Message In A Bottle, 7''

'Message in a Bottle' was the first single from the 'Reggatta de Blanc' album and the quintessential Police song. Great guitar solo, great vocals, singalong chorus - it's got the lot. Reportedly first played live at the Hatfield Polytechnic show which was recorded for the BBC's 'Rock Goes to College" programme. A regular in both The Police and Sting's live shows since that day in Hatfield, Sting has in recent times taken to performing the song acoustically. Probably the most collectible item is the US badge shaped picture disc. Using a Stewart riff and a Sting lyric, 'Landlord' is a passionate song from a time when Stewart was living in a squat, and Sting and his family were at the mercy of landlords and had been thrown out of a house they rented in London. The song was a regular in the set list around 1979 and 1980. It can be found on the B-side of the 'Message In A Bottle' single, and a live version of the track also appears on the 'Message In A Box' compilation.

Review from Billboard

"Already No.1 in the UK, this reggae-tinged rock song has more of a rock feel than their previous hits, 'Roxanne' and 'Can't Stand Losing You'. The hook is irresistible and Sting's vocal adds punch."

Review from Sounds

"Apocalypso stuff from a band who are beginning to sound disconcertingly like themselves. Typecastaways? A multiphased record with a dipping and very hooky lead riff under lying throughout. The phoney West Indian vocals and backbeat end up working well; clean and flat across the complex structure of the song. As mild as paint stripper and the neighbours will probably complain."

Review from New Musical Express

You want pop? You won't get better pop than this. Its manners are so impeccable you could take it anywhere. Of course, in about two month's time you'll have had more than you can take, which only goes to confirm its eminence in the field. Police singles are the rock counterpart to Chic, the most distinctive, charismatic sound around. And like Chic, the beauty of it is simplicity, and the strong identity of the vocals. 'Message In A Bottle' repeats the plaintive, lonely lilt of 'Can't Stand Losing You' that so well suits Sting's voice, and dovetails rock and reggae rhythms togher so tightly the seams barely show. Actually The Selecter pull that last stroke off better but we won't quibble. The Police make it all sound so effortless; like they could knock these things out by the hour. It's sophisticated without trying to be clever, suave without trying to be flash, too early yet to have sunk into formula, and one above their last. As the judge said to the thief, this one will cell and cell.

Review from Record Mirror

Smoother than usual, obviously softened up for the American market. Still a reasonable release, all the same.