"Love Is the Seventh Wave" is a hit single from Sting's 1985 solo debut album The Dream of the Blue Turtles. It was released as the album's second single in the UK, and the third single in the US.

Song information

The song concludes with a brief, self-mocking reference to Sting's biggest hit song with The Police, "Every Breath You Take". "At the end I sing, 'Every cake you bake, every leg you break'. I quite like using the songs as a modular system where you can mix and match lines from different songs. It's a tradition now".

Reception

Cash Box said that "the lilting rhythmic push and tropical melodic line...recalls Police-like efforts, but Branford Marsalis’ soprano sax coloring and the overall blending of instruments make this another appealing Sting solo success." Billboard said that it integrates "reggae influence" with "jazz chops."

Music video

The music video portrays Sting as a primary school teacher (his day job prior to pursuing a music career), who performs amidst his students' artwork. The artwork was supplied by students at Latchmere Junior School, Kingston-upon-Thames, in the United Kingdom.

Single release

The single contains a different mix of the song from the album. It also features a live version of "Consider Me Gone", which was recorded at the Mogador Theatre in Paris in May 1985.

Track listings

7" US single (AM-2787) 12" UK single (AMY 272) 12" US single (SP-12153)

Charts

Weekly charts

Cover versions

The song was covered by Canadian band, The Duhks. It is a bonus track on their eponymous album, released in 2005.