, the surreal industrial landscape of the shipyard town he was born and raised in and brewed in a pot  of mixed emotions.
Here he speaks in voices other than his own and expresses points of view that were perhaps different from his. He states, “It is only a ship of dreams, an allegory for what might have been , an allegory about the importance of work , the importance of community as well as the underlying themes of fatherhood, exile, alienation ,religion redemption, mortality, passion, humour and the courage that sometimes emerges from desperation.”

The twelve songs are folksy and narrative in effect telling tales of days past with imagery laden lyrics. There is a reliance on accordions, pipes and harmonica  to build the requisite effects of a story teller.
The track And yet takes you back to the familiar chord patterns of Stings popular hits .What have we got ? resembles a Riverdance tune. Most of the tracks need to be heard a few times for them to grow on you. Sting’s vocals take on a different accent with the songs.

- Reviewed by Savio Miranda