Reviews (page 2 of 14)
Incredible album, I have never listened to it, heard sultans of swing dozens of times. But this album is wall to wall the dad blues that every dad aspires to play. I say that as the utmost compliment
I didn't discover this album until five years after it was released, while I was in college. Until then, I hadn't heard of Dire Straits. That's when I got to know and love their sound. Nothing has changed since then. 5/5
i like guitars they sound cool :)
Knopfler is among the absolute greatest guitarists. Sultans of Swing is the classic, but there are other gems here, too. Down to the Waterline is a brilliant intro. Southbound Again is great, too. Water of Love was a little odd.
This is going to sound a little crazy given my takes in the past of thinking albums are too in the past... This, as a debut album in '78, is amazing. It's very "the future is in the past" coded in the best way, it really works and it's a vibe. I think it works so well because the guitar selection/sounds are so ahead of the time that it sounds. It's got a little experimentation in the blues rock, which I think takes the genre and elevates it as well. I can't believe how much commercial success this had in '78. What?? There will come a day when I will be driving either - an old truck - an old jeep with the top and doors off and I'll have this on CD, just blasting in the car. One day. sure at 5 stars I might be overrating this, but it's so good.
BANGGGER ALBUM NU AL as expected to 10/10 de muziek is gwn zo goed?? like samen met de stem AAHHHRHRH de instrumental is gwn net zo belangrijk als de stem en het werkt echt goed samen yeeesyes
I didn't think I would like so much. It was a really good album blending Rock, Country in a 70s mood. It really remembers me Bia and Judas "Dad's songs".
Great album. Some songs more energetic, others more moody - ain't boring
El álbum debut homónimo de Dire Straits es una obra de arte atemporal y una joya de sutil virtuosismo que ha envejecido bien, destacando por su nitidez analógica y su elegancia formal. Frente a las tendencias estridentes de su época, este disco se propuso como un viaje relajado y reconfortante, sostenido por una producción de una claridad instrumental impecable. En el corazón del repertorio brilla "Sultans of Swing", un clásico inconfundible e inolvidable con ritmo y mucho sentimiento, cuya estructura melódica se clava en la memoria desde el primer compás. La genialidad del álbum descansa en su minimalismo técnico de raíces blues y pub-rock. Nos encontramos ante una constante conversación lírica entre la voz y la lira; la guitarra limpia de Mark Knopfler —tocada con los dedos y sin púa— parece hablar y responder a su propio canto, demostrando una fuerza y calidez que transmiten autenticidad absoluta. Los instrumentos y los arreglos se entretejen muy bien, revelando a un grupo de músicos apasionados y conectados en el estudio. Un trabajo conmovedor, crudo y real cuya notable sensación de paz y fluidez lo vuelve ideal para múltiples usos, desde acompañar el enfoque en la carretera hasta potenciar el trabajo creativo.
5/5 ✱✱✱✱✱
10/10
I remember really liking Sultans of Swing, and the. When Brothers in Arms came out it seemed like a different band, probably just because my life had changed so much in those teen years between the albums. I love this album, even if it did seem to only have one hit. Whole album flows so well and the guitar work is just such a great highlight to it all
There is something so comforting and lovely about Dire Straits' music to me, and this album especially.
Really really strong debut. Can highly recommend.
Ez 5/5
Loved this one top to bottom. Dad rock in the most complimentary way. It grooves for days, relentless guitar interludes that are so clean and bluesy and intricate. Was interesting to read that Knopfler is a lefty playing a right handed guitar so he is fingerpicking and his dominant hand with his “weak” hand on the fretboard. I don’t know enough about guitar technique to articulate it but the dynamics he incorporates into his riffs are singular and still sound fresh. He’s shredding but still giving the notes space to breathe. And then layering on the folksy nostalgic storytelling? Get outta here. 5/5. Favorite tracks: Down To The Waterline, Six Blade Knife, Sultans of Swing, In The Gallery, Wild West End, Lions.
Impeccably played. It's a shame David Knopfler had left Dire Straits an album later, as heard on this debut his rhythm guitar playing pairs very nicely with Mark's lead. "Sultans of Swing" is the obvious highlight here as it's so catchy it sticks in your head for days. But the rest of the album holds up too, very cool bluesy and country tunes
A perfect album. These guys fckn rock. Nearly every song on this album was already on my “liked songs”. Little punchy western, little blues, lots of swing…one of the greatest albums ever. One of the greatest bands ever. Mark Knopfler is one of the greatest guitarists ever, and on this listen I noticed how tough the drummer is too. Sultans of Swing makes an argument for the greatest song of all time. What a beautiful example of music, creativity, and expression. Masterpiece. 5/5 ten times out of ten. I love Dire Straits.
Discazo. Dire straits nunca defrauda. Esa guitarra y sonido tan característico. Un muy buen disco para conducir 😎
Dirsku Straitsku, knofflerin markku on yks lempparisgitta-pleijjereistäni. Ilo tätä on kuunnella.
Taattua daiör streits laatua, toimii
5/5 koko levy. Ei muuta lisättävää.
ser la uña de Mari Knofler es mí sueño
probably the kind of music playing in the home of a couple who met hitchhiking to a Grateful Dead concert
que hermoso
Great sound. A very easy listen, dad rock with some jazzy/bluesy influences. Love the feature of plucky guitar.
Everything on this album just clicks. Hard to give a rating lower than 5 for any album with such guitar play of Knopfler. Absolute no skip and also an album that you can listen to everyday, while doing anything. Cooking, drinking, sports, reading, that’s rare.
