Reviews (page 3 of 16)
The Dylanesque Sultans of Swing holds its own but this is pretty pedestrian stuff.
Damn, Mark really sounds like Bob Dylan sometimes. Like, a lot. There's a lot of interesting guitar work and lyrics. Could use some dynamics or some more high points.
Middle of the most middle of all roads.
Decent
Better than Brothers in Arms
Good ole dad rock. Love the style. Great guitar work and mellow sounds.
Sultans of Swing could solo most other albums on this list
Calm und cool, nice work.
Sultans of Swing by itself deserves 5 starts.
Blues/country not for me
One of those bands that arrived fully formed. It's a very impressive debut and they then did go on to do even greater things (Love Over Gold is their masterpiece), but all the same this is a really enjoyable album. Sultans of Swing obviously the famous track (deservedly so), but the rest of the album is of a similar grade, if a bit more low key. It's just fabulous musicianship and tight as a drum. Fabulous recording as well (all DS albums are). Hi-fi demo stuff. Solid 4.
cowboy vibe
bloody fantastic. sounded in parts like a better version of JM's the church with one bell
can’t believe i’ve only listened to like 2 songs from this album
great classic rock album. sweet guitar as always with the dire straights. a lovely mellow rock vibe.
Dire Straitsin omaleimainen tyyli kuuluu vahvasti jo yhtyeen esikoislevyllä. Mark Knopflerin käheä ääni ja rautalankatyylinen kitarointi ovat vahvasti läsnä. En kuitenkaan ole varma onko tämä kyseinen levy välttämättä paras valinta tälle listalle. Biiseistä Sultans of Swing nousee kevyesti ylitse muiden, mutta mukaan mahtuu muutama vähän tylsempi raita. Kokonaisuus jää kuitenkin vahvasti plussan puolelle ja yhtyeen myöhempi megahittilevy Brothers in Arms tullaan vielä kuulemaan tämän haasteen aikana.
A really nice pre-stardom album (or the one that led to stardom). This was as good as Dire Straits ever were.
Such a distinctive guitar sound, enjoyed this. Only really knew Sultans of Swing beforehand which is the obvious standout
Good
not really my tase, too boring.
Quite boring tbh. It felt like this could've been much more if they actually tried to do more than just jam. The guitar playing is good but it feels like they could've done much more with these songs. I genuinely don't get how this album is regarded as one of the best in the genre and time period. Favorite track: Setting Me Up
me gustóooo
I can hear some pretty strong influences in this album like JJ Cale & ZZ Top. It’s a solid album.
Not as familiar with this album as I thought I was, but I had a great time with it. Pretty amazing for a debut.
Something something Sultans of Swing. Mark Knopfler much wow. Dad rock and such.
A great answer to the question "what if a Brit tried his hardest to sound like Dylan and played blues rock?". Even on this debut album Mark Knopfler was already earning his rep as a guitar legend. Good stuff. 8.5/10.
8.5/10 Every once in a while I randomly get surprised by a debut album. Sultans of Swing is such a damn good track.
This was a very good album. The whole time I kept thinking that it sounded like something made today. Production wasn't "in the way," but it definitely helped this album sound as fresh as it did.
One I like on my birthday! I don’t think this is Dire Straits’ best album, but it has Sultans of Swing, which is hard to top. Plus I gave a-ha five stars, and this is objectively better than that.
guitar 5/5 everything else. ehh
Nice little album, good guitars and Marks voice is cool
Kuuntele muutama kerta uudestaan. Potentiaalia parempaan arvosanaan. Syysmusaa
⭐⭐⭐⭐- Gediget och imponerande debutalbum. Inte mitt favoritalbum av bandet men jag har lärt mig uppskatta det. Kanske skulle funnits några fler spår som sticker ut lite mer men samtidigt är det jämnt utan sänken så det blir en svag 4a. Bäst är Down to the waterline, Sultans of swing, Wild west end
Today I learn that Sultans of Swing is made by Dire Straits ! Pretty cool ngl. Overall an album that gets into it after a few tracks, and ends well. I get why the fam likes this band
Mark Knopfler... you can never let me down. I forgot how incredible this DEBUT album actually is. Every single song on this album is an incredible jam with intricate parts that combine into something so perfect. AND HELLO, IT'S GOT SULTANS OF SWING ON THE ALBUM!?! LIKE ONE OF THE BEST SONGS LIKE... EVER. I love this album, and I love Knopfler's brilliance. I don't give 5 stars easily (the tenth one out of 541 albums), but this easily deserves it.
Damm that was like actually boring 💔 I didn’t even listen till the end because of how same all the songs sounded to me Js someone playing same accords on guitar in every song okay 💔🥀✌️? I would say 3.4/10
Excellent album I’d buy this on vinyl
The debut from Dire Straits is the album for today. This one is part of our collection, so it must be good. The music is blues-rock, and the singing has a Dylan vibe, which I never realized until hearing it this go round. Dire Straits was huge in the early 1980s, benefitting from the exposure they got from MTV’s early days. Just good enough for a top rating.
Dire straits* is right. Sigh!! Starting to think this week was not auspicious after all. *They do have several songs about water. There are a lot of bands with brothers in. Maybe too many? This album is like an extended cut of The Eagles' 'Peaceful Easy Feeling'. All told, very boring. Not even a "microwave oven" to save it.
Solo por Sultans of Swing está guapisimo. El resto del disco mola también mucho, así relativamente chill
Incredible Guitar, but slightly dated and repetitive. Sultan of Swing the clear Single and a great song.
It was a good country music band. i would listen to them during long car rides...
