Originally released on 1980's 'Zenyatta Mondatta' album, 'Don't Stand So Close To Me' was, deservedly, a UK #1 single, spending 10 weeks on the chart. The single was less successful in the States where it peaked at the #10 spot. The song received a makeover during 1986's unsuccessful 'reunion' attempt, when it was made much bleaker. The 1986 release also saw the appearance of a Live version on the 12" single together with a 'Dance Mix'. The latter two being tracks mistakenly omitted from the the 1983 'Message In A Box - The Complete Recordings' compilation. The song saw Sting take court action in the early '80s to stop a deodorant company from using the song in one of their advertisements.

"The poor guy who produced it, he was appalled by the venom that was apparent between us by then. We hadn't seen each other for a long time. It was impossible. So I fucked off. It wasn't very nice. But still, I liked what we did with this song. It seemed much more poignant than the original."
Sting, 'Message In A Box' Liner Notes, '93

"Well, my horse did a forward somersault and I was forced to dismount. I was entirely venomless, sedated as I was by painkillers, Bit I managed (accidentally, I swear) to fatally insult Sting. We exchanged long, mutually abusive letters and took turns in the studio recording over each other's parts. Finally, after wasting several weeks, Miles said, 'Look children, you will both have to share the same room to mix this track.' I had no problem with this and was there for the mix at 10 o'clock sharp. We proceeded to mix, while waiting all day for word of our esteemed leader. I was just getting humpy and beginning to make speeches when Sting showed up with a rose, a hug and a 12-inch switchblade."
Stewart Copeland, 'Message In A Box' Liner Notes, '93

"What can you say That whole thing was absolutely tortuous. The track is all right, but the original's much better. This version took three weeks to record. I did my guitar part on the first night and the rest of the time it was Sting and Stewart arguing about whether the Fairlight or the Synclavier was better. The attempt to record a new album was doomed from the outset. The night before we went into the studio Stewart broke his collarbone falling off a horse and that meant we lost our last chance of recovering some rapport just by jamming together. Anyway, it was clear Sting had no real intention of writing any new songs for the Police. It was an empty exercise."
Andy Summers, 'Message In A Box' Liner Notes, '93

Review from New Musical Express

"Sting knows the scenario, eh? All those nubile Lolitas in 3B just itching to get Mr Sumner hot and bothered while he's marking their geography papers. Hey! Teacher! Leave those kids alone! Aside from the perils of classroom footsy The Police are still manipulating their formula. And why not? It works. Helluva subject matter isn't it? Vladimir's syndrome. Underneath it they're lovable, dependable, safe. Sting is the best looking man in the world and The Police are better than the Beatles. I just wish he'd try a different voice for a change, that the band would attempt a different beat. The subliminal dance goes on and on and on."

Review from Record Mirror

"I hesitate to put it at the top because that will only inflate their already bloated image further. A Police single that isn't a re-release is quite a novelty, but the song itself isn't: pretty lightweight, actually, especially the chorus and customarily repetitive. A number one, anyway."

Review from Sounds

"A single taken from the forthcoming album 'Zenyatta Mondatta' and the weakest yet. A shallow composition that sounds like 'So Lonely' played at 33rpm. Does this herald the demise of the Police institution? Probably not, Sting's got an attractive face and body, and they'll keep them going for a while yet."

Review from Melody Maker

"Could do better? Seeing as this has already gone silver on advance orders alone, there's not a lot I or anyone else for that matter, can say, except that it's a (moan) classic Police formula record. Scratching guitar, Sting's sex appeal and inimitable mysterious build up to that archetypal Police sinaglong-with-Sting chorus. The first of the next six pack is ready and waiting, and although nowhere near 'Moon' or 'Bed's Too Big', Sting knows what he's doing, He thinks..."