J'ai longtemps ignoré Dire Straits. Il y a quelques années, j'ai réalisé qu'ils avaient le même groove que J.J. Cale que j'aime beaucoup.
J'ai appris un concept, le 'pub rock'. Apparemment que c'est par opposition au 'glam rock'. Si j'avais à choisir un des deux, je suis décidément plus du bord du pub. Déjà il y a le mot pub dedans, ça évoque des bonnes effluves de bière et des belles soirées entre amis dans une taverne (comme je suis dry depuis presque 3 mois maintenant ça évoque une douce nostalgie) Apparemment que la signature de Knopfler c'est de ne pas utiliser de pic. C'est drôle, comme je n'en utilise pas du tout moi-même pour jouer, c'est comme un rappel que la majorité des rockers en utilisent. Et je me mets à demander des choses comme: est-ce que Keith Richards utilise un pic? Eric Clapton? Dans ma tête un tone jazz-blues-rock, ça se crée pas avec un pic, mais je peux me tromper. Comme des airs de Rolling Stones et Steely Dan ici j'adore
Vraiment aimé! Belle guitare crisp, des beaux solos. Du bon rock relaxant.
My beloved album
The best album of one of my favourite bands and one of the few albums that I would call perfect. Every song on this is incredible. The guitar work is phenomenal. Knopfler is a genius. I have this album on vinyl and it's probably my favourite album to play since it's always great and never gets old. This is just great music, that's all. 5 stars. Highlights for me are: Sultans of swing, down to the waterline and six blade knife
album ascoltato e riascoltato 1mld di volte, non mu ha mai annoiato, è quella musica che i 60enni rimpiangono(e capisci anche il perchè) e che ti aspetti di sentire in un garage americano in texas mentre riparano un buco a una ruota di una toyota hilux. Album che spinge, per poi lasciarti andare con calma le ultime 3 canzoni, è una mano con cui ha ballato tutta la serata e che alla fine dolcemente ti abbandona lentamente con gli ultimi lenti di chiusura. Non trovo difetti, è equilibratissimo.
Dire Straits "This song is sounding pretty good, shall we just do a fade out at the end?" Mark Knopfler "Hold my beer" ... plays the most epic outro guitar solo of all time I have such a soft spot for Dire Straits - this is a great album, and fitting for sitting In The Gallery today!
Sick as hell
So I adored the cool guitar licks with Knopfler singing in a non-chalant manner and ‘Sultans of Swing’ is such a fine piece of music that I could put it on repeat for the length of this album. However, am I just finding it cool because I know I want to like Dire Straits because I love the way Knopfler plays and talks about the guitar? I’m umm’ing and ahh’ing about whether this is five or four and it’s more like at 4.5 but screw it let’s give a five.
I haven't heard this album in years!! I forgot how much I loved this album. As a guitarist this group is a master class!
of course this gets a 5/5, there are no bad songs on this album only bangers
Är väl kanske rent objektivt mer en stark fyra, men fuck it, har man Sultans of swing på sin debut så ska man ha en femma.
no hay mejor forma de arrancar un disco.
If there's any album that was made specialy for me, it would be this one. A MASTERPIECE. 5/5
Hell yeah
Probably up there as one of the best debut albums of all time. Forget Sultons of Swing which is a great song. Down to the Waterline shows Knopfler at his very best.
Do not let your predjuices guide. This is catchy and incredible masterpiece
Certified banger. Good variety and some of the lesser known songs are great. Enjoyable album
My favorite Dire Straits song is Sultans of Swing and this album is basically an album of that. Maybe it could use a little more variety but having the songs similar in nature creates a vibe. And the vibe is damn good. Should also be noted Knopflers guitar work here is tremendous. From what I’ve heard this is the best Dire Straits album.
Sultans of Swing. What more is there to say? Great guitar and catchy beats. Definitely my style.
Nunca lo había escuchado completo. La intro de la primera canción es arte. Todo el álbum es arte. Podría escucharlo todo el día.
fuaaaaaa pues yo creo que de los que llevo escuchados…mi favorito…esa guitarrita me vuelve loca, me ha encantado la verdad classic
Pakerinti gitara... tikrai galima klausytis ir klausytis
My dad’s favourite band is my favourite band.
Classic album. hadn’t listen to it before in its entirety, found out I like this band a lot more than i thought i did.
Absolute belter, always loved this album. Great guitars and songwriting. LOVE
Absolutely phenomenal album. Sounds astonishing, playing is spot on and the groove and feel is just perfect. I had heard Sultans of Swing from the album before but oh boy I feel silly for not listening to the whole album before. Best song was Sultans of Swing but it was actually a hard choice.
This is EXACTLY my vibe, yes PLEASE. I'm adding this to my list of albums I'd be happy to listen to forever. Already on the playlists!
9/10
I cannot imagine what it was like to hear this album at the time. It doesn't sound that radical but is it like anything we have heard before? I can't think of anything if so. Add that this is a debut album and it is absolutely bonkers how great this is. Mark Knopfler is a Rock God.
It reminds me of my dad. Loved it.
My first Album to rate rly liked it
Deluxe
Classic Masterpiece. Didn't get to listen to it this time, but some songs got stuck in my head from previous listens.
Guitarras prime
É efectivamente bom, pontualmente. Boa banda sonora para ir com o sr Victor a caminho do aeroporto
Really smooth. Didn’t think I would like this one, but it’s certified.
Classic listen in the car with dad
Amei!!!
Mark Knopfler is a brilliant guitarist. His style is sparse and understated. The other musos are good but it is really about Knopfler.
Great album. 10/10 rhythm and grooves.