This makle me wanna blast it on a ridiculously expensive stereo with an imaginary glass of whiskey in an earnes lounge chair. But I listened to it on my AirPods while vacuuming.
banger fucking intro it's giving window seat on a bus crossing dry deserts good vibes intrumentals great, vocal parts not always my thing 6/10
I wrote that thing about classic rock and it's all I'm getting now. This is great though. It's smooth and low-key enough that it can happily sit in the background but also complicated enough that listening more intently is rewarding. Sultans of Swing is one of those few behemoth songs that are actually deserving of the praise for me Highlights: Sultans of Swing, Wild West End, Water of Love
Outstanding and as good today as it was at initial release. A keeper for all times.
I actually already knew this album but, I only knew of sultans of swing. An annoying part of this album is that the guitar is very repetitive. It repeats a lot of the same licks and rhythmic qualities. Overall this is actually a really great album! I’ll definitely come back to it! I’d recommend Down to the waterline, Setting me up, Six blade knife, Southbound again, In the gallery, Wild west end and Lions.
Monday, 22 June, 2026 Mark Knopfler! Side 1 is excellent. His guitar work is captivating. Side 2 is good. Obviously “Sultans of Swing” is an amazing track. The rest of the side is good, not great. One song: “Wild West End” would be great if it had more lyrics.
Possibly 3.5
really enjoy the strumming pattern in the introduction of 'down to the waterline' got pretty crazy toward the end of 'setting me up' lowkey i dont think this vibe is for me im crying ok so its feeling like this album was recommended just because of sultans of swing and i dont really like that if im honest. i think its a good song on its own but the album itself isnt the best to be recommended alongside it ok the interlude in 'in the gallery' was really nice i wont lie album shouldve ended at wild west end imo. put lions somewhere else and it wouldve sounded the same
Boring album
Incredible album, so smooth and clean. Sultans has always been great but I loved even the least-played tracks on this one, really enjoyed it.
You know, I liked this more than I expected. I thought it would be much country-er for some reason. Also, I had heard the song title Sultans of Swing before and assumed it was, you know, a swing song, so I never pieced together that it was THAT song that I had apparently heard and enjoyed before.
Excellent debut! Kinda sad how Dire Straits has been a bit forgotten even in Classic Rock radio circles. What I've always loved about a Dire Straits song is how crystal clear the production is. Every hi-hat hit, every guitar pluck cuts right through that soundboard. It's sharp and pristine, and the type of music best listened through headphones.
I like how smoothly the guitar and the voice blend. It has good songs but it sounds like the type of music that would be in the background of a movie scene where a cowboy is strolling down the road on his horse in the middle of the desert. still good tho. pretty valid. there's no song that made me go wow. they're all at the same level of enjoyment.
Mark Knopfler, thank you for Wild West End.
Super catchy and a little wild
Mark Knopfler sure can make those six strings sing. Listen close—it's a little European school boy bouncing around the open "ah." Otherwise, this is 75% of a fine Bob Dylan impersonation. I don't believe a word he says. The precision of the playing saps energy and therefore emotion. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't just listen to Infidels (best of all worlds). Sorry, Brandon. I like: the sweet tenderness of "Wild West End."
Solid 4.0. Álbum bem agradável.
Dire Straits is a band I’ve overlooked beyond the hits but I’m inspired to dive deeper after liking this album front to back.
Only knew Sultans of Swing going into this, which I love. The rest of the album was really great too. Not a single stand-out besides the aforementioned, but it was really solid front to back.
not that great
i have a memory of listening to sultans of swing with my pops so i was excited for dire straits to be my first album of this project!!! this is a crazy debut album. very pleasant listening experience, especially for the fleetwood mac enjoyers.
Sultans of Swing is one of those songs that I've heard my parents play hundreds of times, so the second it came on I knew the entire song. The rest of this album is whatever fine, I didn't really notice much else good or bad.
I really like the Dire Straits, and Mark Knopfler is a guitar genius. However, their albums are not as good as some of their individual songs. Sultans of Swing is great. The rest of the album is just ok.
mark knofler said that "its sultans of swing time" and swinged all over the place. and only that song impressed me. 3/5
Grandpa likes it, It’s nice American traveling on your Harley cross country country easy going album
Good
While Knopfler and company are perhaps the definitive example of guitar-driven Dad rock, they're very very good at it. The interaction with the vocals and the guitar tone creates a distinctive sound that really couldn't be anyone else. There's a certain amount of similarity between all the tracks, though "Down To The Waterline," and "Six Blade Knife" aren't far behind.
Dire Straits? More like just dire. It's so fucking boring that when the album ended, Spotify carried on playing Dire Straits and I didn't notice at all. Is this 1001 list just filled with Top Gear rock? It's so default and uninteresting.
pretty interesting, idk it's just old, mid
The paragon of Boomer divorced dad rock (complimentary).
rock delke no me gusta, ni en mi casa
The only song off this album I was already familiar with was Sultans of Swing (which is undoubtedly awesome), so I had high expectations to which this album fell short. It started out strong with Down to the Waterline, but afterwards I gradually lost interest. I wish I liked it more, but I think, besides those two songs, this album has little replay value for me
Have
While Making Movies was the best album by Dire Straits, and Brothers in Arms was the most popular, this one started it off in style with Sultans of Swing being a big breakout hit. That said, the whole album is laid back cool.
The wild West End - Great. Really like the vibe of this song, on first listen this is the standout. Obviously sultans of swing is a classic, nothing new to add here
I like Dire Straits but was surprised at how fresh this sounds
There’s some really good songs in here, where you can really appreciate how smooth everything sounds. Then there’s some really bland songs in here where you forget what you’re listening to. Likes: Down to the Waterline; Sultans of Swing; Wild West End; Lions
A taste of great songs to come
Solid album. Not my favorite type of music, but recognizable, enjoyable, and chill.
