1985 single by Sting

"Love Is the Seventh Wave" is a hit single from Sting`s 1985 solo debut album The Dream of the Blue Turtles. It was released as the album`s second single in the UK, and the third single in the US.

Song information

The song concludes with a brief, self-mocking reference to Sting`s biggest hit song with The Police, "Every Breath You Take". "At the end I sing, `Every cake you bake, every leg you break`. I quite like using the songs as a modular system where you can mix and match lines from different songs. It`s a tradition now".[2]

Reception

Cash Box said that "the lilting rhythmic push and tropical melodic line...recalls Police-like efforts, but Branford Marsalis’ soprano sax coloring and the overall blending of instruments make this another appealing Sting solo success."[3] Billboard said that it integrates "reggae influence" with "jazz chops."[4]

Music video

The music video portrays Sting as a primary school teacher (his day job prior to pursuing a music career), who performs amidst his students` artwork.

The artwork was supplied by students at Latchmere Junior School, Kingston-upon-Thames, in the United Kingdom.

Single release

The single contains a different mix of the song from the album. It also features a live version of "Consider Me Gone", which was recorded at the Mogador Theatre in Paris in May 1985.

Track listings

7" US single (AM-2787)

1. "Love Is the Seventh Wave" (Single Version) – 3:45
2. "The Dream of the Blue Turtles" – 1:15

12" UK single (AMY 272)

1. "Love Is the Seventh Wave" (New Mix) – 4:05
2. "Consider Me Gone" (Live) – 4:45

12" US single (SP-12153)

1. "Love Is the Seventh Wave" (New Mix) – 4:05
2. "Fortress Around your heart" (Album Version) – 4:48
3. "Dream of the blue turtles" – 1:15

Charts

Weekly charts

Cover versions

The song was covered by Canadian band, The Duhks. It is a bonus track on their eponymous album, released in 2005.