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Ghost in the Machine

by The Police

Released: October 02, 1981

New wave, avant-pop

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

The album is often cited among the greatest albums of all time, demonstrating The Police's evolution as a band during a pivotal era in rock music. "Ghost in the Machine" is the fourth studio album by British rock band The Police, released on October 2, 1981. This marked a shift in the band's recording approach, utilizing separate rooms for different instruments to achieve a live feel.

Inside the Recording

The album was recorded at AIR Studios in Montserrat and Le Studio in Quebec, with production by Hugh Padgham, known for his innovative drum sound.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album features a rich blend of rock…

The album features a rich blend of rock, reggae, and new wave, incorporating heavy use of keyboards and saxophones.

Key tracks include the hit singles "Every Little…

Key tracks include the hit singles "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," "Invisible Sun," and "Spirits in the Material World," showcasing diverse musical styles and lyrical themes.

The album's title was inspired by Arthur Koestler's…

The album's title was inspired by Arthur Koestler's book of the same name, reflecting themes of duality and human consciousness.

The cover art, featuring a stylized display of…

The cover art, featuring a stylized display of the band members' faces, is considered iconic.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

The Police - Ghost in the Machine

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Then

Reception

Commercially successful, the album produced multiple hit singles, with "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" becoming one of the band's signature songs. Ghost in the Machine topped the UK Albums Chart and reached number two on the US Billboard 200.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Ghost in the Machine" is the fourth studio album by British rock band The Police, released on October 2, 1981. The album was recorded at AIR Studios in Montserrat and Le Studio in Quebec, with production by Hugh Padgham, known for his innovative drum sound. This marked a shift in the band's recording approach, utilizing separate rooms for different instruments to achieve a live feel.

The album features a rich blend of rock, reggae, and new wave, incorporating heavy use of keyboards and saxophones. Key tracks include the hit singles "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," "Invisible Sun," and "Spirits in the Material World," showcasing diverse musical styles and lyrical themes.

Ghost in the Machine topped the UK Albums Chart and reached number two on the US Billboard 200. The album's title was inspired by Arthur Koestler's book of the same name, reflecting themes of duality and human consciousness. The cover art, featuring a stylized display of the band members' faces, is considered iconic.

Commercially successful, the album produced multiple hit singles, with "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" becoming one of the band's signature songs. The album is often cited among the greatest albums of all time, demonstrating The Police's evolution as a band during a pivotal era in rock music.