Just one year after the success of their first album, The Police release "Reggatta De Blanc" in the fall of 1979, surfing on the immense success of 'Roxanne' and other 'Can't Stand Losing You' which continue to flood the radio programs. With this second album, the English trio copies the recipe of the first one with clever little changes that will also propel it to the top of the charts worldwide. Starting with 'Message In The Bottle' or 'Walking On The Moon' which contain all the ingredients of planetary hits, immediate melodies with a small reggae side and arrangements which are clearly refined.
The English have quickly learned from their mistakes and correct them on this album with notably less approximation in the writing, which gives a more homogeneous album. It is at the expense of the most raw and rock tracks, since the music of The Police is noticeably smoother and the pop aspect prevails over the raw energy noticed during the previous exercise. If the reggae influences are still present ('The Bed's Too Big Without You', 'Walking On The Moon'), electronic sounds appear on 'Contact', while the piano intro of 'Does Anyone Stare' installs a new blues atmosphere for the band.
There are still some more Rock tracks like 'It's Alright For You' which reminds (too much) the first album, or 'No Time This Time', but the inspiration is not the greatest quality of these tracks, Sting being even annoying on the second one. On the contrary, the eponymous track, halfway between pop and world is a real success and will make the crowd sing live with its "i-oh, i-oh, i-yé-oh". 'Bring On The Night' is also a good example of the Pop turn taken by the trio with its light reggae background and its fine orchestration. In the same vein, 'Deathwish' shows how much the three companions are in unison between the rumbling bass, the omnipresent but subtle guitar and the jumping drums for a surprising result of simplicity and efficiency.
The Police is making its mark and is at the top of its success, if not at the top of its art, which will happen soon. "Reggatta De Blanc" breaks new ground and establishes the popularity of the Londoners. The ascent is lightning, as will be the career of the group which will end after 6 years and 5 albums. It doesn't take much to write rock legend and history, and "Reggatta De Blanc" certainly holds a prominent place in both.