Reviews (page 11 of 16)
Bit of a mixed bag but already great work from Mark Knopfler. In Wild West End I could hear where the future direction evolved from and, as a guitarist myself, who cannot love Sultans.
Felt a bit uninspired, the tempo, the lyrics. I did like the melodies in most songs. Made for a different generation.
I wish I could rate 5 stars for one song alone but alas, that’s not how this works. I’d happily listen to dire straits all day long. It’s great rock n roll and reminds me of my childhood in a good way.
The way in which the band make each instruments sound on the album is just so mind blowing. The way that the guitar sings on almost each of the song is just so fascinating. As someone who is starting to learn the guitar, this album will be my motivation to keep improving, learning and mastering this instrument.
One of my top albums of all time. A masterpiece.
One of my favorite bands
It was good. I’d listen to it again but probably wouldn’t seek it out.
Sultans and Mark Knopfler. Amazing debut album.
Offensively mediocre.
Sultans of Swing, 1978
Dire Straights' best.
Absolutely classic, Mark Knopfler is an underrated genius!
Own this Sultans of swing is a banger
Classic. Mark Knopfler a hero on guitar
Really enjoyed, but unlikely to go back to it. Would be great on vinyl.
Never realized how good a guitar player Mark Knopfler is.
Good stuff, easy listening
good chill twangy vibes
I've always been a "greatest hits" guy when it came to Dire Straits. I enjoy them, but really wasn't exposed to much more than the hits. This was a fun listen for me which I enjoyed. I'm a sucker for blues-influenced rock, and they have a great blues/soft rock blend.
Interesting and some good listens
This is an amazing album. Already from the first tones it's easy to hear who's playing.
Dad rock. Easy enough listen. Sone nice production
A classic from start to finish. I love this album.
It’s OK it was a very popular realm and sultans of swing is a great song but the album sounds like too much of the same thing. Very little color instrumentally two drums format with no harmonies or other instruments. It’s tedious after a while.
classic
A good chill classic rock album
Great!
2.55. Not great but listenable
This is a fun album overall, and Sultans of Swing is an all-timer. On the other hand, I don't really get what puts it on this list. There was so much more interesting stuff happening in 1978 than Dire Straits 3/5
Nice, but nothing special. 3*
This is a toss up between 4 and 5
Classic, every song here rocks. I will always love Sultan of Swing it’s too good. 3.6
Já tive a opurtunidade de ouvir uma boa quantidade de Dire Straits, contudo tenho a ideia de nunca ter ouvido um álbum na sua integra. Este álbum é algo que eu já esperava, o senhor Knopfler a tocar a sua guitarrra de forma prodigiosa, sendo que o restante parece ficar aquem da sua habilidade na guitarra. Claramente este álbum tem a maior música da banda, que dificilmente alguma chegara perto dela, a mítica Sultões do Swing. E a semelhança da guitarra todas as restantes cantigas ficam ofuscadas em comparação a esta. Um problema que julgo existir com os Dire Straits é a incapacidade dos mesmos de fazerem músicas mais paradas de forma consistente, o Wilda West End acho que sofre muito com este facto tornandpo a música muirto cansativa. Digo isto mas sei que nem todas são assim, O Brothers in Arms (música de outro álbum) é uma obra prima e é ainda mais calma e lenta do que a que referi agora. No geral é um álbum que deve ser ouvido, estes senhores não são nada maus especialmente no que toca a guitarra. A melhor cantiga do álbum é claramente o Sultans of Swing , se não contarmos com ela gostei do Down to the Waterline. Nota: 7/10 07/06/2024
Extremely disappointed only Sultans of Swing was a good track
Another album with one song doing a lot of heavy lifting, but as much as the other songs didn't live up to Sultans of Swing, it was still very enjoyable
album was decent solid vibe 3.7/5
Wild West End is a hidden gem
This is how you make a mellow album
It’s ok
I mean, it's got "Sultans of Swing", who could ask for anything more?
this album is sickkkk. moody little songs in a variety of fun little styles, certain songs having a tex mex vibe. it's very impactful and so playful in terms of composition that i just gotta rate it high.
Down to the Waterline- in the words of Eva, this is a bop. The mix of the guitars and percussion makes the song have a funky little beat. This is a good open to the album. Water of Love- the slow essence of the song and the layered singing adds an unfamiliar tone to the song. There's not much more to say about the song. It's mediocre. Setting Me Up- the layering of the guitars adds a funky vibe to the song. It is somewhere inbetween a bop and being mediocre. The singing does nothing for me, the instruments are what carries the song. Six Blade Knife- this is a slower song that doesn't rely too heavily on the instruments. Unfortunately, that leaves us to rely on the vocals, which adds whispers and groans to the song. This is a mediocre song. Southbound Again- the funky guitar adds a nice vibe to the song. This would probably go in Eva's book as a bop, though, a lower sided bop. Sultans of Swing- an iconic song, it reminds me of riding down the highway. Although objectively, this is the best song off the album, it is not my favorite. This is not me saying the song isn't good, though. It is. In the Gallery- this is once again a mediocre song. Not even the instruments can carry this one. However, it's not bad. It's just not good. It carries on for too long. Wild West End- the acoustic guitar and the slow vibe adds a calming effect to the song. It's a cute sounding song. This track has the best lyrics of the entire album. It isn't a bop and it isn't mediocre. It has its own category from the rest of the songs off the album because it's not like the other songs. Lions- this calm song is once again neither a bop nor mediocre. It's just plain good. The song is brought justice by the vocals. It isn't like the other songs off the album. It is most similar to Wild West End. Overall- the use of the funky sounding guitar is what carries this album. It adds a vibe that reminds me of the sound of the 70s. Although the vocals are different, they feel revolutionary and unique. This album was overall pretty good. It's not exactly my taste, but I can agree that this is objectively good. 3/5.