Loooooved it!
pampampmarampapapa good
i liked it , super east listen
someone else said "60 minutes of Sultans of Swing" and that's a great description. Super well done effort by a band that came out of the womb fully formed
First song, Down to the Waterline, is brilliant. The whole album is brilliant. A sonic masterpiece that I could listen to over and over again. There is not a single song that I prefer more than another, of course sultans of swing is a beautiful song.
An exceptional debut album. Sultans of Swing is a classic, but I'm partial to Water of Love and Down to the Waterline, but every track is great.
I really liked this album, simple instrumental and loops for the most part but still fun to listen to. I could hear Sultans of Swing inspiration in multiple songs.
Exceptional album, with Sultans of Swing being one of the most authentic sounds which a human ear can enjoy; such a vibe, chilling and relaxing piece of art ❣️
You will find me hard pressed to give the album with Sultans of Swing on it anything less than a 5. I know it's tedious dadrock, but I am afraid it's still good. Down to the Waterline is also great and the rest of the album is fine.
Enne albumi kuulamist oli mul juba 8 lugu siit Liked Songsis. Ilmselgelt mulle meeldib Dire Straits ja see album on ikka ülimalt tugev debüüt. On kuulda ka Mark Knopfleri igaveseid käike ja ta geniaalsust heliloojana. Terve bänd toetab Marki jumalikku kitarrimängu suurepäraselt ja kõik on kenasti tasakaalus. See plaat on kindlasti läbi aegade üks parimaid kergema roki albumeid. 4.6/5
Easygoing all the way through, with a very simple draw: incredible guitar mixed with an uncharacteristically melancholic roots rock sound and very easy to listen to vocals; unquestionably one of the best standalone albums I have ever heard. 9.7/10.
Classic
Incredible Album.
Sultans of Swing is fantastic and the rest are good.
A cracking great album.
i liked it very much. calm and positive
The pure joy I get while listening to Sultans of Swing is hard to describe. I also really like Down by the Waterline. 4.5, rounded up because, well, Sultans is a 10/5.
Banger (sultans of swing... Et bien d'autres)
Wow. Years ago I'd only really heard Sultans of Swing and Money for Nothing and I bought Dire Straits' Best of on the strength of those songs. I never really liked that album, I've always had the impression that all the other songs were sluggish and soporific. I wish I'd bought this instead. It's magnificent, great tunes, tasteful guitar playing and just a wonderful vibe throughout. Wild West End is an early example of the style of music that put me off the Greatest Hits, but it's perfect here as a change of pace. Really pleased to have been forced to give Dire Straits another chance.
Legendarno.
An excellent classic
Sultans Of Swing merits 5 stars on its own.
For an album as subdued and understated as this, I'm blown away by how much I enjoyed every moment of grooving along. My expectations were modest but positive, only really knowing the one Dire Straits song ("Sultans of Swing" of course) and they were well and truly blown out of the water. This is a solid showing from a band that is very technically capable, and isn't trying to do anything flashy or bombastic. Mark Knopfler is an all-round brilliant musician and songwriter, and to say that this album isn't his best work is not an insult in the slightest - The Princess Bride soundtrack is unbelievably good.
Excellent Album. Give it a listen, you won't be sorry.
Very good album.
Fire, of course. Stand-outs - Down To The Waterline - Six Blade Knife - Lions
Love
I don't know if I'm rating the album, or the artist
I can't get enough of Mark's guitar. The opening rift on Down to the water line is not face melting but so good, chef's kiss. Of course Sultans of Swing but don't sleep on Wild West End too.
Finding out that Dire Straits is today's album felt like receiving a well-deserved prize or unwrapping the best Christmas present. Dear Santa, I behaved just fine and I was a diligent student! I got 4,5 (high 2:1) in the oral exam on medieval music history. This album sounds like victory. Thank you Newcastle for teaching me how to study well (and for many other things). I'm sending the warmest greetings:))
Whilst not my favourite album of theirs, this album is inspirational to me and I wouldn't be who I am today without it. I'm biased and sentimental, but to me this is a 5. Lions is criminally underrated.
I listened to this album about 10 times over the weekend. So amazing
10/10
Exceptional
I generally think Brothers in Arms is the better album, but you're kidding yourself if you don't think this is a 5. What an incredible talent Mark Knopfler is.
5/5
Super cool rock album. Sultans is an all-time classic track. The guitar work is phenomenal throughout the entire run time. Just a chill time, man. Far out.
очень понравился альбом музыкально, гитарные соло цепляют за душу. Атмосфера альбома, как будто ты сидишь в английском прокуренном пабе 80-х. Возможно, с градусом алкоголя в крови этот альбом будет раскрываться еще ярче. Оказалось, что это еще и дебютный альбом группы. Мощно!
When this came out in the UK in 78, Disco was at its peak with the release of the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, ABBA were dominating the charts and first wave punk was in full cry. So imagine having the confidence to release this as your debut album. A collection of fairly wordy lyrics with a bit of a Dylan edge to them, set to spare and restrained backing with a guitarist whose finger picking style is completely different from anything else on the scene. The centrepiece is, of course, Sultans of Swing, but every song on the album is a winner. Knopfler is at odds with the power chords and jangle of much of late 70s guitar. His playing is clear and spare with not too many notes and every note in the right place. He doesn't seem to be doing much, but that's the beauty of it. He makes it seem simple. Dire Straits would go on to be the biggest band in the world and never really deviated from the template of this album.
Reminds me of my Pops when we first came to Canada.
