"Sacred Love" is the seventh studio album by Sting, released on September 29, 2003. This album marked a shift in Sting's musical style, featuring smoother, R&B-influenced beats and collaborations with notable artists like Mary J. Blige and sitar player Anoushka Shankar.
The album incorporates elements of rock and R&B, with standout tracks such as "Inside" and "Dead Man's Rope" showcasing Sting's experimentation with new sounds. One of the notable songs, "This War," carries a more rock-oriented feel, while the opener "Send Your Love" adapts lines from William Blake's Auguries of Innocence, blending poetic influences into the music.
### Collaborations and Awards
Sting's collaboration with Mary J. Blige on "Whenever I Say Your Name" earned a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the 46th Grammy Awards in 2004. The album's first single, "Send Your Love," was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, though it lost to Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River."
Sacred Love reflects Sting's continued evolution as an artist, merging different genres and influences while maintaining his lyrical depth. Its collaborations and experimental nature contribute to its place in his discography.
