One World (Not Three)

The Zoo Crew is spinning "One World (Not Three)" by The Police, a reggae-infused track from their 1981 album Ghost in the Machine. This song stands out for its infectious horn riffs and socially conscious lyrics, which challenge the concept of a divided world, particularly the notion of a "Third World." In a 1981 Rolling Stone review, Debra Rae Cohen described it as a "virtuosic instrumental display," praising drummer Stewart Copeland’s ability to blend reggae nuances with rock dynamics. The song’s message aligns with the band’s broader ethos of unity, a theme Sting often explored in his songwriting, influenced by his reading of Arthur Koestler’s philosophical work, which inspired the album’s title. Copeland’s drumming, paired with Sting’s saxophone harmonies, creates a layered sound that Paste magazine in 2021 called part of the album’s "futurist vision of pop," integrating global sounds seamlessly.

Another piece of trivia comes from the album’s production challenges. During the recording at AIR Studios in Montserrat, The Police faced technical limitations, particularly with "One World (Not Three)" and other tracks featuring heavy brass. Sting played all the saxophone parts himself, a testament to his multi-instrumental talent, as noted in a 2022 reissue feature on uDiscoverMusic. Andy Summers, in the 2012 documentary Can’t Stand Losing You: Surviving the Police, reflected on the tense atmosphere during the album’s creation, citing personal struggles like his divorce and band friction, which he felt the album’s darker, crowded sound mirrored. Despite these challenges, the song’s upbeat rhythm and call for global unity made it a fan favorite, often highlighted in fan discussions on Reddit’s ThePolice community for its layered instrumentation.

The Police, formed in London in 1977, began as a punk-inspired trio before evolving into a genre-blending powerhouse. Sting (Gordon Sumner), a former teacher and jazz enthusiast, met drummer Stewart Copeland, who had played in progressive rock band Curved Air, at a local jazz club. Their shared love for diverse musical styles sparked the band’s formation, with guitarist Andy Summers joining soon after, bringing a textured, atmospheric style from his work with artists like The Animals. As Sting shared in a 1983 interview, their early days were scrappy, playing small gigs in London’s punk scene, but their reggae and jazz influences set them apart, leading to a deal with A&M Records. Their debut album, Outlandos d’Amour, featuring hits like "Roxanne," marked their rise, with Ghost in the Machine cementing their global success.

Fans can connect with The Police through their official website, which offers news, tour archives, and music. Their Facebook page shares updates and nostalgic posts, while their Instagram features rare photos and fan engagement. On X, the band interacts with fans, often reposting tributes. Fan communities thrive on platforms like Reddit’s ThePolice subreddit, where discussions about songs like "One World (Not Three)" flourish. The Police Fans Facebook group is another hub for Zoo Freaks to share memories, rare vinyl finds, and concert stories, keeping the band’s legacy alive.