Have always heard of them and knew a few hits but wow. Loved this album.
Some of the most intelligent guitar work put to an album. Very emotive and thoughtful songs.
Nice easy rock record. Great guitar playing. Really liked the last song I think I’ll go back to that one. But it’s an easy record to stop paying attention to.
I guess if you liked this bluesy rock, then the songs are interesting, but felt like to me that they were all so similar.
Dire Straits is a classic
fine debut album, beautiful understated playing and better in my opinion than the more corporate sound on latter albums. Mark Knopfler's playing is elegant and fluid throughout. Only criticism would be that the songs are all largely low-key, could have done with a little more variation
Starting of strong with some blues I see, very good. Am I biased about a lot of these artists and albums? Yes, absolutely. Does that make my opinion even better because of it? Yes, absolutely. Ooooff... beginning of 'Southbound Again' tickles my brain very nicely. I care about a trumpet playing band! Banger after banger!!
Dude. I had no idea Dire Straits was this good! Dire Straits is a band I've heard of, but I never really checked them out before. After listening to their self-titled debut, I see the appeal. This whole thing is just a very pleasant smooth experience. I like the vocals. I can hear a slight influence from artists like Bob Dylan but I can still hear that Mark Knopfler is a pretty unique singer. Speaking of Mark Knopfler's work on this album, the guitar work is great too! He, along with his brother David, allow the band's music to sound as smooth as it is. The writing is solid, with the tone being very consistent, but not too repetitive. There really isn't a bad song on here. Obviously, "Sultans of Swing" is an absolute classic, but the other songs are just as good. This is a great introduction to a band I'm excited to hear more of. High 4/5.
A sure-fire 5***** and YES! I'm a middle-aged dad! Assured, accomplished with integrity it's hard to believe this was their 1st album. The songs are gutsy and conjure up places in a cold North East port and smoky bars in London-town.
Okay album.
slow guitar sticks like honey
I really like this album. It's a good vibe. Not part of my daily listening, but it's a kind of mellow rock that I am enjoying.
A very strong album, containing one of the all-time classic guitar rock songs. Only a pure genius could write, perform and release something of the calibre of Sultans Of Swing as their debut single. I've spun this record a few times in the past so I have a good familiarity with it. I briefly considered giving it a coveted 5/5, but upon reflection, there are a few ordinary moments via tunes like Setting Me Up and In The Gallery. They're still decent songs, but they don't quite live up to the magic of that standout track. I hope Dire Straits features again in this project as at least one of their other albums is deserving of the 5, based on my logic of magic across the board.
Knopfler has one of the best (mostly) clean lead guitar tones in the history of recorded music. Dude is just a monster and nimble player, whether it be rhythm, little licks and fills, or full out ripping solos. Despite knowing the phenomenal Sultans of Swing, I never dove into Dire Straits albums much. This debut incorporates elements of rock, blues, folk, and country. Knopfler is the star here. His guitar is front and center and his vocal delivery is somewhat reminiscent of Bob Dylan, but less nasally. The rhythm section holds down a tight beat, but doesn’t stand out for flashiness - they really support Knopfler. The fidelity and overall sound is excellent, with songs ranging wonderful to good. The songs have room to breathe without feeling boring or empty. Just a solid band and record overall.
Some really great tracks. Overall pretty enjoyable.
Dire Straits are absolute GOATs. Yes it's 'dad rock' but it's just oozes style. I'm not sure this is their best album, but damn are they good and is this fun to listen to.
I can´t resist Marc Knopflers guitar-play 🎸 and I like his voice and the nice groovy swinging sound. The album contains some of their greatest hit ("Down To The Waterline", "Water Of Love" and "Sultan´s Of Swing") and no real fails. 3,5
Blues rock. Un megahit. Un 4.
I have LOVED Dire Straights since they first came out with an album....this was a Great one!!
Def a leader of the whole "Dad Rock" genre. A few bangers, but doesn't seem to get beyond nostalgia.
Nice chilled album for a Sunday morning.
Thoughts before listening: Another album I own. I love Dire Straits' guitar work and the songs are definitely catchy. "Sultans of Swing" is an all-time great song. Review: Yeah, I like this. There is definitely a cool almost country vibe to these songs, very reminiscent of JJ Cale. I also like how Mark Knopfler's guitar is constantly doing little runs throughout the songs without being overly flashy. Just a nice compliment to the music adding textures throughout. Only real problem with this album is that "Sultans of Swing" overshadows everything else. The rest are perfectly fine, midtempo tunes, but I just want to listen to "Sultans" on repeat. 5-star song on a 3-star album...so I'll give it 4-stars as a whole.
