Brand New Day

Released in 1999, Brand New Day marked a significant commercial resurgence for Sting, eventually winning two Grammy Awards including Best Pop Vocal Album. The project saw Sting move away from his long-time producer Hugh Padgham in favor of Kipper (Mark Eldridge), whose background in programming and synthesizers gave the album its distinctively modern, slightly electronic edge. Recorded primarily at Sting's villa in Tuscany, the sessions were characterized by a relaxed but disciplined atmosphere that allowed for experimental collaborations. The inclusion of Algerian singer Cheb Mami on 'Desert Rose' was a pivotal moment for world music in the mainstream, helping the track become a global hit. Critics at AllMusic noted the album's 'craftsmanship' and 'sophistication,' though some pointed out its extreme polish as a departure from the raw energy of his earlier work. It remains a definitive document of the 'high-end' pop production style of the late 90s, blending organic instrumentation with the emerging digital tools of the era.