No. 411/1001 Down To The Waterline 4/5 Water Of Love 3/5 Setting Me Up 3/5 Six Blade Knife 4/5 Southbound Again 3/5 Sultans Of Swing 4/5 In The Gallery 3/5 Wild West End 4/5 Lions 3/5 Average: 3,44 Great guitars.
Fantastic time. I'm not sure I'd have Dire Straits on my regular rotation but it's always a good time when it's on. Of all the "dad rock" albums I've listened to on this list so far, Dire Straits can hang the most.
At its best this reminds me of that thing where boomer blues rockers in wraparound shades move their face forward and back on their neck in time with the music instead of nodding or shaking their head. At its worst it makes me think of a kid I knew who used to drop his pants and strum his junk like a guitar and go "deener-neener-neet neet neet neet neet."
3.5
Hell yeah
overall, i found the vibe to be fun but nothing amazing. i know Sultans of Swing is supposed to be the most famous song on the album but i don't get the hype? like sure i would listen to it if it's playing and have fun and the solo guitar sequence is genuinely cool. but it's nothing special or new enough for me to go back to it again. also just say "sooltaans" it's not that hard.
most of album 2/5, Sultans of swings 4/5
album #73 i know that i like some of dire straits' stuff, but this album is not one of them. i adore their instrumentation, but the singing on this album just does not do it for me. i also think their other albums are more influential/required listening than this one. ꩜ average track rating: 2.5/5 ꩜ favourite track(s): down to the waterline ꩜ least favourite track(s): water of love ꩜ album rating: ★★⯪☆☆ ꩜ number of albums left to review: 1,016 ꩜ number of albums from the list that i agree with being on the list: 35 ꩜ albums from the list that I would consider on my list: 14 ꩜ albums from the list I won't include on my list: 59
I listened to 4 out of the 9 songs in the album and for my personal taste I am not digging it unfortunately but it’s a good band with good instrumental.
Not my type but that doesn't mean its bad. It was a nice experience classic rock album, some records may remind u of blues.
What an album! You go from classic to classic.
Its like on repeat. Nothing more interesting the Sultans of Swing which is one of the best songs oat but pretty uninteresting to me honestly the rest i mean
A band created in a lab to play music for white suburban dads. And they do it very well! Dire Straits would evolve, gently, and create more interesting music, but they come out of the gates with their mission statement, embodied in the best track, Sultans of Swing. A bar band on steroids with an incredibly accomplished but painfully conservative lead guitarist, one who could play anything but mainly just plays an incredibly refined blend of Clapton, Atkins and Burton. The influences are not hidden: country, blues rock, a hint of jazz. The songs are eminently listenable. The absolute best music played in your dentist’s waiting room. Overall, it's a pleasant listen, but Dire Straits, for a band as successful as they were worldwide, offer nothing new or unique. For me, that's not something you MUST hear, but it's fine
3.5/5
While listening to this, I didn't connect much with any of the songs (except "Sultans of Swing", but more out of familiarity). And yet, after listening, I still feel like I can't rate it any less than a 4. I did appreciate the understated sound of it all...nothing overly flashy other than Mark Knopflers playing. It had to be a different sound when it came out in 1978. Maybe not quite my thing, but highly respected.
Was already a fan of Dire Straits (Brothers in Arms) and this is only to confirm it!
나른허다 베스트: Wild West End
3,6
Amazing guitar work, didn't blow be away otherwise but it was a great listen
Somehow both histrionic crap and dull as an accountancy lecture. Only 41 minutes and yet still too long.
Not great, not terrible, plenty of Mark Knopfler noodles if you like that sort of thing....
Whilst not there peak. The debut DT shows the band exiting the oven fully formed with their signature soft rock sound. Great
What a jammer. Easily a 5/5
chill
Psychedelic drifter vibes. Good for long distance car rides
amazing album. it is a turning point. love it.
Fireeee. Got to always appreciate Knopfler. Really beautiful album and perfectly crafted. Have my preferred songs on the album.
Another album ive listen to many times. Tbh it doesnt grab me like it used to years ago, but I still very much like it. The first two songs and Sults are by far the best ones. Knoppfler is just reslly good at making his guitar sing. I think this is a 4.5 but im rounding down to 4 for this one.
I liked it. I like Dire Straits, although this album wasn't super WOW, I think Sultans of Swing is the best song on it tbh. Other songs were mostly slower & I think their faster songs sound better
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
4.25
nutty guitar
Guest Review: My Dad “Solid album that clearly shows the foundations and early influence of some the bigger hits to come”
Primera vez escuchando un disco entero de los Dire. Good enough!
Knopfler's warm rangy guitar tone and his low key smoky thrum of a voice, the band's relaxed country pub choogle, and the lyrical solos. Solidly enjoyable.
You instantly know the Dire Straits by the guitar, and then by Knopfler’s vocals. They seem already fully formed on this debut, which features some great songs. The opener of “Down to the Waterline” is terrific. But there are some less memorable songs here too.
I enjoyed it. Great gutar and percussion
Dire Straits was my mom's favourite band when she was my age. Not really sure why... this album is pretty boring
Chill album z jedna dwiema 8 ale un general 7
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
Who could hate this album?
