"Songs from the Labyrinth" is the eighth studio album by British singer-songwriter Sting, released in 2006. The album features a collaboration with Bosnian lutenist Edin Karamazov and is centered around the music of 16th-century composer John Dowland, known for his melancholic lute songs.
The album debuted at number 24 on the UK Official Albums Chart and reached number 25 on the Billboard 200. Notably, it was Sting's first album since Bring on the Night in 1986 to fail to break into the UK top 10.
The album has been released in multiple formats, including LP vinyl and CD editions with 23 tracks, a CD/DVD edition featuring 8 tracks on the CD alongside a documentary titled The Journey and the Labyrinth, and a CD re-release with 26 tracks, which includes live versions of Sting's songs "Fields of Gold" and "Message in a Bottle." In 2013, the "Dowland Anniversary Edition" was released, comprising 32 tracks, including the full original album and additional live recordings.
The original CD features Dowland's compositions, alongside "Have You Seen the Bright Lily Grow" by Robert Johnson, a contemporary of Dowland. The 2008 re-release added two live recordings of Sting's original songs performed with lutes, as well as a live version of "Hellhound on My Trail" by Delta blues musician Robert Johnson.
The album also includes readings from a letter by Dowland to Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, adding a historical context to the music. Many of Dowland's song lyrics remain anonymous, reflecting the era's artistic conventions.
Songs from the Labyrinth represents a unique blend of classical and contemporary influences, showcasing Sting's versatility as an artist while paying homage to the rich heritage of lute music. The collaboration with Karamazov highlights the intricate interplay between voice and lute, creating a serene and introspective listening experience.