Top tier dad rock, no question. Hard to believe this was their debut album. Dire Straits came out of the gate fully formed tight band, smooth production, and Mark Knopfler already playing like a guy who’d been doing it for decades. His tone and phrasing are untouchable, and those riffs? Straight iconic. Everyone knows Sultans of Swing, and yeah, it’s a masterpiece, but Down to the Waterline and In the Gallery are just as good maybe even better if you’re paying attention. Down to the Waterline sets the mood perfectly with that clean, moody intro before it locks into that effortless groove. In the Gallery is gritty, bluesy, and has that storytelling bite that only Knopfler could deliver. The whole album’s got this laid-back confidence. For a first album, it’s insane how refined and self-assured it is. It’s iconic, influential, and a reminder that great music doesn’t need to be loud or complicated it just needs to feel right. 9/10
Excellent album! Mark Knopfler is the man!
Smooth and sweet listening. Love sultans of swing the most.
Is a great Album added to list to buy
Yes
Really Atmospheric
Loved the beginning of down to the waterline really strong start Incredible acoustics Very cohesive
Absolute banger makes we wanna wiggle my fingers and bob my head like im on a surfboard and go ah-ya ah-ya ah-ya
Every song on this album is a masterpiece!
peak
oh hell yes!!
Great grooves.
Fantastic album on first listen. Amazing that this was a debut album. Really enjoyed it.
Such a cool band. Such a cool album. I technically like Brothers In Arms better, but that's relative when talking about Dire Straits as it's all out of this world. The vocals, the guitar, great drumming all with impeccable mix quality. Dire Straits is just one of those super cool groups that flies under the radar way too much compared to other big name bands from the '70's and '80's.
Now that’s one killer debut! Remember this album well, forgot just how good it is, and how it really holds up. It dropped before CDs or MTV, so the only way to hear it was on the radio or own it. Uncle E had the vinyl, and it got played. Lead guitar is outstanding and has a unique sound. Bass, drums, and vocals are excellent (and solemn.) The whole thing works, works very well. L = (4.0*s) Best debut I’ve heard and one of the best bums on The List. J = (4.9*s) It don’t get much better than that.
Един от най-добрите албуми в класацията изобщо
okayyyy prerfect pick !!!!! knew most of it but my favs are still so hard to pick loooooved tha album oppener what an amazing song, such a classis 5/5 tbh i should be careful as to how i rank but it's too hard to put a bad rating to good music !
Great
Sublime
Noe annet går ikke an
quero dirigir caminhoes
Every track is of top quality. I loved having a dedicated ear to stringy solos 🤣 Very surprising to read afterwards that this is from 78 and before the band was famous. Knopfler really has his tone and overall sound super dialed in. Lots of slappy poppy notes that are instantly recognizable. Song wise, theres a lot of diversity here and most of the tunes hang with sultans of swing
When we got Brothers In Arms a while back, I went on a big Dire Straits bender for a week or two, listening to most of their albums. This one and Making Movings got the most rotations. They've quickly shot up into my top bands. I just go nuts for Knopfler's guitar work and effortless vocals. Every song hits on this one, but Six Blade Knife is a new one that I now look forward to.
Dette er jo klart ett av de beste albuma noensinne, fikk oppdaga ett par sanger på det som eg ikkje har hørt før. De var minst like gode som de andre knallsterke, favoritten er six blade knife.
Im a sucker for those dire straits guitar licks. I could listen all day!
My god, Dire Straits are fucking solid. I've always known and really enjoyed "Brothers In Arms," and even though several of those songs are damn near perfect, there are some funky misses as well. Not the case here. Back-to-back-to-back hits; phenomenal songwriting, smart lyrics, and some of the best fucking guitar playing I've ever heard on an album. I mean - Jesus! Tasteful, effortless, and always connected to the music around it. This was wonderful.
Very listenable album. A little bluesy and rock and roll. Definitely something along the lines of old Clapton. Knopfler is pretty good.
Just wonderfull*****
Maybe my favourite Dire Straits album. I remember having this in the car when I was a teenager and so I was wondering how well it'd hold up because mostly I just remember Sultans and Southbound Again. An insane debut. It's insane how well formed they come through and how clear it is what Mark Knopfler wanted to do. Some of the best guitar work around here with what feels like very little ego (at least on the tracks). It starts to run out of steam by the end but the album does not outstay its welcome so the chiller vibe of Lions makes for a great album end. Highlight: Down To The Waterline
Album fantastico
Sultans of Swing is a song I’ll listen to on repeat because the guitar is just so dirty, and I expected it to be the tentpole of this album but I did not expect the songs immediately surrounding it to also be so elevated. Southbound Again, Sultans, In the Gallery, and B Wild West End made for a very groovy 4 track run on the back half of the album. In the Gallery in particular blew me away as I was straight jamming to Sultans and expected a drop or tonal shift but no, that song delivered. As an album, it’s great. I think it’s a strong 4.5 creeping up to a 5, and given the way their whole sound really just peaks with Sultans, and the whole album has elements of what makes that song a masterpiece, I think it’s only fair to go with a 5. I could listen on loop or a month from now and still be into it overall. It has variety and and every member of the band brings something unique and they showcase them all in different combinations across the album. It’s not in my top 10 but if it was a deserted island album you could do far worse.
The soundtrack to vast portions of my life. And John Ilsley's a friend of mine. Sort of.
I love dire straits .. it’s a great intro album with one or two gems .. crafted in the pubs and with jazzy/blues vibe but with more flow and tempo But the thing that sets it apart is the story telling in the songs
Dire Straits will be a 5/5 every time. GOATED.