Here’s a short personal review based on your notes: Dire Straits’ self-titled debut was a real surprise for me. I’d heard Brothers in Arms before and thought it was good, but this album connected with me much more. Right from “Down to the Waterline,” the bluesy groove and incredible guitar work grabbed my attention, and songs like “Water of Love” and “Six Blade Knife” kept that laid-back, easy-listening vibe going. The whole album feels perfect for a summer evening, whether you’re sitting outside or taking a walk. What stood out most was how authentic the band sounds. At a time when so much music was moving toward punk, disco, or arena rock, Dire Straits carved out their own space with a blend of British blues, roots rock, and country influences. Mark Knopfler’s voice often reminded me of Bob Dylan, while the music brought to mind bands like Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles without ever feeling derivative. The songs are tightly written, never overstaying their welcome, and the guitar playing is consistently outstanding. “Sultans of Swing” remains my favourite Dire Straits song and the clear highlight of the album. Its storytelling, atmosphere, and legendary guitar solo make it a track I can listen to over and over again. While a couple of songs on the second half didn’t hit me quite as hard as the early standouts, there wasn’t anything I’d skip. Overall, I enjoyed Dire Straits more than Brothers in Arms and think it’s the stronger album from start to finish. It’s a cool, bluesy, groovy collection of songs and an impressive debut that I’ll definitely be revisiting, and probably adding to my vinyl collection someday. 8/10
starting to appreciate why soph starts so many of these with "okay. sure." Mark Knopfler is one of those guitarists that gets overshadowed by a lot of his "guitar God" contemporaries. Is he the first """"REstrAined"""" guitarist of the ""clAssic RawK eRa?"" Some great riffs and phrases here. I hear Acetone twang here in this, even though DS is going for more of a rockabilly than country thing. Aw what the hell this is p good. His phrasing and dynamics are timeless. Sultans of Swing is obviously a monsta. The rest of these songs are cool too i guess.
i don't know which one of you gonna be annoying about it but i am in fear. also. during pride month big dawg???? dads rock: down to the waterline, six blade knife, sultans of swing, lions fine: southbound again, in the gallery (straddling line between this and) dad slop: water of love, setting me up (should've let john fogerty write it), wild west end (would be fine. but those fucking lyrics. i'm struggling.) requisite "they're good songwriters" comment. requisite "sultans of swing is a good song" comment. requisite "good enough English singers to turn off the fake fucking accent" comment. 2.9-3.8. i'm getting Tired of jerking off true brexit geezers.
Not their best, but a good start.
An interesting album , plenty of variety. The vocal is a bit too Dylanesque at times but overall a solid debut.
Not it.
Very mellow album. I only knew one song from it.
7/10 - great as background music! i wouldn't listen to it in my free time though.
Preferite: Down to the Waterline Sultan Of Swings Lions
Sultans of swing? I'm in!
i like guitars they sound cool :)
Sure, you know. They’re doing their thing. It’s like if Clapton’s weird shuffly soft-blues music was actually kind of good.
Very nice very good
album de estreia LINDO. é o album de música de pai mais legal de todos!!!!
Always really liked Dire Straits but had never listened to this album. Really, really great album and listen all the way through. Wild West End was a particular standout, but every song was good. Most definitely 5 stars!
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.
Feels like an album I would listen to vibing on my yacht when I retire while I sip a cold white claw or maybe something more classy. Besides Sultans of Swing, these are all new to me. A lot of them have pretty much the same sound which is not an issue(it feels very connected). Didn’t realize how deep each song was until I actually took a second to listen to the lyrics
um álbum que com certeza meus pais ouviram e eu dou um belíssimo 4, mas queria dar 4.5 na verdade
Music for nothin? Chicks for free?
The musical equivalent of a late-night drive through empty streets with the windows down. It's a smooth, sultry ride that never loses its cool. Effortless, sophisticated, and a touch melancholic. Spins: 1 Playlist Additions - Down to the Waterline - Six Blade Knife - Sultans of Swing
Wouldn’t have ever thought to pick this up. I was pleasantly surprised, not the type of rock I’d listen to but I’ll be playing this again I think.
It’s never been cool to like Dire Straits. “It ain’t what they call rock n roll.” But Mark Knopfler’s guitar is peerless. Sultans is the outstanding track, of course, with some vocals to set up the guitar solos.
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.
A great debut. Love the guitar work and mostly laid back vibe. I do prefer Brothers in Arms.
300526 13:27 4.5
Incredibly technically proficient and yet... Also very much not my thing. Dire straits get a lot of praise for their guitar work and singing and I totally get why, it just doesn't work for me. I was mostly bored listening to this? Even the big well known song Sultan of Swing just doesn't do anything for me. Maybe this type of music has just become so deeply oversaturated to me that I can't really enjoy it anymore. I wish I had more insight into what the issue was but this is one of those albums that just bounced off me.
it aight, i wouldnt personally listen to it but they are unique i guess, teehe..
I liked this one a lot and feel bad I never really explored this band when I was younger. The guitar work is varied and interesting and several songs were favorited. Not yet as catchy to me as Brothers but deserving of at least a 4. I will be back for me. 4/5
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
de genre ‘soft rock’ komt van deze band denk ik
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.
erg goed, minder goed dan verwacht tho
Set my expectations too high for this - found it too repetitive, but can't fault Knopfler with a guitar.
Instrumentals reminded me of country/western rock (if there is such a thing) I was surprised to know it was a British Band. Definitely chill and relaxing, the guitar goes absolutely crazy. I didn't find the lyrics that strong or something to write home about. Though, because of the immaculate instrumentals, added the album to my offline collection! Favourite song in the album - Six Blade Knife No. of favourited songs - 3/9 Rating - 2/5
Steady guitar riffs lead the talk-singing raspy voice which delivers on this album.