This album was fantastic. I do struggle a bit on first listen to pick out individual favorites but I was grooving to the whole thing. Time flew while listening to it. Lyrics seemed less important to me here, but the sound was incredible. Knowing both Money for Nothing, and Sultans of Swing ahead of time I was a little worried I might find the singer's style of vocals grating. However, I ended up really liking them against the music throughout the whole album.
Diarrhea Streaks
The album babbles along, it's not bad, but if you don't own it, there's nothing missing from your record cabinet.
Again I wanted to give another Dire Straits record a 5. Some of the songs are so strong...and others leave me wanting more. Still really enjoyed the album in it's entirety.
Knopfler showing why hes top 20 axeman
É um senhor clássico
5/13/24. Cool album, thought it would be heavier for some reason, but really good songs. Need to listen again but enjoyed my first time through.
Fine. Sultans Of Swing is a great song. With my current biases/baggage/etc the album feels kind of tired and very much an artifact of its time. Although trying to put myself in the context of being a music listener in 1978, this album probably sounded fresh and cool to some listeners that weren’t in to the punk stuff happening at that time.
Pretty meh. I like some Dire Straits fine, like Brothers In Arms, but they’ve never done much for me. This is fine, but I can only take so much of the verse chorus guitar noodling formula.
Sultans of Swing is a five star song. The rest? Pretty meh.
Really enjoyed this album! Sultans of swing is an absolute masterpiece
a couple good songs, mostly whatever.
3.9 Just pure dire straits, one of my favourites of theirs. fave songs: lions, down to the waterline, sultans of swing
I’d been looking forward to this since I don’t know much about Dire Straits but I LOVE “Money for Nothing.” I forgot all about the song “Sultans of Swing” so that was a fun surprise. I have to say, I don’t normally like blues rock but this was great and I’ll be listening to it again.
It's good.
Perfect! Simple! Easy! Beautiful! Basic!
Really great album and even more impressive when you consider it is a debut. Sultans of Swing is magical. Will listen again.
Not really dire but its strait
Dire Straits hold a special place in my memory as many many years ago, when I was but a preteen, our family had just invested in a new stereo system (with a CD player!) and a distant cousin of mine, being a huge Mark Knopfler fan, insisted that we play Sultans of Swing to test out the audio delights of this new stereo. This album has a really nice comfortable feel. Down To The Waterline seems a strange choice for the opener but it works. I really dug Water Of Love, Six Blade Knife, and of course Sultans Of Swing.
I dig the vibe - shamelessly steal some americana sounds, but give it all a sultry, loungey, early hours of the morning feeling. Chillout rock. Fave tracks - "Sultans of Swing" is obviously the one I know best. "Six Blade Knife" I dug, too...
Fucking ood
I only knew Sultans Of Swing from this, surprised by how much this absolutely slapped. I love all the little guitar leads, it hit the spot so well. Will be revisiting.
Found this a chore to get through Mid compared to brothers in arms. Sultans of swing and Wild West end were ok I guess and I wasn’t sure whether to give it a 2 or a 3 but decided in the end it’s a 2
I mean… come on
Einar var einmitt að spila þessa plötu um daginn og segja hvað hann væri í miklu Dire Straits stuði, ég hafði ekki kynnst þeim áður enda listar pabbi minn ekki á pabbarokk. Öll lögin minntu mig á einhverja aðra tónlist sem ég hefði heldur viljað hlusta á
Cool vibe, loved the first song
Best song: sultan of swing Vibes: studio tapedeck folk country rock
would be 2 if not for sultans of swing
Nice enough listening but didn’t really grab me too much. Maybe needed to give it a closer listen.
I expected more out of this. Slightly disappointed
good but a bit samey
heard it & have it
Excellent! So smooth. Easy listening.
Knopfler rules.
Excellent album for driving
Great album
2.5 stars It’s about as classic rock as classic rock gets. Sultins of Swing is good.
Good one. Mark Knopfler has a really characteristic playing style. Not what I’d call ground breaking but very nice nonetheless.
while ive heard of dire straits before ive never bothered to check them out. im feeling really stupid for that now because this is great. 8/10
Actually enjoyed this even more than ‘Brothers in Arms’ - so only one score really!
Great mix of songs, awesome guitar work, solid rhythm section
The album had a good vibe and it got better and better as it went on. It was a consistent sound that had a few fun builds here and there. Sultans of Swing is the high point, but the songs that followed were all good.
Actually enjoyed it a lot, which I didn’t think I was going to.
I don't think I've listened to any other Dire Straights beyond Sultans of Swing so this album was a pleasant surprise. Strong on the dad rock vibes.
Slow dad rock. Not a bad thing but just didn’t like it as much as I thought I would.
Down to the Waterline 3.4 Water of Love 3.3 Setting Me Up 3 Six Blade Knife 3.2 Southbound Again 3.3 Sultans of Swing 3.8 In the Gallery 3.5 Wild West End 3.4 Lions 3.3 Score: 3.355555556
The musical style of Mark is unique! You may like this style or not. I like it!
Blues rock. Un megahit. Un 4.
Sultans Of Swing. Bien; aunque se me ha hecho un poco largo ... 3. No, venga, Sultans Of Swing se merece 4.
What a great album
I am 39 with two kids. Time to finally sit back and enjoy some mark knopfler guitar licks.