I haven't listened to this album in years and had to check that I had it on vinyl (I do). It is excellent, the Dire Straits sound arriving fully formed, albeit after years of playing in pubs and clubs no doubt... and this comes from the same pub scene that Elvis Costello, Brinsley Schwarz, and other 'new wave' artists came from. 'Dire Straits' is essentially country rock with an incredible guitar player, a bit like Heads, Hands and Feet (in fact I had completely forgotten that the original of "Setting Me Up" is on this album being more familiar with the Albert Lee version). "Sultans of Swing" obviously the standout but there isn't a bad track here and, for me, this is a better album than the celebrated 'Brothers in Arms'. Mark Knopfler's clean Strat sings, understated but technically and sonically brilliant and his songwriting matches it.
Heel fijn
So so so much better than Coldplay
Heard this album many times and will continue to come back to it. Love the groove this album gets into
Mark Knopfler is an exceptional talent.
Dire Straits will always be one of my favourites
the best incredible, I can't believe someone can play the guitar this good, absolute classics absolute bangers every day
Well now, from the ridiculous to the sublime. This eponymous first album is just sublime, one of my favourite ever albums. The lyrics paint pictures, and the soulful, bluesy lead guitar brings the songs to life. Strangely enough in an album entirely of brilliant tracks, the most famous one that actually launched their career isn't even the best track! This is by far the best album they produced. It's getting a 5 because there is no 11.
A tricky one this, I will have to put all my Dad music bias to one side for this. It was and still is bloody good. If you are going to make a nice relaxing blues album, then do it like this and not like the Black Crowes etc.
if I could i'd give this a 12/10
A real humdinger
This album (and band) has a reputation for its enormously popular single Sultans Of Swing. But does the rest of the album hold up? ...Yes, it does. I'm impressed by the production here. It's crystal-clear, especially for "classic" rock, which often tends to be too gritty or dirty to get a clean sound. (I'm looking at you, punk.) But here, you can hear each and every note. The instruments are separated into channels as with a live setting, and it's done in that nifty way that puts you right at the front of the audience. Onstage, even. That's how immersive it is. The vocal is pretty standard – it suits the band yet isn't virtuosic – but standout vocal tracks include Six Blade Knife and Sultans Of Swing. The former has thick, almost drawled singing that really puts in you the cool, mysterious, countryish headspace Dire Straits were going for. In the latter track, the singing is heavily Dylan-influenced, and with that insanely catchy guitar hook and all the guitar fills/interplay, it's just... incredible. Seriously, what a brilliant track. Very bluesy, starting from the very first song. The opening instrumental in Down To The Waterline is mysterious, understated, but as soon as the drums come in it's a driven, groovy, and tight soft-rock sound. And at a cool four minutes, it doesn't overstay its welcome. A near-perfect opener. No wonder these guys were popular from the outset. The album flows well, somewhat Dylanesque in its songwriting approach but with orders of magnitude of better sound quality than Dylan at his 60s songwriting peak. It isn't perfect – far from it – but every song on this record is very solid, and different enough from the last to keep the listener engaged and guessing. I like the fast pace of Southbound Again that rebounds after the slower, lower-energy preceding tracks. And SoS launching off side 2 of the disc. It's that sort of track ordering that'll get bonus style points. 5/5 Key tracks: Down To The Waterline, Southbound Again, Sultans Of Swing
Stunning debut album. A bit out of step with the trends in 1978 but every song is strong. Wonderful understated musicianship and vocals. A lot more varied than I remember it.
Love dire straits, and especially this album. It's got a unique and very pleasing soundscape that only the have, and it fits very well into my music taste. Sultans of swing is an absolute classic also.
Hell yeah
The exeptional album. I now prefer this record so much. It is like a gift. Soft and slight moody music, catchy singing style. It surely must be added at mine collection.
Surprisingly enjoyable. Water of love is arguably the best song but the opening track is fantastic as well. And of course, we have Sultan of Swing.
classic and banging
I love this album
5/5 get better w every listen feels like fall and spring
One of the best guitarists ever. Nice laid back music.
Stunningly perfect.
Des putains de musiciens
Fantastic.
Dire Straits is one of those artists where, at least with the first five albums, whichever album you're listening to is currently your favorite Dire Straits album. So, right now this is it. How can it not be, cos they came out fully formed, all those mellow melodies and tasty licks, and so Dylan-esque in all the best ways. Down to the Waterline and Water of Love (that wood block...click-click...) would absolutely dominate this album with their easy flow...but the mighty Sultans of Swing is here, and it's not only the best track on this album, it's the best by the band, and a top 25-50 song of all time for me.
Sheer perfection from the first guitar notes.
I’m here for it! Some very groovy, twangy and sexy guitar. Six Blade Knife is verrrry sexy. This was so easy to listen to it made me realize how challenging it’s been to listen to some other albums. Wild West End is cute! Laughing at how he sings “duck inside the doorway, duck to eat”. A lovely fall morning secretly horny on a Brower Park bench
I know it's a bit cringe and 100% dad rock, but I have always loved how Mark Knopfler plays guitar.
I've already listened to his album (21). What a debut. The tones, the tunes, the vibes, they really came out of the gates fully formed.
Ready to buy
Nice chill music, with surprisingly good guitar riffs/melodies
*****
En av dom bästa upptäckterna i projektet hittills, solklar femma. Trodde det skulle vara Sultans of Swing + random låtar men fan vad bra nästan alla låtar är!
Mark Knopfler weirdly does more with the guitar notes he doesn't play here, everything is so precise and on point, but every song has room to breath and the little finger picking meedly notes are just sex.
Classic!