Not mu fave by them but not bad at all
Nice album, and nice recording with lots of dynamic range
I enjoyed this
I cannot unhear this album being described as pub rock 3-4
la verdad un lindo disco para escuchar. de fondo suena muy bien, me gustoo
Someone relinquish this dude’s valium supply.
5/5 ✱✱✱✱✱
Preface: I love sultans of swing so much that been afraid to ever listen to any other DS beyond their few radio hits. It’s just so perfectly atmospheric with the stratiest guitar tone ever recorded. Guess this is what I’ve signed up for though. Pretty terrific the first song is sonically a prequel to sultans, mark flexes on the acoustic too, and there’s a snappy little rave up reminiscent of Christian era Bob. The last song is a snooze fest though.
kind of nice, i would be happy to listen to this in a bar on a hot sticky night. i don't think i'll remember anything about this tomorrow. fave track six blade knife
Album #160 Dire Straits: Dire Straits Despite my musical background being almost entirely classic rock, growing up, I never fully took to Dire Straits. In some way, they are really the last ‘true’ classic rock band; generally, the classic rock sound is that of the 70s, with bands like Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, and Pink Floyd being go-to examples. You also have remnants from the 60s, such as The Who and The Stones, who were a little more rocking than their poppier contemporaries (Beach Boys, Beatles). As far as 80s bands being classic rock, you have the early 80s arena rock bands like Journey and REO Speedwagon, and the late 80s hair metal bands like Bon Jovi and Guns N ' Roses; however, both of those scenes are distinctly 80s, which means that they have a level of gloss to them which prevents them from sounding ‘classic’. Dire Straits' debut came out right at the end of the 70s, whereas most other British bands had already pivoted to punk, and even moved on from that to post-punk; Dire Straits were holding down the fort with a roots rock debut. Mark Knopfler, much like many other British rock stars, grew up idolizing American rock and roll; this reflects so much in his debut that many people, until this day, still think they are American; and lyrical references such as ‘London town’ are just faux pas. Dire Straits were the last holdouts of a fading sound, yet they proved just how commercially successful it could be, becoming arguably the biggest band in the world in the early 80s. And despite all of this, I never gave them the time of day, outside of a few select tunes. That was, until last year, when I started to really delve into their catalogue. My desire to dig deeper came after hearing some songs from their album ‘Making Movies,’ which had previously gone under my radar. Considering how big a fan of Bruce Springsteen I am, hearing that they recruited the keyboardist from the E Street Band for the album piqued my interest. It didn’t take long for Making Movies to become an all-time favourite album of mine, and soon after, Dire Straits became an all-time favourite band. Their debut is probably their most critically beloved, and I can certainly see why. I’m surprised I made it this long without referencing Mark Knopfler’s guitar credentials, but that really is the star of the show here. This is by far one of the greatest guitar albums of all time, and if you have any sort of appreciation for the instrument, you will find something to enjoy here. Knopfler would be amongst my five favourite guitarists, as he has something which so many lack with their playing, which is identity. His playing feels so alive and oozes with character, which results in every Dire Straits song feeling so unique, and in my opinion, their strongest attribute is cinematic. This album feels like a series of Western movies unfolding into your ears, packed with action, suspense, and climax. Though personally I prefer the high auxiliary love affair of a Making Movies, I can certainly find the time of day to sit back and revel in the slow burn drama which is Dire Straits' self-titled. Also, I figured it went without saying, but Sultans of Swing is probably their masterpiece, and honestly, just one of the greatest songs ever written. No other song has ever painted a more vivid picture in my head, or dripped with as much swagger. One of the finest debuts of all-time, and though for many the peak of Dire Straits' career, for me it only gets better from here. Best Songs: Sultans of Swing, Down to the Waterline, Lions Worst Song: Water of Love Score out of 10: 9
Батя-рок батя-роковый, скучнейшая поебота
Not bad at all. Prefer brothers in arms though.
10/10
gut, aber außerordentlich langweilig
listened to "down to the waterline", "water of love", "setting me up", "six blade knife" (i love this one), "Southbound Again" (<3), "Sultans of swing", "In the Gallery", "Wild West End" (<3)
I always thought Sultans of Swing was a Bob Dylan song. They have a very twangy guitar without being "country." Mark Knopfler wrote the music for The Princess Bride. He gets a pass from me 3
Classic.
One of my dad’s favorite albums. And I see why. The instruments and vocals are designed for maximum pique and noir flavor. Other than the obvious, which my dad showed me at a young age, I really liked six blade knife. Some songs made me think of Tom Waits and his growlier songs, which is a high compliment.
Not a game changer but respect due
Cosy and safe, like a woolly jumper on a winter day
Didn't realize these guys were so bouncy. Less dad rock than I imagined. I liked the second half of the album better
got me dancing in the kitchen
303/1089 some chill beachy rock? i’m in so far. overall it was a pleasant album. not groundbreaking but nice. Wild West End was the definite stand out to me 54/100
Vibe, przyjemny do słuchania, ma swój klimat, ale też niczym się nie wyróżnił specjalnie, wiec daje trójeczkę
Sad that you had to turn into a vampire, Straits! I felt like I was listening to a cowboy sing, so it was good to listen to in the background. As a whole I give it a dire straight 8.5/10
A slower burn but I do enjoy.
Sultans of swing one of the best songs all time sure album not bad but sos way abow the album class Second best i think "in the gallery" 4/5
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
Undeniably one of the all time great guitarists with an all-time Sultans of Swing. Even when the songs aren't great, slowhand is.
There is something so comforting and lovely about Dire Straits' music to me, and this album especially.
I like the guitar, and "Sultans of Swing" is a classic, but otherwise I wasn't a huge fan.