Nobody makes greatness sound easier than Mark Knopfler. Favorite track: Sultans of Swing
Hermoso album. Gran evocador de recuerdos de la infancia.
lowkey boring but some songs saved it from a 1
Sultans of Swing is fantastic. The record isn't necessarily forgettable but I couldn't say what else is on it after listening to it several times.
Perfect for an afternoon ride with my honey
Awesome guitarwork and the vocal style suits the music a lot. Some tracks were a bit boring though. Stand-out: Sultans of Swing
Never really listened to this album surprisingly... heard many of the songs. The opening track intro is a beautiful lead in... This album sounds fantastic. The guitar playing is so nice. Easy 4/5 for me. Really like that album cover too..
Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler are superb such a unique sound can only come from them.
Great debut. Only a couple of so-so tunes. Sultans of Swing is an all-time classic.
Couldn't get over the vocals sounding like Otto the bus driver from The Simpsons. Awful.
Sultans of Swing, an all time favorite song. The rest of the album isn’t bad but pales to that monster hit.
Love Dire Straits but this is no where near their best album, apart from Sultans Of Swing it's a bit of a snoozefest
Sultans of swing
This album sounds so damn nice. Some reviews say it has Bob Dylan like qualities, I might actually enjoy him if he sounded anywhere as good as this.
cool guitars.
Hell yeah guitar riffs
Wish there was more diversity of sound but can't hate the riffs.
7 / 10 Rock "relax" de Diré Straits con los toques mágicos de guitarra de Mark Knopfler
Such a great album. Sultans of Swing is definitely my favourite, but the rest of the album is amazing. 5/5 9/10
Mark Knofpler = musical genius.
Quite decent, enjoyed it
Interesting. Almost a combo of rock and country. I liked it quite a lot.
a good album showcasing Knoplfer's huge talent.
I'm not sure why I see a Walmart display towel when I look at the album art but this is another self titled album for the list of great ones. I didn't even know their "big hit" was on this one until I was a song or two way from it. I wish other tracks would get radio time..I would have found this album sooner.
A good album, I liked the style of music. I liked Down To The Waterline and Water Of Love the most.
Sultans of swing is great but it feels kinda like a single with extra bits rather than an album
Booooooring
it was fine, good guitar
really wish they had a bit more grit
Such smooth music and includes one clear classic
mark knopfler my girl
2.5.
Interesting to see how early this album was released given its sound.
HL: "Sultans", "Wild West End", "Water of Love" Dire Straits are a comforting band to listen to for me. Maybe I don't like this debut as much as Brothers in Arms, or even Making Movies, but perhaps that is because today is the first time I've heard this from front to back. April 7, 2024
I mean, there's sultans of swing on it. Plus: Nice cozy background music.
Decent
From the first time hearing S of Swing it had my interest. Had to find the album and it didn’t disappoint. Great live act. Embraced the video genre and 45 years later still listen to DS and Knopfler solo One of the top guitarists I ever saw. Unique sound
This album and especially Sultans made a big impression when it came out in 78. Made me a fan for life. The sound to me was unique and Knopfler still amazes to this day.
Super sweet. Love the guitar tone and the playing is top notch. Yeahhhh Mark
Sultans of swing contains two of the five greatest guitar solos ever by itself. This album is amazing.
Great guitars and vibe all around but as you progress the album starts to feel quite repetitive
Need to listen again sometime in the future for better analysis.
When I first started driving, I used to listen to Sultans of Swing on repeat with the windows down while I was driving down mountain roadways in the summer evening. This whole album takes me mentally to that place.
I liked it. I didn’t realize they were so jam-y
The instrumentation of these songs is great. The twangy movement of the guitars really drives the tracks. Beautiful guitar work that is not over the top but fits the songs perfectly. The vocals sound a little like JJ Cale to me but seem adequate.
Outstanding! They really are one of the best of all time.
Good sounds
5 stars if it had no vocals. 4.0/5.0: Great
You won't regret it if you put this album on. Won't pat yourself on the back either mind you. It's just a bit of a meh album overall.
Somewhat enjoyable, it's alright. But yeah, that's about it, middle of the pack.
I han da glaub no nie ganz gloset gha und fuuuck isch da guet. Viel meh country als i denkt het. Git sultans of swing recht en andere kontext wenn mers so lost.
og zwei geili albe wonk kenn kn folg aber da hani scho ewig nüm dureglost. down to the waterlone foht schomol meeega geil ah mit knopfler gitarre delay stuff i love iiiiitt. oooooh yeah wenn d band hittet. de knopfler haut liiiicks use maaaann. worschinli min lieblings gitarrist. water of love het slide gitarre uuuuff ich lieb. so smooth aber trotzdem mit energie de woodblock isch suuper wow. setting me up isch classic knopfler gebrüder country style picking mit zwei gitarre. und denn rippin solo hooly shit. huuuere geil. six blade knife meeega low key. mega cool. super schön. ich lieb d gitarre scratches als perkussion. southbound again goht jo huere hardy er spielt soooo fucking geil gitarre. sultans of swing isch ziitlos und wirds immer geh song fürd ewigkeit gitarreparts chrank. wie heter. er het ebe. ha die beide solos mol chöne, gad bock gha zums wieder uffrische. z zweite goht sooooo fucking ham. in the gallery isch huuuere schön, d gitarresounds d chords. ich lieb de mark. wild west end meeega schöns intro mit de resonator gitarre. bwoahh lions chli groovier. huere cooli chords au. mark du heschs druuuuff. wie d gitarre singt mann hey.
