Outlandos

Outlandos d'Amour is the debut studio album by the English rock band the Police, released on 2 October 1978 by A&M Records. It marked the group’s first full-length release and helped establish their early sound and approach to concise, melodic songs.

The album was recorded in 1977–78 at Surrey Sound Studio in Leatherhead, England, with Nigel Gray as producer. The core lineup consisted of Sting (Gordon Sumner) on bass and vocals, Andy Summers on guitar, and Stewart Copeland on drums. The record displays a blend of punk energy with reggae-influenced rhythms and pop melodies, a combination that would become a signature of the band’s early work.

Musically, Outlandos d'Amour traverses themes of urban alienation and social observation, delivering sharp, direct lyrics paired with memorable hooks. Notable tracks include the singles “Roxanne” and “Can’t Stand Losing You,” which helped raise the band’s profile, along with songs such as “So Lonely” and “Truth Hits Everybody.”

Reception to the album was mixed in some contemporary reviews, but it received broader recognition over time for its tight songwriting and distinctive sound. It is now regarded as an important early entry in the late 1970s new wave movement and as a foundational record for the Police.

Legacy and influence: Outlandos d'Amour established the band’s blend of punk, reggae, and pop influences, setting the stage for their subsequent breakthrough. The follow-up album, Regatta de Blanc (1979), built on this foundation and achieved substantial commercial success.