I'm, just so tired
Really really strong debut. Can highly recommend.
A great album and a perfect debut for the group. Not my favorite band, but they really know how to play those instruments. Good stuff.
Dire Straits album #2... still a no for me, dawg.
3,9 1. "Sultans of Swing" 2. "Down to the Waterline" 3. "In the Gallery"
Ez 5/5
Not really my type of music, but it’s groovy and that I enjoy
dire straits
Man, I am surprised by this album. Sorry, but I have always dismissed Dire Straits. Sultans of Swing makes me think of overweight men with pot bellies, wearing Bermuda shorts, flip flops, wife beaters and/ or Hawaiian shirts, beers in hand, half heartedly tending the bbq. Thanks… I‘ll pass. But there was so much more here than that! Those two opening tracks were so well placed one after the other. And Six Blade Knife… yeah, I have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed this album. It really didn’t have any dead spots. I even appreciated Sultans positioned in its full context.
2/5 Best Song: Sultans of Swing Worst Song: Southbound Again Weirdest Song: In the Gallery Honorable Mention: Wild West End It's okay. The twangy style hooks you at first but each song that follows is very similar and produces diminishing returns until you get to Sultans. The rest is the same except for Wild West End which is a surprisingly good ballad.
#7 Sultans of Swing is the obvious highlight, but it really carries the rest of the album; hardly anything else here is memorable. It isn't bad, it just feels way too reserved. I guess I expected more... At least Sultans will always be a banger.
Også cool.
Ma lubasin endale, et ma lõpetan igasuguse meedia ülehindamise. Seda järgides oli see album jube igav. Jah, see oli hea kvaliteediga ja sihuke klassika, aga terve aja mu sõrmed sügelesid midagi muud peale pann. See on midagi, mida ma kuulaksin isaga roadtripil ja see ütleb palju.
Extraordinaria habilidad con la guitarra, sonido suave que me recuerda al country y el blues. Dota además de una percusión distintiva, diría que inusual.
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.
Overall enjoyed this one. The highs were VERY high. The rest was pretty mid, but not bad. I did enjoy the honky tonk vibes on Setting Me Up and overall bluesiness of the guitar solos on everything.
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
Is Mark Knopfler copying BB King, or is his guitar sound an homage? I suppose it could be both, either way, the music is heavenly and heavy at the same time. I’ve always thought Knopfler was one of the most underrated guitarists, but listening critically to his music, I hear King’s influence. Although the vocals are weak, the songwriting and excellent guitar work more than make up for it. 4 stars
i liked it. fell asleep while listening tho lolz
Listened through the whole thing. Enjoyed it as a bg noise since there are not many standout moments for me. Added two songs total. I feel like it would be great as a shopping mall type music
I always thought Dire Straits was a country band for some reason...
Музыка неплохая. но солист часто поёт невпопад с музыкой
Sultans of Swing. Waterline. Perfect.
As far as I’m concerned, Dire Straits are the ultimate in Dad music since I spent many a car journey growing up with the likes of Dire Straits playing. Sultans of Swing is an absolute all timer but I don’t specifically remember this album, perhaps we just had other albums and maybe even a greatest hits in the car. In any case, this is damn good; I’m not surprised at the quality of the guitar playing given what I know about Mark Knopfler, but I have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the album as a whole because I wondered if this might be all about the one very famous song here.
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.
Thought I'd enjoy this less than I eventually did
nothing special about it. Sultans of swing was new at the time different from anything before it. However when every other tune afterwards sounds the same it gets a bit dull.
Decent
Great Debut, fresh sounds, but they have better records
Favorite Track: Sultans of Swing
groovy
The Straits aren’t really my thing, but it’s a fairly chill album with some catchy tunes. Favourite track: Water of Love
This album sounds plessant and relaxing, but it is not realy my type of music. I am not a big fan of country, but the guitar sounds realy good.
Blue, country, and what wikipedia tells me is "roots rock". This feels like a slimmed-down version of the Rolling Stones "Sticky Fingers" album; a reviewer apparently once called them minimalist and I agree.
This is soft rock for balding functioning alcoholics with a touch of scoliosis. Having said that, I do like Tunnel of Love. This one is too "adult oriented rock" for my taste. Overcleanedup rock.
Brothers in Arms is the only Dire Straits album I know, but I know it very well and love it. I have enjoyed nearly everything I have heard involving Mark Knopfler (including his work with Dylan,) but I was never interested in exploring any more of it for whatever reason. I of course know "Sultans of Swing" and I vaguely seem to recall that I knew it was on their debut. This sounds VERY much to me like Dylan's stuff from the same period, which isn't surprising. I really enjoyed this and struggled between 3 or 4 stars. I've given a lot of albums "3.9"s that couldn't quite clear my self-constructed 4-star threshold. Maybe I'm just feeling generous today, but this is a really good album, especially for a debut.
"любимый альбом бежевого папы" нууу, в общем-то альбом записан очень чётенько, без шероховатостей, мастерство гитариста и драммера чувствуется (sultans of swing тому подтверждение), но скучнаааа до жути. уговорить себя дослушать не смогла. пульс у альбома ебануться ровный (прямая линия нах вхах). под такое ток вискарь потягивать после смены на заводе, на кресле-качалке ёрзать, газетой шуршать и у камина пятки сушить. бл но если сухо смотреть то работа реально заипатая и во времена буйного панка группа растолкала топ чарты своими пенсионными удостоверениями лол. пс. всем участникам оказывается было около 30._. пспс. идеальный коммент: "Музыка, которая, кажется, создана для отцов среднего возраста со скучной корпоративной работой, чтобы они могли выпить пива и сказать: «Сейчас таких уже не делают»."