ES GOHT LOS water of love sehr en geile rhythmus sultans of swing isch en riese banger aber hanen zu hüfig glost. trotzdem so fucking guet, vor allem will de guitar-george alli chords kennt er chan zwar nöd so mega singe aber er tuet wenigstens nöd so wie wenner chönnt ich glaub da muss no öppis schrecklichs passiere dass es keis 5i geh
Good album great bass lines
Is it my mood the last 2 days? Nothing sounds great. I understand that this is good, right? But I still feel meh.
J. J. Cale (very) plus Dylan.
First time ever listening to this and it's remarkable that Sultans of Swing was sequenced so deep in the mix. Solid. 3.5
One of the greatest guitar records ever made. Every song has a unique vibe, but the album is tied together by the intricate guitar work and gravelly vocals. Sultans of Swing stays one of the best songs of all time.
Swingin'.
I don't know what I *thought* Dire Straits were, but it wasn't this, and I don't like it. I can't say it's bad, but it's tedious and boring. Sultans of Swing has something to it, that was the only good song on the album. It's definitely blues-influenced rock, and the lead singer sounds like a dime store bob Dylan without the interesting bits.
Previously rated: Brothers In Arms (4/5) ************************** It's got Sultans of Swing and uh...Six Blade Knife. The rest wasn't bad, just not memorable.
Epitome of boomer rock and another in the long line of White Brits playing the “blues”. I can’t say I found anything good about this record. Sure the music I guess is good from a purely technical standard but it just hides an empty vessel of a band.
One of my favorite albums.
Un disco muy chulo, con canciones míticas como Sultans of Swing.
Dug it
Where has this been my whole life?
Banger to start the album. Love "Sultans of Swing". Thought the rest of it was enjoyable to listen to as well.
Like the bluesy feel of this album.
Doesn't do it for me.
I thoroughly enjoyed this from beginning to end. Great musicality. Great blues guitar and groove. I love Mark's voice. Another album I'm surprised I never heard before considering how much I've listened to brother in arms. Another cultural hole has been filled by this pleasant hour in my evening. Thank you 1001 Album Generator. 5
Solide album de rock ballade, il manque juste un petit oumph de plus pour mériter un 5 EDIT DU FUTUR: FINALEMENT, JE ME SUIS RENDU COMPTE QUE LA FORCE DE L'ALBUM REPOSE SUR D'AUTRE ÉLÉMENTS QUE LE «OUMPHOMÈTRE»
Ihr bestes Album
What an MOR double with Simply Red yesterday. The thing I almost always think about Dire Straits, with a few very notable exceptions (Brothers in Arms, Romeo and Juliet and Sultans of Swing for instance), is that it's all a bit soulless. Technically good, but doesn't really move you very much. Still nice to have on in the background and I'm still grateful for that two days on from the Guantanamo experience.
- Mainly know Dire Straits as the band that produced "Sultans of Swing." Apparently almost all of their music sounds almost exactly like that one track. - A super cool guitar riff starts the album. And the persistently syncopated rhythms are fun. But everything really does feel like the diet version of "Sultans of Swing."
Now this is music! If you dislike this one, what are you even doing here? And now, let's all go down to the waterline.
peak dad core
Me gustó!!
Decent easy listening, ‘Sultans of Swing’ their biggest hit with over a billion plays on Spotify. 3.5/5
Blues and jazz music sure can sound appealing enough on their own. Combining the genres? I’m sure Dire Straits isn’t the first to do it, but their effective usage of both genres is hard to ignore.
cool and funky. sultans of swing is always amazing but there's a few others that stuck with me.
Wow, surprisingly chill, easy listening - would be a great soundtrack hanging around in the garden on a warm summer day! Impressed
Amazing album! Dire Straits' music takes insperation from several genres and the track list on their debut record is solid from start to finish. I would only give the nudge to "Making Movies" as my favorite DS album, but this one is close.
Kinda boring. It's like edgy dentist office music.
I know this is Mark Knopfler's band, and I respect the solo albums he later recorded as mellow guitar musings, but this is a little too much nothing much at all for me. I know they went on to achieve greatness so I'll give 2 stars.
Sultans Of Swing. Bien; aunque se me ha hecho un poco largo ... 3. No, venga, Sultans Of Swing se merece 4.
Good album. “Sultans” is definitely the strong point. Wished it had a few more standout songs. 3/5 Might listen again
Solid blues rock. It’s held up over time, unlike a lot of the artists from the 80s.
Inoffensive cruisin' rock, has one all time banger, like 2.75
Sultans of Swing is a 5 track. What a great album
Not bad. A lot more country/blues influence than expected. 7/10
This was fine enough. Didn’t love it or hate it. 2.5 rounded up to 3.
This was kind of a big deal debut from my early 20’s, anchored by Sultans of Swing. The rest of the album is decent enough but their Brothers in Arms is a much better album and Making Movies is somewhat better than this debut.
I hated this and I’m afraid it’s going to put me in a bad mood all day. When you hear “Money for Nothing” or “Sultans of Swing” in isolation, you don’t think, “Oh, this is the world’s most masturbatory band,” but then when you are subjected to a whole album, oh boy. I’m a little torn on rating because I do like SoS and Wild West End—maybe those are good enough to get it to a two? But I don’t think so.
my dad's been trying to get me to listen to dire straits for so long and i wasn't against it i just never actually did it.. well i should have!