Epically mature debut album
In Big Daddy Dyl's top 5 albums of all time. After a slightly lethal combo of pet nat and hazy IPAs last night, the husky tones and velvet guitar is exactly what my brain needs right now. Fender Stratocaster - who knew
I'm biased in my review of Dire Straits as Brothers in Arms was one of the first albums I ever owned. Listening to their debut album now, they'd be on my blues rock Mount Rushmore. I love Mark Knopfler’s voice. The guitar playing is awesome. Every song is great, capped by "Sultans of Swing". This becomes my fifth 5/5.
One of the best debut albums of all-time. Dire Straits were fully formed as a band when they released their self-titled debut and if Making Movies didn't exist then this could be the band's best album. I'm a known Dire Straits fan, as I think their first four albums are all fantastic with Making Movies one of the best albums of all-time. There is not a bad song on here and I understand the band has detractors, but pub rock does not get much better than this. Four guys playing very simple rock music and the songwriting is excellent. I like all of the songs but my favorite tracks on here, in order, are: Sultans of Swing Down to the Waterline (the intro is perfect as a concert opener) Wild West End Water of Love Six Blade Knife (I've gotten "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac vibes on this one) Setting Me Up Lions Southbound Again In the Gallery
1001 Albums Challenge (2/1001) 1. Down To The Waterline (5/5) 2. Water Of Love (4/5) 3. Setting Me Up (5/5) 4. Six Blade Knife (4/5) 5. Southbound Again (5/5) 6. Sultans Of Swing (5/5) 7. In The Gallery (5/5) 8. Wild West End (4/5) 9. Lions (5/5) Total (5/5)
Dire Straits es una de mis bandas favoritas, así que es imposible ser imparcial. El disco me encantó, conocí un par de canciones que me parecieron espectaculares, y por si fuera poco, aquí viene una de las canciones fundamentales de mi vida: Sultans of Swing. Hermoso.
This album is full of guitar greats and has an atmosphere all of its own. I love it.
Kult! Liker!
АБАЖАЮ DIRE STRAITS И МАРКА КНОПФЛЕРА ОЧЕНЬ ШИКАРНЫЙ АЛЬБОМ, А SULTANS OF SWING - ОДНА ИЗ МОИХ САМЫХ ЛЮБИМЫХ ПЕСЕН EVER
Much more familiar with Brothers in Arms, so I'm excited! Haven't dug deep into Dire Straits or Mark Knopfler beyond the hits. Wow, this *sounds* superb. The mixing and production is next level. The lead guitar on Down To The Waterline is panned hard left and you can really hear the little nuances in his playing and the fingers on the strings. Everything feels very open and transparent - just sitting in the mix perfectly. This is just a great, great band jamming. Setting Me Up is basically a country song and there's a lot of Telecaster clack on this album. Six Blade Knife has the classic 70's heartbeat bassline. I am definitely seeing the lyrical coolness of Mark Knopfler on display here. Again, bass player here so I tend to really listen for it. Some of these songs are going for an almost upright-type sound, very plunky but always warm and just the perfect accompaniment. Lowkey and groovy. In The Gallery is a real hidden gem to me, it's very bluesy but not the searing lead tone like SRV, Kingfish, Marcus King. Much more laid back and all about really hearing the nuance of the guitar. He's a pretty percussive player and some of these slaps and fingerstyle are right at home in modern djent. Overall, really great sounding and I'm glad I got to dig into Dire Straits more!
Excellent
Love it. Own it.
I love this album. I love Mark Knopfler. I love Dire Straits. That's all I can say
Marvel
Learned English listening to those guys on tape
an amazing debut album. I had forgotten what a classic this was
Consistently listenable with a couple of actual bangers
A completely unique band that has gotten a lot of praise, but somehow has also gone unappreciated by the general public at large. Really fantastic stuff.
This is the only fancy "master quality" record I own. Love this album, especially because it sounds timeless unlike their later more famous records in the 80s. "Sultans of Swing" is an all time bop.
Realne top album, super pesnicky, britska skupina ktora nie je posadnuta melancholickym britpopom, vela pesniciek som likol, pocuval som to v posilke. super vibes, surealne gitarove sola - hlavne prva skladba v albume.
beach summer vibes biggest banger in the block
Hell yeah
I've listened to this one before. I love it and I've watched countless videos of him playing Sultans of Swing on YouTube. Personal Rating: 9/10 Belongs on the list: Yes absolutely The whole album is great. Mark is an amazing guitarist. Definitely a good vibe.
Excellent debut album. Didn’t appreciate the style when I was young
Always 10/10 with Dire Straits.
Masterpiece. Knopfler's virtuosic playing is just unbeatable. I don't understand how he does it. Add in the drums and bass, and well you've got something special. And this was their first album! Legendary.
Wonderful. The two big numbers are just incredible, as is "Water of Love". The rest is much weaker, but "Wild West End" is decent, and I really enjoy "Lions". Five stars because those top three tracks are just so incredible. We've had the masterfully understated "Down to the Waterline" and the beautiful, somewhat mournful "Water of Love" - and then we burst into "Sultans of Swing" with a bang. What an album. What a band. The intro to "In The Gallery" is such a tease, though. How Knopfler managed to
This is excellent! A great and full of pleasure and joy experience. Those guys are fantastic, and this album is marvelous. I loved all the bass and guitar, so present and dominant in the record. The production is also great. I have had so much joy listening to this album. Great, great, great!
This is exactly why I’m doing this project: to listen to stuff I should have been all along. Guitar, voice, lyrics. Got it ALL! This music makes me happy to be alive.
awesome, sultans of swings 5/5
I really like the rhythm work on this, made me smile listening to it.
