While known as a singular performer – even his stage name is one word – Sting’s next album is a collection of (mostly) previously released collaborations with other artists.

But don’t expect Duets to be a simple compilation of hits: only three of these tracks are from the former Police frontman’s studio albums (four, if you count deluxe editions). Everything else is from Sting’s guest appearances on albums by others and the occasional soundtrack appearance.

Highlights include his 1999 hit “Desert Rose,” recorded with Algerian rai singer Cheb Mami; “Don’t Make Me Wait,” from Sting’s 2018 album with reggae singer Shaggy; the original version of Ten Summoner’s Tales cut “It’s Probably Me,” recorded with Eric Clapton for the Lethal Weapon 3 soundtrack; and U.K. Top 5 hit “Rise & Fall,” with Craig David.  “Practical Arrangement” with Australian vocalist Jo Lawry comes from the sumptuous score to Sting’s Broadway musical The Last Ship, as heard on the deluxe edition of its 2013 concept album.  The international flavor throughout continues with a 2008 duet of “L’amour C’est Comme Un Jour” with Charles Aznavour, more than four decades after the French crooner first recorded it.

Some of Sting’s own singles are reinterpreted with guests, like a version of “Fragile” with Julio Iglesias or a collaboration with Annie Lennox on a remake of his Top 10 hit “We’ll Be Together.” Sting’s love of jazz is featured on a rare 2005 take on “My Funny Valentine” with pianist Herbie Hancock, as well as “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” with trumpeter Chris Botti from 1999 and “Little Something,” a just-released collaboration with jazz singer Melody Gardot. Other new tracks include “Mama,” from Albanian rapper Gashi’s 1984 (released this summer) and “September,” a fresh recording with Italian crooner Zucchero.

This eclectic batch of Duets from Sting and friends is due on March 19, 2021 in CD and 2LP vinyl formats.  You’ll find the track listing and pre-order links below.

Duets (A&M/Interscope/Cherrytree, 2020)

CD: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada
2LP: Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada

1. Little Something (with Melody Gardot)
2. It’s Probably Me (with Eric Clapton)
3. Stolen Car (with Mylène Farmer)
4. Desert Rose (with Cheb Mami)
5. Rise & Fall (with Craig David)
6. Whenever I Say Your Name (with Mary J. Blige)
7. Don’t Make Me Wait (with Shaggy)
8. Reste (with GIMS)
9. We’ll Be Together (with Annie Lennox)
10. L’amour C’est Comme Un Jour (with Charles Aznavour)
11. My Funny Valentine (with Herbie Hancock)
12. Fragile (with Julio Iglesias)
13. Mama (with Gashi)
14. September (with Zucchero)
15. Practical Arrangement (with Jo Lawry)
16. None of Us Are Free (with Sam Moore)
17. In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning (with Chris Botti)

Track 1 from Sunset in the Blue – Decca 742561, 2020
Track 2 from Lethal Weapon 3: Music from the Motion Picture – Elektra 26989, 1992
Track 3 from Interstellaires – Polydor (France) 475 985-4, 2015
Track 4 from Brand New Day – A&M 490 425-2, 1999
Track 5 from Slicker Than Your Average – Wildstar CDWILD42, 2002
Track 6 from Sacred Love – A&M B0001141-02, 2003
Track 7 from 44/876 – A&M/Interscope/Cherrytree B0028176-02, 2018
Track 8 from Ceinture Noire – Play Two/Chahawat/Indifference Pod/Sony Music (France) 19075945412, 2019
Track 9 from Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (The Original Soundtrack) – Geffen B0003566-02, 2004
Track 10 from Duos – Odeon (France) 50999 243682 2 3, 2008
Track 11 from My Funny Valentine: At the Movies – A&M (Japan) UICA-4001, 2005
Track 12 from Crazy – CBS/Sony (Spain) 474738, 1994
Track 13 from 1984 – RCA, 2020
Track 14 previously unreleased
Track 15 from The Last Ship: Deluxe Edition – A&M/Cherrytree B0018722-02, 2013
Track 16 from Overnight Sensational – Rhino R2 77618, 2006
Track 17 from Slowing Down the World – GRP 314 547 301-2, 1999