Chill sultans vibe
It’s the lick that started an enduring career. Knopfler is a true innovator and a singular player—you absolutely know him when you hear him. I played the grooves of my “Sultans of Swing” 45. It’s still one of the great rock singles of the ‘70s.
I liked the guitar so much but the voices were rough on some songs and tbh none of the lyrics stuck out at all. Easy listening.
Solid album with a huge banger on it. Good overall, I like Dire Straits.
Really didn't love Brothers in Arms and did not expect to see another Dire Straits album on here. Here's to hoping... Opens with some dusty guitar noodling that conjurs images of a southwestern adobe town at dusk. Launches without warning into a driven song that could be a sonic sibling to Sultans of Swing (which is buried in the track list). No knock, the guitar noodling rips here and tickles a certain something in me. Water of Love is pretty forgettable, but Setting Me Up has a fun jump about it. Six Blade Knife pulls out the slow, confident, and cool vibe that Dire Straits are known for -- similar to Money for Nothing. Lead by a sluggish bass throb and punchy drum with some noodly guitar support. Nothing too flashy, but it is fine. I can see this as a perfect soundtrack to drinking a Bud heavy and sitting at some country dive bar. No denying that Sultans of Swing is a jam. The production is very tight throughout this album and it really shines on this track. Like the spaciousness on the outro track Lions. Otherwise, I'd say I had a lot more fun with this album than their last. It felt a bit more raw and less prone to the cheesy influences of the 80s. The production is a bit overpolished for my taste, but that's hardly a huge problem. The sounds they generate are generally nice even if they verge into somewhat boring territory a few times. 3 / 5
Never listened to this whole album. Definitely heard a lot of these songs. Sultans has a shit ton of spotify listens. Overall I liked the album a lot. Mark Knopfler has an easy to listen to voice. 4 stars for me
Wonderful guitar work. Nice and buttery with a few shreddy bits that I can get down with. A nice southern sounding voice. Sultans of Swing kinda sounds like a Dire Straits song. I feel like we have had a lot of close 5s recently which is nice. This one is another close one, but it doesn't quite have that chutzpah that would push it over the edge. Really enjoyable listen though!
Mark Knopfler's distinct guitar sound shines right off the jump in the very first song. It keeps on rollin' through the first few songs as well until Southbound Again which is a bit slower bluesy number which was awesome. Fires right back up into quite possibly my favorite rock song of all time in Sultans. I will never skip this song when it comes up on random on a playlist and I have probably heard it 300 times. Rest of the album was a bit slow for my liking when I think of Dire Straits, but still some amazing playing.
Just reading Brandon's review about Dad Rock and this certainly falls in that category. Real good easy listening rock music. It gets a little too low key at some points but what a debut this is. Sultans of Swing are a banger of a song and I love the closeout with Lions.
A lot of water and directions in these song titles. Kinda boring to start off. Sultans of Swing was a standout, again showing why hits are hits.
I've somehow never listened to this album. Seems they had already perfected the formula - poppy rockish bluesy ballads with a minor inflection, a Dylanesque vocal and plenty of twiddly guitar fills. For the opening track and Sultans, this gets lifted from a satisfactory to a very good.
Love
Only knew one song by dire straits before this album and it wasn’t on it. It was fine. Probably wouldn’t relisten all the way through.
3,5
This is one of those albums that I really ought to have heard by now that makes me grateful for this project. Love this!
I don’t recall how I decided that I needed the 45 of Sultans of Swing when it was released, but I recall thinking that I was pretty cool that I was a fan of that tune when I was young. Now I realize how much cooler that I actually would have been if I had thought to be a fan of the whole album.
I enjoyed the heck out of this. Every song sounds a little like Sultans of Swing but it turns out that's not a bad thing. A+
Dire Straits has some great gritty soothing effect on me that’s a bit unique. This album was no exception. I love going back to the beginning of their career. Terrific!
Perfect
Really great. I am super familiar with brothers in arms, but had never heard this album before
Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background While I appreciate the musicianship involved, I just don't hear any passion and it gets a bit dull. Perfectly listenable, I'm just never going to choose to play this on my own.
No offense to dads in their sixties, but this is music for dads in their sixties.
The guitar work is some of the best you can get. Some real easy music to listen to. Legendary track “Sultans of Swing” is on this album as well.
i dont trust anyone who doesnt like this album
Before yesterday, Dire Straits was a band I knew for only two songs: "Money For Nothing" and "Walk Of Life", which I'd been exposed to via Weird Al and ROCK BAND respectively. I really love both of those songs (a number of lyrics on the former aside), but I never really felt the need to dive deeper into their catalog beyond that. Sure, I think I listened to BROTHERS IN ARMS once a few years ago, but I know it was only once and I can't recall anything about it. So here we have the band's first album from a few years earlier, and... It's not really as complex. I mean, of course; there's no organs or synths, and there's no female backing singers and no song runs seven minutes. One runs six, sure, but still. It's just a whole lot rootsier and less pop. And I like it; it's good guitar music without all the extra frills. I mean, you hear all of those riffs Knopfler's playing on "Sultans Of Swing"? Goodness me. That being said, I did find it a little easy to have my attention swayed from it. Maybe it has more to do with things about me unrelated to the album, but it's still a fact that not a whole lot on the first album 100% pulled me in except for "Sultans Of Swing" and maybe "Wild West End". It's not entirely fair to compare this album to "Money For Nothing" and "Walk Of Life", since that's comparing two days to songs that've been in my life for years, but they got the pop hooks, y'know? And hooks, I gotta admit, are what keep me locked in a lot of the time. Good guitar playing can only do so much before I start to phase out. I'm happy I've heard this album, of course, and I wouldn't put it past me to give it another listen—and maybe BROTHERS IN ARMS, too—but I'd gone this long without doing it, so...
