Sting announced June 17, 2009 that his next album, "If On a Winter's Night...," will be inspired by his favorite time of year and feature two original compositions as well as traditional songs, carols and lullabies from the British Isles. The album is slated for release October 27 on Deutsche Grammophon.

 "The theme of winter is rich in inspiration and material," Sting said in a statement. "By filtering all of these disparate styles into one album I hope we have created something refreshing and new."   

"If On A Winter's Night" finds Sting collaborating with Robert Sadin, who produced and arranged Herbie Hancock's Grammy-winning "Gershwin's World," and a host of guest musicians including his longtime guitarist Dominic Miller. The artist's original compositions are entitled "Lullaby for an Anxious Child" and "The Hounds of Winter," and among the traditional songs being interpreted are the Newscastle ballad "The Snow It Melts the Soonest," the English "begging" song "A Soalin'," and "Gabriel's Message," a carol that dates back to the 14th century.

Of his deep affinity for winter, Sting explained, "Our ancestors celebrated the paradox of light at the heart of the darkness, and the consequent miracle of rebirth and the regeneration of the seasons."


1. Gabriel's Message            
2. Soul Cake             
3. There Is No Rose Of Such Virtue   
4. The Snow It Melts The Soonest  
5. Christmas At Sea          
6. Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming     
7. Cold Song              
8. The Burning Babe           
9. Now Winter Comes Slowly      
10. The Hounds Of Winter      
11. Balulalow             
12. Cherry Tree Carol          
13. Lullaby For An Anxious Child     
14. Hurdy Gurdy Man          
15. You Only Cross My Mind In Winter