One of the best, catchy as hell and plenty of repeatability. Fantastic first album for a band (and artist) who has given the music world so much
ну какие классные дядьки, я мощно кайфанула. если бы я была 50-тилетним папашей, я бы слушала вот такую музыку. но такое круто и в любом другом возрасте слушать в целом
Excelente álbum. Coincidentemente hace poco lo había escuchado, las guitarras y la voz de Mark Knopfler junto con la banda que lo acompaña generan un groove tremendo. Es interesante que la música que hacen ronda el estilo country, el rock & roll, el blues e incluso la canción pop, pero logran una fusión única y con un sonido muy identitario que toma lo mejor de cada estilo (el sonido prominente de la guitarra y la voz, la energía entre cool y agresiva, la improvisación y las melodías pegadizas). Disfruté del álbum de principio a fin, los solos de guitarra son especialmente buenos, Knopfler tiene un gusto excelente para el desarrollo de ideas melódicas ya que a pesar de ser claramente un virtuoso en el instrumento, impone la musicalidad por sobre el tecnicismo (además de tener un timbre sobresaliente por tocar con dedos en lugar de usar púa).
Yes
Another review described this album as "A whole album of Sultans of Swing." I love Sultans of Swing, and I love this album. Mark Knopfler has such a distinctive sound. I love it.
This album poses the question: what if Eric Clapton’s 70s solo career was actually interesting in any way?
I really like Knopfler's guitar playing.
Legendary
top album
Ladies and gentleman we have another 5 star! How have I not listened to this full album before? One of the best guitar albums I've ever heard.
Very good album! I especially liked the titular song.
Before listening to this album, all I knew from it was sultans of swing. It’s such a well crafted album, and a stand out to me is water of love.
So smooth and cool. Beautiful but got a little tired of some vocals. 9/10
So much better than expected.
I would enjoy this way more if I wasn’t slaving away doing homework and full of stress but still an amazing album through and through
Mark Knopfler is my all time favorite singer and anything he has done is an automatic 5/5. Sultans of Swing is an iconic song. That guitar at the beginning will always be blasted at full volume.
Sultans of Swing Six Blade Knife Down By the Waterline
This remains one of my all time favorite bands. This album contains amazing songs such as sultan of swing, six-blade knive and water of love. No bad songs on the album for me. Love to play this on vinyl.
I understand that Dire Straits was a popular band, but I feel like I never hear anyone talk about Mark Knopfler as the amazing guitarist he is. Using finger picking on an electric guitar allows him to do a lot of subtle things like varying the volume of each note when he arpeggiates a chord and it's just a pleasure to listen to him play. This album didn't really miss at all. I listened to it twice and enjoyed it the whole time. Favorite tracks: Down to the Waterline, Sultans of Swing
Mark Knopfler with that guitar is a god. Insane talent. What a debut album by a great band.
one of the best albums of all time... every song a banger... total class.. five stars...
Whoever mixed this album deserves a Grammy. Beautiful job. The guitars are clean and bright, and Mark Knopfler's gravelly vocals provide a great counterpoint to the rest of the band. The musicians are world class, and the songwriting, while seemingly straightforward, shows a lot of technical grace without getting in its own way. I really enjoyed this one!
Leagues better than Brothers in Arms. Not sorry whatsoever.
One of my favorite albums ever since it was released in 1978. The very first listen was amazing. Down To The Waterline is the intro song that leads to an exhilarating journey. Mark Knoffler’s voice is recognizable ever since. Great guitar and melodies throughout. Dire Straits is always 5 stars to me ever since this first album.
Honestly not my favourite Dire Straits record, but the fact that this is their debut record is truly mindblowing to me. I can talk for hours about Mark Knopflers guitar proficiency and his incredibly unique playing and songwriting style, but that feels a bit like beating a very talented dead horse. This album was as influential is it is delightful. The kind of music you can happily jam along to while drinking beers in a garage as equally as taking a dip in the private hot tub outside your luxury villa. While “Brothers in Arms” may be a far better album as far as my tastes go, this one is still absolutely stellar.
enjoyed it!! loved it really
This review is heavily influenced by nostalgia from a very long road trip that involved a limited number of cassettes. This album being one of the best options. I listened to this album MANY times that trip and I don’t think I’ve listened to it since. Great album and memories. Water if love was always my fav on this album.
Such a great debut album. I used to listen to it all the time, glad to hear it again.
such an easy listen
I don’t know Mark Knopfler can be over praised. His unique guitar style paired with a voice that floats through the songs, giving feel that pairs perfectly with the fingerpicked stings. Sultans of Swing may be the calling card of this album, but Water of Love should also be in your rotation.
that riffs, that perfect classical rock. for one song alone this album would deserve 5 stars
THIS ONE SLAPS SO BAD. I LOVE DIRE STRAITS. When I was 17 I was working as a waitress during the summer and one german guest would always listen to fortunate son on the restaurant patio. HATED IT. We asked him if he could play something else like Dire Straits and he said they were shit. Well FUCK YOU GERMAN DUDE.
So much feeling in that guitar
Rating (1-5): ✩✩✩✩✩ Will I be listening to this again: Hell yeah, I already knew this album ✩v✩ What do I like about it: I love blues and even if this has more of a folk/soul rock to it, there is some components that remind me of blues I also love the instrumentation of all the tracks I probably listened to this so many times because of my dad haha What I dislike about it: Nothin' Higlighted songs: Down to the Waterline, Six Blade Knife, Sultans of Swing, Wild West End
atmospheric and cool
I went into this album thinking I would not know any of these songs. Boy was I wrong. I knew quite a few. "Sultans of Swing" is an absolute classic. The whole vibe of the album is surprisingly mellow yet sharp. A blues-rock sound. The guitar playing style is smooth, clean and laid-back. I really enjoyed this album from start to finish.