Mark Knopfler can do no wrong when it comes to making great tunes.
I feel good with a 3.5 on this one, but I'm gonna round it up to a 4. There’s not really a bad song here, but there are moments where this album just feels a bit empty, whether it's an outro going a bit long, or the vocals just feeling too monotone, and it makes the songs drag on just a little bit in a way that kind of dilutes them for me. When this album is hitting though, it hits really well and really smooth, with some of the best guitar playing I’ve heard from a 70s album so far. I don’t normally check the reviews on this site too much, but it’s a testament to their variety and their sound that someone’s favorite could be another person’s worst and vice-versa. I don’t think it can ever bump up to a 5 for my tastes, but what’s here is really nice, and definitely a recommended listen.
Enjoyable but starts to all sound the same towards the middle of the album.
Much more like the Grateful Dead than I expected, surprisingly chill and fun.
Love Dire Straits. Great band.
Listened to the whole thing. Voice reminds me of Bob Dylan. Some good guitar playing, pretty restrained tho, would have liked if the band dug in a little harder and pushed the songs to more unexpected places.
Pretty good.
I know sultans of swing (though didn’t by name) but the rest is new to me. This is a cool album, smooth and a solid 42 min which is a good album length. Easy to have on and doesn’t feel particularly aged
First listen I was going to give it 4 stars, second listen changed it to 5. Imagine what further listens could do.
Very nice
“Mark Knopfler has an extraordinary ability to make a Schecter Custom Stratocaster hoot and sing like angels on a Saturday night, exhausted from being good all week and needing a stiff drink.” - Douglas Adams, from the Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy books. It is easy to forget (or overlook for younger folk) just how different this album sounded when it came out 45+ years ago. I remember hearing “Sultans of Swing” on the radio in my university dorm room and wondering “What is THIS?”…. Trying to guess if it was Clapton, or JJ Cale, or who else? But it was a new band, Dire Straits. And a big splash was made, as the album hit #2 in the US. But this is not a “grab-you-by-the-throat-and-shake” kind of album. It is smooth and supple, but still drives. The guitar is fluid, not stabbing. And absolutely impressive. Beyond the best known “Sultans…” and the perfect “Down To The Waterline”, the whole album is great. My favorite Dire Strats album by far, an enthusiastic 5/5
Ha this album was not what I was expecting. I know the big Dire Straits hits for sure, but haven't really gotten in to the albums much. Outside of the well known songs, this album just sounds a lot like... Dylan... to me. Which I was not expecting. It was fine for sure, nothing to get too crazy about though.
boring and stupid
Mark Knopfler fucking rocks.
Good stuff!
An impressive blues rock album, perhaps even more impressive than usual considering this was the band’s debut. Right from the beginning, you are blessed with the sounds of Mark Knopfler’s finger picking guitar technique, which adds a unique twang and timbre to the group’s compositions. Along with his low growl on vocals, it’s no surprise that this band burst into the scene and were immediately stars. The lead single “Sultans of Swing” is the clear highlight, but every song brings an infectious energy that is a must-have for any fan’s collection.
5/5 despite some not so strong songs because of the unique style
Heard of Dire Straits, didnt know what to expect, and given this felt like the 10th album in a row released in the 1970s (it wasnt, but felt like it), I started this album up with a sour predisposition. As the album flowed forward, I really enjoyed the sounds and vocals! Then I heard Sultans of Swing, which I recognized immediately, and was blown away that I fully recognized a song I had no idea Dire Straits had done. I replayed Sultans of Swing numerous times that day. Overall enjoyed and look forward to more Dire Straits in the future!
Clean, like the genre Would listen to it outside of this
Keep that clawhammer away from my girl Mark.
Sultans of swing is a masterpiece
A very nice early morning listen. It still has energy while being a bit slower and funkier at times. Haven’t listened to much Dire Straits but I’ll have to listen to more.
good stuff
water of love
This album couldn't keep my attention, just not my style.
Much more enjoyable than anticipated.
I’ve only heard Sultans of Swing before listening to this album. Very laid back rock that discussed topics like lost love, longing, and ostracism. Plucky strings litter the songs, adds a nice texture to the smooth background. Really liked the second half of the album. Standouts: Water of Love, Six Blade Knife, In the Gallery, Wild West End, Lions. Solid album, but nothing that really surprised me.
Really good album
Smoky, sad pub music.
Boh, pensavo che 'Sultan of swings' fosse in un altro album e di averla già ascoltata. Pezzo testamentario e il contrario di iconoclasta, definisce un'iconografia e mi permette di scrivere tutto ciò da sobrio.