хз, я бы такое не слушал, поставил 3 только потому что потом включил пошлую Молли
Already listened to it. Classic.
I love that while the punk scene was in full swing, Dire Straits seemingly came out of nowhere, fully formed, with this record. They're one of those bands that sound like nothing before or since but for some reason, I still have them filed under 'Guilty Pleasures'. I really don't know why - I'm not trying to impress anyone, but there's just something about my enjoyment of them that I'd prefer to keep quiet. In fact, if anything, they probably deserve a bit more credit than they get - I'm pretty certain they could have reformed, toured the world, and pocketed mega-billions but they never have. They walked away at the height of their powers on good terms and left their work to fend for itself, displaying a level of integrity missing from so many other big bands. They've always been a bit of a 'dad band', but there's a comfort to their sound, and I don't care what anyone says, Sultans of Swing is a wonderful track and I could listen to it endlessly. I REALLY enjoyed listening to this album. There, I said it. (These reviews are anonymous, yeah?)
Is this the pre-cursor or the "inventor" of AOR? It's just so... pedestrian? Out of its' context it is so tame it's ridiculous. Formulised blandness in music. Highly competent musicianship designed to induce narcolepsy.
Some great tunes - need to get back to this record in the future 8/10 Will I add this album to my library? yes
Some great songs. Will probably return to this album myself
Are Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits a "had to be there" thing to get why they're always mentioned in best ofs" I really don't understand it; it's a fine blues album, congrats. Don't care for his voice, don't see the hype of his guitar work, mid songs, should I search genius.com for a breakdown of the lyrics to get the point? Truely bizzar to me why this is big.
straight dire. has anyone used that one yet
There’s a fine line between the worst music of this time (Steely Dan for example) and this. And if you look at the line real close, it says “weirdo guitarist a guitar guy can’t look away from”. I give Mark Knopfler’s guitar work a 5, but all of the production and lyrics and vocals and everything else a 1. So it goes.
Down to the Waterline is kinda giving Disraeli Gears (by Cream), but more awake and aware. Water of Love: I can picture myself when my dad, brother and I drove down ohio and oklahoma. Yeah this album is giving very much Disraeli Gears, but a bit more country or something.
Love his voice, and the instrumentals are very enjoyable. Occasionally a bit overly simple.
Really like the instrumentation. Don’t love the style of singing all the time but his voice is smooth enough I don’t mind it as much as some others
Very well crafted, strongly influenced by J J Cale
Discazo. Dire straits nunca defrauda. Esa guitarra y sonido tan característico. Un muy buen disco para conducir 😎
ok dire of saints is very cool, pretty 70s i like the vibe a lot.
Day 33 — Dire Straits — Dire Straits (1978) Listened: April 29–May 2, 2026 Genre: Blues Rock / Pub Rock / Classic Rock Vibe: Relaxed and confident blues-driven rock with a quiet snarl — Knopfler's fingerpicked guitar does more with less than almost anyone. Highlights: • Water of Love • Setting Me Up • Six Blade Knife ★ Sultans of Swing • In the Gallery • Lions Impression: Enjoyed it from top to bottom. Only knew Sultans of Swing before this and the rest of the album makes complete sense around it. Great background music with enough groove and chill energy to work or clean to. Knopfler's guitar musicianship is the whole story. Rating: 3.7/5 Keep songs? Yes Revisit album? Yes
For a debut album, this is pretty solid and it has Sultans of Swing. They know how to play the guitar but I’m not really thrilled by it, lots of the same and vocally there’s not a lot happening.
Этот альбом - просто эталонный пример той самой "музыки чтобы ехать" и было отлично послушать его пока я ехал и смотрел в окно. Чилловый кантри-рок, без напряга и переусложнений, но с приятными мелодичными мотивами. Так и надо.
It was interesting, at least.
Nice to listen
amazing that they named a band after the jojo's character in pt 2
Just super solid. Didn’t really grab my attention but a good listen
Good album
A lot of very funky guitar that I loved
It was good enough, just sounded like Dire Straits LOL.
Dire Straits is always good but I prefer Brothers In Arms over this album. The tracks seemed a bit samey and I wouldn't actively choose to listen to it. Rating: 3
More hip old man social club buffet music. I’ve finished my pork pie to Elvis Costello just in time for my triangle egg sandwich to Sultans Of Swing. Again. Ok.
Knopfler is clearly a very good guitarist but i cant really say anything particularly stood out. Sultans of swing is orite. But youre never gonna bang the album on are ya
A generous 3 Like I do like dire straits well the brothers in arms album anyway, but this album is just meh innit. The actual the playing is really good. However the songs are just not that interesting. There is a few good numbers but all in all pretty bland. Harmless safe dad rock...
Ok album. Saltans of Swing is one of my favourite songs, so everything else on this album pales in comparison. Brothers In Arms is a better album
Like dire straits. The guitar sound is very good Sultans of swing is a banger
Ahead of their time. Mark was awesome and the whole production great.
Music for corporate wankers off to the rugger! The staccato character study lyrical lines accentuated by a guitar phrase are well done and a unique thing for this band. I think they’d have been terrible prog but punk (via Pub Rock) saved us from that and the record is competent and concise and Mercifully free of self indulgent noodling. Overall it gets a bit dull and you end up howling at the moon “Kick Out The Jams, Mark Knopfler”.
Dirsku Straitsku, knofflerin markku on yks lempparisgitta-pleijjereistäni. Ilo tätä on kuunnella.
Taattua daiör streits laatua, toimii
5/5 koko levy. Ei muuta lisättävää.