Great album from one of the greatest bands in its genre! Not their best in my opinion though.
loved!
Love this one, easy 5
Yeah this was great and reminds me of ny mum so it gets 5
Hell yeah
One of the best debut album. This first line up is the best with the drummer and the brother on rythme guitars. Check-out the rockpalast concert from 79, they are unstoppable
Real Good
PRETTY FAMILIAR ALREADY love a lot of songs from this album and im excited to listen so good for driving in the summer or sitting outside🩷🩷🩷9/10
There's nothing dire about this
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you’ll find yourself giving Dire Straits debut album 5 stars.” Favorite Track: Sultans of Swing
You can't have a more quintessential rock album than Dire Straits. Clean guitars, honest song writing, just amazing all the way through.
Come on now... I'm a dad. What other rating was this gonna get.
Classic so good!
Fire
This is a great album. I knew of Dire Straits, but didn’t realize Mark Knopfler was an absolute master of his craft. This album embodies my opinion that great music no matter the genre is that which makes you feel something.
Blues rock at its finest! Mark Knopfler’s guitar work is unmistakable. Always loved Sultans of swing, but never heard most of this album before now. Some great tunes here
I really liked this one. I couldn’t even tell that it was on in the background. I would mix this into my work mix
Loved it and the complete mix of genres!
It's not brothers in arms but still a solid number. Low 5.
loop
Great stuff
Wow wow wow. Did not expect to love this as much as I did. Haven’t delved deep lyrically, but the soundscape is absolutely wonderful. So dry, so isolated, but such fantastic grooves here and there. Love love love it.
Fantastic. Mark's guitar tone is immaculate.
I'd only heard Sultans of Swing before. Great album, every song sounds the same in the best way. Funnily enough, most of my exposure to Mark Knopfler has been listening to Dylan's Slow Train Coming.
One of my favorite bands
Ah, listen to that guitar sing and carry the top line melody. Ah, the bass is funky and smooth. Ah, the lyrics tell a story. So refreshing. Favorite songs: Down to the Waterline, Water of Love, Six Blade Knife, Sultans of Swing, In the Gallery.
These guys truly are the sultans.
Love Knopfler's guitar work...gets me every time.
Sultans of Swing is a classic, and the rest of the album is just as good.
Apparently I like Dire Straits. Great mellow listen front to back. sultans of Swing indeed.
Guitarras deliciosas al oído y un álbum impecable
Lots of memories. 1990, before graduation. The communist regime falls, free elections. Fresh air, love, and happiness. In my opinion, it is the most perfect Dire Straits album of all. *Water of Love* is one of my all-time favourites. Mark Knopfler is one of the kings of the guitar.
Großartiges Album. Mark Knopflers Gitarrenspiel ist unvergleichlich. Eines der besten Debütalben! Die Platte läuft seit zig Jahren immer wieder.
Fantastic album. Mix is great along with solid vocals and instrumental. For their first album, Dire Straits really sets the tone of their music and it shines through. A fantastic listen and enjoyable experience.
A really great album. A singular sound in a sea of rock music.
Amazing. Bangers from start to finish
Love Dire Straits. Their debut is not their best but still great.
Solid and unique
Redefined guitar and songwriting
wall to wall bangers per usual from the Dire Straits
never listened to this all the way through. much better all around than i expected. very very relistenable
👍 Love re-listening to music I forgot about! Been many years, so great to dance down memory lane with Dire Straits!
Sultans of swing, indeed
Immer noch gut, immer noch großartig. ☺️
fhuhh de hibátlan ez tejóég
Soothing album, has those 90's city vibes
Good.
I thought they did boring songs 😭 surprisingly it was better than I thought. A lot better. I really enjoyed many of the songs, they were fun and inviting. Gave me summer vibes. I also likes the fact the artists let the instrumentals kind of 'speak' for them, the record really shone the most when the band were just going to town (I.e Setting Me Up), even the moodier grounded songs had this very cool cadence to it. I also liked that the vocals were funky and fun, really emphasises the lyrics with the instrumentals. I felt the meat of the record was probably the best part from Setting Me Up to In The Gallery :) Loved cohesion, loved the way it moves and feels. I think this might be a 5. Faves: Down To The Waterline Water of Love Setting Me Up Six Blade Knife Southbound Again In The Gallery
I have always enjoyed Dire Straits, and Mark Knopfler certainly has one of the most distinctive guitar sounds ever. I really enjoyed this album then - and now.
Simply amazing, an all time classic
Just sweet groove and boogie. Love it love it.
Melodic album, soft rock is really good. Sultans of Swing is one of the best songs
I fell in love with this album when it came out, it felt more contemplative than other rock and the sophistication was in the musicianship so as a 12 year old it did not intimidate me thematically but awed me with the sound. I wish this had carried on to later albums but they seemed to get less interesting with each subsequent release. Communique is very good and overlooked.
Reminds me of another one of my favorites, JJ Cale. Not a bad track on here. Nothing special to mention, just good for casual listening.
5/5 Certified hood classic. Never given this a proper listen until now. Couple absolute ripper tunes. Down to the waterline and Sultans of swing both go hard. Clean crisp sharp guitar sounds with solid vocals from the 70s. Whats not to love
Surprisingly absolutely loved the vibe