Это второй альбом этой группы в списке для меня, и честно сказать, я чувствую, что дебют сильнее, чем голубенький с гитарой. Как минимум из-за главного хита группы (абсолютно заслуженно, я считаю). Но всё равно: очень хорошо сыгранные, очень хорошо записанные, и всё же скучные песни. Лучшая песня - Sultans of Swing.
typischer klarer Sound der Gitarre, entspannter Beat und Knopflers Stimme - sofort werden Jugenderinnerungen wach. Und mit Sultans of Swing dann auch noch ein richtig grosser Song! Sicher (noch) nicht das beste Album von Dire Straits!
Dire Straits, was möchte man mehr? Einprägender Gitarrensound, einfach super!
I’d heard this before, but this time round only Waterline, Water of Love and Sultans were familiar, which makes sense as they’re the keepers. The rest washes past comfortably: they were a tight little band at this stage, and I have a thing for Knopfler’s voice, which makes me a common sort of fetishist. Dylan looms in several of the tracks, no bad thing in itself, but not flattering to the band either. Knopfler had not yet embraced his brown tone nor that flavour of Nordic fatalism I sniff out in BIA. I’ll mention once more that as a kid he shared an office with Basil Bunting - isn’t that something?
I really enjoy Mark Knopfler's guitar playing, and even more so his production talents (Aztec Camera's "Knife" is so great). Another reviewer astutely describes this record as if Dylan's '70s backing band made a solo album (see "Slow Train Coming" and "Infidels" for the nexus of these two ideas, both really good if advanced-level Bob). Oddly sedate for a debut album, this passes the time pleasantly. Obviously, "Sultans" is welcome anytime, the rest are a bit indistinguishable from each other.
Perfect background music for taking a personal day from work on a random Tuesday and spending it day drinking alone with a good book at a mostly empty pub.
Chill, easy listening…a little dull
Deeply surprised that I didn’t hate it. It’s breezy and chill Boomer Dad Blues-Rock. That’s its strength, but also its weakness, because aside from the side openers, most of it passes by my ears like sand. Don’t know if it needed to be in the book though - it’s not like it “inspired” a ton of bands like it afterwards. Besides all the worst townie bar bands, but that’s no fault of the record itself. But that’s probably why it’s in the book.
favorite song: Sultans of Swing least favorite song: Setting Me Up rating: 6/10
More country influence than I would have guessed. Good tunes, need to listen again and pay more attention to the lyrics.
I enjoyed this much more than I expected.
gorgeous super dry late-70s late-night production like you’re smoking cigarettes in the booth with just the light from the desk lamp on
This is far from my first time listening to this album, so I can’t offer a fresh first impression—but I enjoyed it just as much as always.
Great album. Fan of Dire Straits for years. Knopfler's guitar is so distinct.
Found it very boring. Couldn’t tell one song from another. Mumble mumbles for a lead singer.
The songs just seemed to wander and never really go anywhere.
Wow this album snuck up on me. Thought it was whatever for the first few songs but then caught myself dancing to Setting Me Up. I also liked Sultans of Swing. Then I realized that the guitar work throughout this was amazing. I like Wild West End a lot! Enough for it to add it into my regular rotation. Flowers to the guitarist.
Nice and chill, in a clean, sterile, over-produced kind of way. Rating: 3/5 Playlist track: Sultans of Swing Date listened: 25/02/24
BEST álbum of all the times
Really enjoyed this and understand their appeal, looks like I’ll have to check out some more from Dire Straits
It's a difficult one to score as I enjoy listening to this much more than I enjoy thinking about it. I'm going to allow listening experience to prevail though. Low 4.
A warm, cosy, familiar hug of an album.
Very listenable but I don't particularly want to listen to it again.
The Dire Straits are one of those bands where I only know 4/5 songs really well, but I love every one of them. I think Sultans Of Swing is my favourite, and that track is thankfully on this album. I’m not sure I recognise any other titles, but it should be fun to see what songs surround this gem. Songs I already knew: Sultans Of Swing Favourites: Sultans Of Swing, Water Of Love There’s just something about the guitar playing of the Dire Straits which is magical. There is barely any distortion, so nothing to hide any mistakes, and yet everything is played so perfectly. They don’t necessarily shred, and the solos aren’t particularly face melting, but they just sound so good. I feel like I’ve only spoke about guitar here… everything else is fantastic too, but the axe playing is just something else.
Silky smooth dad rock. Like smoooooooooth, which I appreciate them committing so hard to that
i thought it was good and would be fun to listen to on occasion or in the right setting but i don’t think it’s something i would listen to on repeat. i think i only really enjoyed two of the songs on the album
Enjoyable but not particularly memorable.
The vibe is high-skill muzak for me.
sultans of swing extended version
Heh
Their guitar play is unique. I like it.
Great album and a nostalgic sound of the time. Great writing and production.
Beautiful and tasteful guitars, and an amazing voice... Dire Straits, nothing more to say
Sultans is one of the best things ever, the rest was OK.
3.5
This is a really good album, exactly as you'd expect from these soft-rock masters. Sultans of Swing remains a standout classic and the highlight of this album. A solid album yet I think I prefer Brothers in Arms (listening to that now). I never liked Dire Straits when I was young and my Dad forced me to listen - however, these days, I have a new found respect for them, especially the phenomenal guitar skills of Knopfler.