Yes, the band The Police were exceptionally big in America, achieving massive commercial success and critical acclaim, becoming one of the defining acts of their era.
The Police, composed of Sting, Andy Summers, and Stewart Copeland, emerged from the late 1970s punk and new wave scene to become global superstars, with their unique blend of rock, reggae, and jazz influences resonating strongly with American audiences.
The Rise of The Police in the U.S.
The band's breakthrough in America was significant, marking them as key figures in a new wave of British musical talent. They were widely regarded as one of the leaders of the Second British Invasion of the United States. This period saw many British bands achieve immense popularity across the Atlantic, following in the footsteps of The Beatles and other acts from the original British Invasion of the 1960s.
In 1983, a pivotal year for the band, Rolling Stone magazine underscored their impact by labeling them "the first British New Wave act to break through in America on a grand scale, and possibly the biggest band in the world." This statement reflects the sheer scale of their success and influence at their peak.
Key Achievements and Impact in America
Their journey to becoming "big" in America involved a string of hit singles, multi-platinum albums, and sold-out tours.
- Chart Dominance: The Police consistently topped charts with iconic songs that became staples on American radio.
- "Roxanne" (1978) was their initial breakthrough, establishing their distinctive sound.
- "Message in a Bottle," "Don't Stand So Close to Me," and "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" further cemented their status.
- Their 1983 mega-hit, "Every Breath You Take," was a colossal success, spending eight weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- Album Sales: Their studio albums achieved massive sales figures in the U.S.
- Outlandos d'Amour (1978)
- Reggatta de Blanc (1979)
- Zenyattà Mondatta (1980)
- Ghost in the Machine (1981)
- Synchronicity (1983) was their most successful album, spending 17 weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart and selling over 8 million copies in the U.S. alone.
- Critical Acclaim and Awards: The band garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, underscoring their artistic merit and popular appeal.
- Cultural Influence: The Police were instrumental in bringing new wave and post-punk sounds to mainstream American audiences, influencing a generation of musicians and shaping the sound of 1980s pop and rock music. Their innovative songwriting and musicality set them apart.
The Peak of Their Popularity
The early 1980s marked the zenith of The Police's career in America. Their blend of sophisticated musicianship, intelligent lyrics, and charismatic performances made them a must-see act and a constant presence on radio and MTV. Their tours were major events, filling arenas across the country and demonstrating their immense drawing power.
| Key U.S. Album Successes | Peak Billboard 200 Position | RIAA Certification (U.S.) | Notable Singles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outlandos d'Amour | #23 | Platinum | "Roxanne" |
| Reggatta de Blanc | #25 | Platinum | "Message in a Bottle" |
| Zenyattà Mondatta | #5 | 2x Platinum | "Don't Stand So Close to Me" |
| Ghost in the Machine | #2 | 3x Platinum | "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" |
| Synchronicity | #1 (17 weeks) | 8x Platinum | "Every Breath You Take" |
The band's enduring legacy in America is evidenced by their continued airplay on classic rock and pop stations, the lasting popularity of their music, and their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, solidifying their status as one of rock's most influential and successful bands.