Dire Straits oli juuri sitä lääkäri määräsi. Entuudestaan yksi tuttu kappale, mutta loput uppos kuitenki oikein hyvin.
It's easy to see why Sultans of Swing is the song on this that really did something, but it's probably not the strongest one here. There's a nice groove to a few of these tunes, but the more Mark and the Straits actually let the drummer relax and all just reeeaaaaaally take it easy the better they sound! Solid 4*
Knopfler's voice works on most of these songs, but a few are just too sparse for his harsh voice to gel as well. This is a good album to listen to on vinyl though.
Slightly better than the last? Idk. I just read something the other day about Mark Knopfler being a terrible vocalist, and it’s something I’d never noticed or thought about, but this time I definitely noticed.
Pub rock 1970s
Fewer hits, but much better as a whole than Brothers in Arms. Fantastic guitar work and song-writing throughout.
me sentí un vaquero caminando por la calle
ser la uña de Mari Knofler es mí sueño
A couple of enjoyably groovy moments, but nothing else to report. Very forgettable.
Low 4 Good this. Nice to hear someone like bob dylan as much as me.
Literally perfect
probably the kind of music playing in the home of a couple who met hitchhiking to a Grateful Dead concert
Album so good a bee flew in my car to ride with me and listen. We both agreed it was a five before she went on with her day.
lou reed vibes, i love. not a perfect album but really great.
This was pretty boring.
Old timey rock n' roll. Nothing much besides that. Not really the hugest fan of rock n' roll so that's a shame.
Best track: Sultans of Swing Overall: Not something I would listen to on rotation but a good "mellow" or "wind down" music
9/10 - The album is so lush and deep. It grows on you with every listen Fav Tracks: Wild West End, Sultans of Swing Heard before? ---–- ❌ Saved a Song? ----- ✅ Saved Album? --–-- ✅ Will Listen Again? -- ✅
-i think "sultans of swing" is insanely overrated that's all i'll say about it. and this album feels like it's going to be very sultans of swingy. -i kinda dig "setting me up" -ah i'm warming up to them. "six blade knife" also good. -"southbound again" also good. fun lil tune. -"in the gallery" has a nice groove to it. -"lions" is a 5 minute song that feels like it goes on for 20 minutes. -all in all this exceeded expectations. i stand by what i said about "sultans of swing" tho. and i would add that it's ridiculous that it's a near 6 minute long song. i like this album a lot more than "brothers in arms" (which is another dire straits album with an insufferable overplayed single).
Sounded good! Did not make a big impression 😔
I partially listened to this album as I drove home from the grocery store, and I finished it as I was in the shower. I had been expecting a more punk-leaning sound from this album based solely on the name, but I was immediately proven wrong by the sudden appearance of some classic muddy guitar plucks and strings. With some incredibly rhythmic percussion to bob my head along too and catchy, danceable rhythms, this album ended up feeling a lot more fun than I ever would have guessed. The dark and foggy vocals served as a perfect complement to the dingey, blues-inspired vibe of the music, to the point that it took me a second to realize they were British. The longer the album went on, the more it started to sound less authentic and more like an act, but that's not inherently a knock against it. This blend between camp and authenticity keeps the album fresh from one song to the next, and both tones serve the album very well. I have found myself more and more throughout this project to be a sucker for bluesy classic rock, and that continues to be true when it comes to Dire Straits. Highlights: Down To The Waterline, Water Of Love, Setting Me Up, Six Blade Knife, Sultans Of Swing, Wild West End
Only knew Sultans of Swing. Solid album.
An album for driving on an open road in the west, windows down, hair blowing in the wind. Love!
slow sunny morning or road trip vibe; also good as background music
Really liked this Album. Mark and David Knopfler just know how Create good melodies. But sometimes Mark Knopfler sounds like Donald Trump and I can't unhear it✌️😭
Ich mag die instrumentals nicht (außer in Sultans of Swing). Die hohen Gitarrentöne sind irgendwie sehr penetrant und die drums klingen nicht voll genug für meinen Geschmack.. Würde das album gerne mehr mögen aber ich kann mich nicht dazu bringen.
I have long been on the fence about Dire Straits. A friend of mine bought me a Greatest Hits album years ago, saying that they must be right up my alley. I remember being a little offended by that because when I listened to the album to me it sounded like corny mainstream 70's soft rock. This time around I really tried to approach this album with an open mind. It won me over by the end. I still do think they are a bit corny but they own it, and I definitely don't think they are mainstream, I feel like they are completely doing their own thing. I am also fascinated by the guitar tone on this album - as a fender clean tone guy who often plays without a pick, I approve.
I'd heard Sultans of Swing many, many times, but I've never bothered to listen to any other Dire Straits. Turns out the rest of the album is just as good as Sultans of Swing! Honestly, I was a bit hesitant going into this one because I am incredibly burnt out on blues guitar based music, but Mark Knopfler has such a smooth and unique way of playing the guitar; it just works so well on all of these tracks and it doesn't feel like the same tired blues licks you hear all the time.
Nothing mind-blowing for me.
1) 7/10 2) 4/10 3) 5/10 4) 6/10 5) 7/10 6) 9/10 7) 7/10 8) 7/10 9)
que hermoso
Absolute classic!
333/1001. Old Dire Straits sounds the same as new Dire Straits: well produced and boring with a bit too much anericana thrown in. Not for me, although not a horrible listening experience.
Fun album from a group I was aware of but knew very little about. Nice guitar throughout. Mixed well.
I love this album.
3/5 Netter Vibe, aber für mich nix Herausragendes
Kaunista soittoa ja kauniit riffit.