I think one of the reasons why I haven't posted my thoughts on the songs so far is that I find that having the tracks become available over an extended period of time, prior to the full album release, in a way takes away from the excitement and anticipation of getting the whole thing in my hands at once and listening to it straight through

EXACTLY!  I feel the same way.  My first listen to any Sting album rivals a religious experience.  I lock myself away, make sure nobody can bother me, and experience the album as a whole.  I would NOT want to hear the songs dribble out one by one.  I'm surprised not more Sting fans have expressed this thought.  Anticipation, I suppose, overpowers most.  But if you can wait for the album release, your patience will reap quite a reward. 

 

By the way, excellent post, Bruce.  Beautifully composed. 

 

Johnny Nitro