Studio Album · No. 1
The Dream of the Blue Turtles Songwriting Credits by Sting
Produced by Sting, Pete Smith · Engineered by Pete Smith, Jim Scott
A&M Records
Pop rockJazz rock
100%
Authorship
Holds writing credit on 10 of 10 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 10 / 10 documented
Who wrote the songs?
Scored across the 10 tracks with documented writers, by whether Sting carries a lyricist or composer credit.
10 trackswritten by Sting
0 tracksoutside writers
Sting's roles on this album
Share of the 10 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
Lyricist90%
Composer100%
Producer100%
Performer100%
By the Numbers
10
Tracks
1
Lyricists
2
Producers
3 million
Worldwide Copies Sold
1985
Released
Awards & Recognition 1
Grammy Award for Album of the Year (1986, Nominated)
Data Insight
The Dream of the Blue Turtles is Sting's debut solo album, written entirely by him after leaving the Police, and backed by a band of jazz musicians. Every song is a Sting original, spanning the hits "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free," "Fortress Around Your Heart," and the Cold War meditation "Russians." The album is fully self-written and earned multiple Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year.
Track Listing & Credits 10 tracks
Written by the artist
Written by outside writers
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
If You Love Somebody Set Them Free
#3
|
Sting | Sting | StingPete Smith | Sting (Lead Vocals) |
| 2 |
Love Is the Seventh Wave
|
Sting | Sting | StingPete Smith | Sting (Lead Vocals) |
| 3 |
Russians
#16
|
Sting | StingSergei Prokofiev | StingPete Smith | Sting (Lead Vocals) |
| 4 |
Children's Crusade
|
Sting | Sting | StingPete Smith | Sting (Lead Vocals) |
| 5 |
Shadows in the Rain
|
Sting | Sting | StingPete Smith | Sting (Lead Vocals) |
| 6 |
We Work the Black Seam
|
Sting | Sting | StingPete Smith | Sting (Lead Vocals) |
| 7 |
Consider Me Gone
|
Sting | Sting | StingPete Smith | Sting (Lead Vocals) |
| 8 |
The Dream of the Blue Turtles
|
Not documented | Sting | StingPete Smith | - |
| 9 |
Moon Over Bourbon Street
|
Sting | Sting | StingPete Smith | Sting (Lead Vocals) |
| 10 |
Fortress Around Your Heart
#8
|
Sting | Sting | StingPete Smith | Sting (Lead Vocals) |
Songwriter & Credit Spotlight 3 contributors
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Frequently Asked Questions The Dream of the Blue Turtles
Did Sting write The Dream of the Blue Turtles himself?
Yes. The Dream of the Blue Turtles is fully self-written, with every song an original Sting composition. It was his first solo album after leaving the Police.
Who wrote "Russians" by Sting?
"Russians" was written by Sting, who built its melody around a theme from Prokofiev. The Cold War-themed single reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Who wrote "If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" by Sting?
"If You Love Somebody Set Them Free" was written by Sting. It was his debut solo single and reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
Was The Dream of the Blue Turtles nominated for a Grammy?
Yes. The album earned several Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male. It established Sting as a major solo artist.
What genre is The Dream of the Blue Turtles by Sting?
The Dream of the Blue Turtles is a pop rock album with strong jazz rock influences. Sting recorded it with a band of young jazz musicians, giving it a sophisticated, improvisational feel.
How well did The Dream of the Blue Turtles by Sting sell?
The Dream of the Blue Turtles was certified 3x Platinum in the United States and multi-Platinum internationally. It was a major commercial success for Sting's solo debut.