Zanyatta Mondatta, The Police - Promo Copy

The Police – Zenyattà Mondatta

Artist: The Police

Title: Zenyattà Mondatta

Album Type: Third Studio Album

Original Release Date: October 3, 1980

Label: A&M Records

Genre: New Wave / Reggae Rock / Post-Punk

Background & Production Zenyattà Mondatta serves as the bridge between the raw, "white reggae" energy of The Police's early work and the complex, synth-heavy sophistication of their later years. Recorded in just four weeks at Wisseloord Studios in the Netherlands (chosen for tax reasons), the sessions were famously rushed. The band finished the final mixes at 4:00 AM on the day they began their world tour. Despite the internal friction and deadline pressure—Sting has since called it their "most flawed" record—it was the album that transformed the trio into global superstars, reaching #1 in the UK and #5 on the US Billboard 200.

Musical Composition & Themes The album features the band's signature "elastic" interplay, blending Stewart Copeland’s polyrhythmic drumming, Andy Summers’ atmospheric, chorus-drenched guitar, and Sting’s melodic basslines.

• Political Evolution: This record marked the beginning of Sting’s move toward socially conscious songwriting. Tracks like "Driven to Tears" (poverty and wealth disparity) and "Bombs Away" (the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan) added a serious edge to their pop sensibilities.

• Key Singles: The album produced two massive hits: "Don't Stand So Close to Me," a tale of illicit attraction featuring literary nods to Nabokov, and "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da," which explored the power of simple, rhythmic language.

• Grammy Success: The album won two Grammys in 1982, including Best Rock Instrumental for "Behind My Camel"—a track Sting famously disliked so much that he refused to play on it, leading Andy Summers to record the bass parts himself.

Critical Legacy While the band initially felt the production was thin due to the rushed schedule, the album is now regarded as a New Wave masterpiece. Its lean, clean sound and use of early synthesizers (like the Roland GR-300 guitar synth) set the sonic template for the early 80s. It remains a staple for collectors, particularly for those seeking the original UK pressings which are noted for their superior dynamic range compared to the rushed domestic versions.

• Keywords: The Police, Sting, Zenyatta Mondatta, Don't Stand So Close to Me, New Wave, Reggae Rock, A&M Records, 1980 Vinyl, Stewart Copeland, Andy Summers.

• Collection Ideas: 80s New Wave Essentials, Multi-Platinum Classics, Grammy Winners, Reggae-Inflected Rock.

• Related Artists: The Cars, Joe Jackson, Blondie, Men at Work, Elvis Costello.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve