Reviews (page 4 of 16)
Down to the Waterline - 4/5 Water of Love - 3/5 Setting Me Up - 3.5/5 Six Blade Knife - 3/5 Southbound Again - 3.5/5 Sultans of Swing - 5/5 In the Gallery - 3.5/5 Wild West End - 3.5/5 Lions - 3.5/5 I used to be really obsessed with Sultans of Swing, so I had high hopes for this album. Turns out that's all this albums has going for it as the remainder of the album is pretty much just British Blues mush. Overall: 3.5/5 Favorites: Sultans of Swing
Iconic
Gran debut…y marcando su estilo
This was fine; nothing about it really stood out to me other than ‘Sultans of Swing’.
Great sound. A very easy listen, dad rock with some jazzy/bluesy influences. Love the feature of plucky guitar.
Sultans of swing is their best song. The album itself is aight.
It was decent but not earth-shattering. Good for a debut album.
A truly remarkable debut record for what was going to be one of Britains most successful rock bands. Already on this record, the first glimpse of Mark Knopflers incredible guitar playing can be heard, although it is on the following albums that he shows what he can really do. Solid album, no doubt.
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.
I had a jangly old time. I will probably not ever return to this album unless I am on a road trip with a handsome man who gives me adventurous cowboy vibes, I’m in the passenger seat and he hands me the aux (our hands brush briefly and I feel a jolt), I’m sipping gas station coffee and we have the windows down, it’s a beautiful day somewhere between Vegas and Flagstaff, clear skies, 76 degrees, I’m in denim shorts, no makeup, no worries. I turn on this album and he knows it from the first notes, knows every word.
Am I missing something because I still find Dire Straits to be one of the most bland and generic bands in all of rock music. I just feel like they have absolutely no soul or character at all, just the most boring and predictable rock ever made. Like they don't even try to be unique in any way, they just play their instruments for 40 minutes and call it an album, at least on a lot of other music I would accuse of being generic there's still somewhat of an attempt to be interesting, but this is like AI generated levels of generic. Absolutely no creativity is displayed in this album at all, just plain guitar riffs and predictable vocal melodies. I simply can't fathom why this band is so popular.
8.5/10
Sultans of Swing is een blijft een top nummer, rest van het album is prima, niet geweldig.
Gitaar is cool, maar eronder verstopt is niet veel meer dan acceptabele soft rock.
I definitely had to look up to see if Bob Dylan was their vocalist. Some good background music. Knew their one hit from this from soundtracks or commercials or something. Didn't really hit for me, but sounds like it was of its time.
It was okay, just not anything I'd listen to regularly
love it
Very good album, will listen again. Good songwriting, musicianship and nicely recorded.
Clásico con algún temazo
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.
I really liked this album. The instrumentals were my favorite aspect by far. The guitar and bass created such a cool and unique feeling.
4.4 Dire me fascina, increíble álbum de nuevo
4.6 El rock inglés y yo nos estamos volviendo bestis
Production was great, band was great, songs were... okay. I can see why it's on this list but the songs didn't really do it for me. Great work by them though.
Ребят машины нет а роуд трип песен слишком много. Могу отметить только sultans of swing
Teenage me went through a big Dire Straits phase and this album played a big part in whatever the heck that was. I still have no idea why 4 Brits chose to make this genre, but it's aged well.
For a debut album this is pretty impressive. I think people of my age maybe overplayed Brothers In Arms as a way to show off their new CD players and as a result I’ve probably been aware but not explored much Dire Straits. This makes me want to listen to a bit more
Le feu, vrai album chill et ma les contre-temps
Fantastic album, really enjoyed it!
saarah: good, indie white boy, heavy instruments kinza: fell asleep but liked, 70s soft rock for daydreaming
Mucho country, no es mi estilo pero es chulo.
Buen álbum de guitarra
Just makes me think of my dad. Outside of Sultans of Swing not a lot going on here, Knofler hasn’t really figured out how best to use his voice yet
Not my usual taste but it was definitely a very good album and actually was enjoyable to listen to.
seemed kinda mid but might need to relisten
Bit dull. Not fantastic mix/priduction.
post 70s punk era. ive been lonely too long and my hear feels pain - water of love
What you hear in the background when you’re drinking a margarita at Margaritaville.
no lo pasé maluco escuchándolo pero tampoco quedé impresionada, es un buen álbum, muy chill, con un par de temas muy buenos
My beloved album
8/10
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.
Quando li ascolto sono su una cabrio col vento tra i capelli
I love Dire Straits enough to see them a couple of times in concert. This is a great debut album, but, for me, they have a sweet spot and took a couple of albums to get to it. A little too 'blues rocky' for me. He is an awesome musician and has been a massive influence on my own musical journey.
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!
They've got a familiar yet unique sound don't they. It's like I've both never heard this album and also heard it 1000 times. I don't know if that is necessarily a good thing, but it sure is interesting. The back half of this album eats good. 4.1/5
great listen, loved the country rock feel, but it got oind of repetitive, in a good way, because that repetitiveness was good since the songs were, I loved it, I was a bit skeptical a first but it was all for nothing
Love this album. lots of memories :)
this album low key boring
Sick as hell
Down To The Waterline // Sultans of Swing // Wild West End //
A very solid debut with Mark’s guitar signature style already well on show. But apart from waterline and sultans the song writing was just not nearly as accomplished as he reached in those amazing mid 80s albums from making movies through bros in arms. Mark never really had to sing as the guitar always did it for him. But he got a lot better at telling stories in his music later on. But this is only a 2 star effort.
Not my vibe but great album either way.
Album was fine, sultans of swing carry the album
While I enjoyed this album, especially Sultans of Swing, it’s pretty underwhelming compared to other Dire Strait albums like Brothers in Arms… This is something I’d put on in the background. There aren’t any bad songs tho and Mark Knopfler still goated
Cool instrumentals but overall mediocre
Down To The Waterline-7.5/10 Water Of Love-5/10 Setting Me Up-5/10 Six Blade Knife- 4/10 Southbound Again-6.5/10 Sultans Of Swing-8/10 In The Gallery-6/10 Wild West End-7/10 Lions-5/10
Mark Knopfler is a talented guitarist and has a good voice. Its like southern boogie mixed with smooth jazz… in a good way. Gets a bit repetitive and all the songs have pretty much the same vibe and rhythm and feel and… you get the point. But it’s a good vibe and I will probably remind myself to pull this album out every few years. Best in headphones while doing a mindless task. Probably a 3.5 for me but I will round up.
Alright, nothing too monumental to me honestly. Better than 'Brothers In Arms'. I bought that album on CD and listened to it, expecting each song to have the same energy as 'Money For Nothing' but half of them were boring. This album had some nice tunes on it, however. Sometimes the blues genre is done in a very pretentious way and it just sounds "wanky" as others have described it - mainly in relation to Eric Clapton which makes sense, that twat - but I found this album to be very enjoyable. Still a bit on the boring side but that's just on me. If there was more energy to some of the tracks then I would've maybe gave it another listen. Favourite tracks: Down To The Waterline, Southbound Again, In The Gallery 3/5
80/100. For me, this album is all about the riffs, and they’re immaculate. Clean, precise and instantly memorable, they carry the whole record with ease.
me gusto, es un género al cual no le había dado tanta atención, me ayudó bastante con el inglés porque se entienden fáciles las palabras, la primera canción del álbum me gusto bastante, las pausas y la intro épica
Chill vibes, had better but not the worst
The album is very laid-back and unhurried in its approach, like it's an insanely calm album. The sounds heard here tend to include rock, blues and country, with all those genres being mixed and matched at different times. There are some sick lead guitar parts, especially in the gem of a song that is "Sultans Of Swing" and a new discovery of "In The Gallery." Highlight Song/s: "Sultans Of Swing" and "In The Gallery"
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.
Overall strong album . Didn’t stick with me on the first listen though,but still great straming and we always love classic post punk Fave : Sultans of Swing , In the Gallery Already heard / liked :Sultans of swing
Les solos de guitare et la musicalité des titres sont énormes à tous de cet album avec un coup de cœur sur le titre lions. Assez rythmique, des sons qui mettent la pêche. L’image du groupe est plutôt punk. Premier album du groupe qui débute par l’immense succès de Sultans of Swing. Forte influence de Bob Dylan. Écouter cet album m’a fait beaucoup de bien.
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!
I mean, imagine having this as your debut album.
3.5/3.6 I can appreciate its sound! Very impressive that this was their debut album. Not quite the kind of thing I love at the moment but I’m sure there will be a time I enjoy it much more. Lions was the stand out song for me, ended the album beautifully.
pense q iba a hacer tipo R&B, no lo es, al igual no se que genero es, pero extrañamente m gusta, pero para escucharlo debes en cuando, solo estoy hablando de la primera canción.La primera canción la puse en la playlist daily y en la de musica de noche y en ingles, xq es la vibe, adicional creo que voy a hacer una playlist de las canciones q m gustan de los próximos álbumes q esta web m enseñe.La segunda canción es ese tipo de canción q puedo usar para imaginarme una historia mientras q voy x la carretera y el sol se esta poniendo.In The gallery, no m gusto al inicio, pero luego de escuchar la guitarra, si.HOLY SHIT, eso pense cuando escuche Down by the waterline, m hizo distraerme de lo q estaba haciendo, ni idea q tiene pero suena increíble, ok.Water of Love, estoy empezando a pensar que este album m da vibes a SInners.Setting me up, creo que es musica country, no estoy segura, las canciones me dan la esencia de un papa cool, pero obviamente gringo.OK lei la wiki, pense q iba a ser un solo, pero es de una banda, se hizo muy famosa en usa y en uk, ahora entiendo xq, las reviews a la gente le gusta el toque de la guitarra con las voces, a mi tambo, al igual siento q detrás de esas reviews hay un montón de gringos estereotipado, mucosa dicen q es aburrida, en lo personal la única q no m ha gustado xq en realidad se m hizo aburrida es Wild West End, se me hizo muy meh.Six blade Knife tampoco m gusto, no la pude ni escuchar completa .Sultangs of swing la que llego al hot 5 de billboard, por ende su más famosa, se m esa incómodamente familiar, al igual esperaba muxo mas, así q no m gusto. En conclusión las ultimas 3 no m gustaron de resto si, mi fav Down to the waterline, al igual es un tipo de musica con el que no congenio mudo así que probablemente no la escuche muro, o no la vaya a volver a oír por elección, al igual m sorprende que me hayan alcanzado a gustar
I enjoyed this. It's definitely 1970s easy rock that I do enjoy. The guitar melodies in particular were very nice. Nothing that greatly caught my attention but enjoyable.
Classic tracks
Good vibes, a little slow and repetitive for me, intro was really cool Basslines are really cool
Twang, not really my thang. Favourite track: Southbound Again (cowbell)
of course this gets a 5/5, there are no bad songs on this album only bangers
Like ittttt
Not for me. Vaguely better than the eagles but not by much.
Amazing, almost perfect
Jag är inte såld på dire straits. Önskar jag diggade det mer. Sultans of swing är förstås rätt bra. Men det blir aldrig stora känslor för mig. Överlag är skivan dessutom rätt meh.
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.
Classic for a reason
Talented but not really for me
Good asf nice chill album to lay on ghe beach with or to smoke some weed to
Good but is not my style
Wish I could give half stars, would've given it a 3.5/5 but since I liked it more than the previous album I reviewed (Number of the Beast) I'll just give it 4 stars. I can't help but love the way the guitars sound, but the vocals don't really work for me. Overall, I like it, but don't love it.
If there's any album that was made specialy for me, it would be this one. A MASTERPIECE. 5/5
Los temas bastante parecido en cuanto a melodía, buenas letras, no sé si lo volvería a escuchar, pero Sultans of Swing nunca decepciona
Sultans of Swing is a great track. Like the atmosphere of the album and the general vibe although a little bit too much country for me.
Dire Straits It’s amazing how self assured this sounds for a debut, their harking back to a bluesy folksy early 70s sound in stark contrast to new wave, post punk and disco around them elsewhere in 1978. But then Knopfler’s stock in trade has always been in tasteful, considered and accomplished songwriting, so it feels like it makes sense it sounds so fully formed. Sultans of Swing is of course superb, the most immediate and direct stand out, but the rest of the album around it is excellent as well, for all the same reasons: Dylan-esque imagery, a hushed but spiky conversational singing style, tight arrangements and graceful, elegant guitar playing. The first side is great, particularly the opening pair of Down to the Waterline and the brilliant Water of Love, as well as Six Blade Knife and Southbound Again, and side two is equally as good, I love In the Gallery and Wild West End. It’s a brilliantly satisfying listen, and 5 for me. ☪️☪️☪️☪️☪️ Playlist submission: It probably has to be Sultans of Swing
'Down to the Waterline' is an outrageously accomplished first track on a debut album. Knopfler already feels as accomplished as an old master. A footstomping delight. The chicken-pickin style is incredible, and adds lift to most tracks. What may be standard sounding blues-based fayre, such as 'Southbound Again' is elevated by Knopfler's boogie. 'Sultans of Swing' doesn't overshadow the album which is testament to the general quality, but there's no denying it is the highlight. A touchstone of any proper Dad's rock playlist, the different fills Knopfler finds throughout are excellent. And I always like to imagine 'guitar George' is a Beatles reference. Brother in Arms would take them to the stadiums but this is a very excellent sweet spot.
Excellent album
4.8
Bow bow woooow
Sultans of Swing is the obvious standout track, but the rest of the record is pretty good too. Nothing super mind blowing in terms of songs, but the guitar playing and storytelling especially is what ends up shining the most.
Favorite track(s): Down to the Waterline, Six Blade Knife, Sultans of Swing, In the Gallery
First song was good, the rest wasn't
Inoffensive
Mark Knofler is obviously a world class guitarist and everything but this gotta be some of the most vanilla music to ever be this popular. Sultans of Swing is a certified classic tho, and the first track wasn’t too bad either.
I listened to it twice and liked it enough, although it felt like every other song was just a less good version of Sultans.
Hell yeah
Talented…but I don’t get it. Wild West End is a good track. Sultans of Swing obviously is the classic song but I’m kind of tiered of it. Meh, it’s okay not crazy about it.
i liked this so much i went on a dire straights binge after this. i was grooving with my hands in the air like a drugged up loser at a rave but i was vibing
Bluesy guitar opening... I hope it lasts was my first reaction. The album did not disappoint, though it leaned a wee bit country, to my ear holes.
Pleasantly surprised after having rated Brothers In Arms 2 stars for being boring. I'd listen to this again.
la banda es una locura, tipo lo instrumental está muy piola pero el cantante no me interpela y por momentos lo noto muy monótono. sería 3.5/5 pero como no me deja queda 3.
Por momentos me recordaba a the doors en algún sentido. Por momentos con estilo medio country, sonando un puntueo de guitarra acústica muy reconfortante con un buen reverb como en el tema water of love (a destacar). Parece un disco como para limpiar tu casa. Llevadero agradable. No destaco ningún punto mas allá del buen groove y las cuerdas que suenan bastante bien Sultans Of Swing temaso ultra conocido. Para pasearse en una ruta desierta levantando tierra en el charger de toretto
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.
Really did not care for it
good I guess
Perfect summer album. Makes me excited for beach evenings, summer car rides and long walks. Overall vibe is 5 star but not I do not feel the need to listen to most of the songs immediately or an immediate re-listen of the album. (which i find i usually do with a new album that ends up being 5 star). However, this album will 100% be on the rotation from now on. Favourites: Sultan Swings, Down To the Waterline, Wild West End. 4.5/5.
Sehr schöner Klang 4.5/5
Do not let your predjuices guide. This is catchy and incredible masterpiece
Excelente
Wasn't expecting much from this beyond it just being a middle of the road dad rock album but I really found myself getting it. I had a fun time with this album and would definitely listen again. 4.5
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.
Favourite Songs: Setting Me Up Sultans Of Swing
Sultans of Swing. What more is there to say? Great guitar and catchy beats. Definitely my style.
Honestly, I like this substantially more than Brothers In Arms. I think the songs here are generally better, and that Dire Straits have a more interesting aesthetic. The guitars here are bright and nimble, and make me better understand the appeal of Mark Knopfler as a player. It feels like some of this brightness almost sounds lifted from funk too. And this feeling gives this a much better feel than Brothers In Arms. Where Brothers In Arms felt like a classic rock slog, Dire Straits finally makes me understand the term "Yacht Rock". Like yeah, if I was on a boat on a beautiful, hot day, wherein I'm cooled by the breeze rushing past me, this would probably, for a fleeting moment, be the best album ever. Down To The Waterline is a great song that exemplifies this album's tactful, bright, and precise sound. Sultans of Swing may be my favorite Dire Straits song though, it's just a fantastic song. But honestly, most of this album is good. I also really like Setting Me Up, In The Gallery, Wild West End, and Lions. Although, I will say that Dire Straits have the misfortune of operating chiefly in a genre I don't really like, *and the remaining songs largely don't do it for me that much. So I am capping this at a 3. but it's honestly a good listen.
Very enjoyable, will listen again
Buen album pero no es el estilo que mas me gusta por eso no le di tantas estrellas.
Listening to this made me travel to the 50s in some way. Also I think guitars are so present in the hole album and it’s so good.
Nunca lo había escuchado completo. La intro de la primera canción es arte. Todo el álbum es arte. Podría escucharlo todo el día.
musica de la buena usos de guitarra espectaculares el HIT es un HITAZO
Heard some before; 3; Technically good and a little interesting, but doesn't excite me a whole lot. Guitar playing has lots of fun licks, but for whatever reason, didn't impress on me anything memorable. Maybe I need to give this a few more listens, but it's certainly not bad. Favorite Track: Setting Me Up
Sigh they were considered cool at the time but this is… well, it was part of the soundtrack to the trip to Italy in the 2CV, so I’ve got to give it some credit.
Sultans of swing heeeellll yeah rest kinda boring but very pleasant I really enjoy narrative music with silly storylines
Solid þristur.
Stripped down, sounds good.
Sultans is obviously great, Down by the Waterline not far off in the same vein. The rest not so great.
Divorcee music, all through and through, and it's all mine (20 something)
It is fine. A bit soft rock for me but Sultans of Swing is a classic .
Great re-visit, really enjoyed.
ive already listened to this album, really enjoyable classic piece, my fav song from this album is six blade knife
I did not know that Sultans of Swing is their song. I also did not know that is the name of the song. I guess there are just songs you know but have no idea who performs them or what is their name. Overall great album, especially for the debut!
fuaaaaaa pues yo creo que de los que llevo escuchados…mi favorito…esa guitarrita me vuelve loca, me ha encantado la verdad classic
Good listen, liked the pace
Pakerinti gitara... tikrai galima klausytis ir klausytis
6/10
Good and chill for Saturdays and roadtrips
Bet this was MASSIVE in the 80s. Still waiting for an 80s album that isn't extremely dated. Yawn. 3 stars - Holy stream count! - Reeks of dad rock - I mean this jams but it's pretty stupid - Slurs... great
Sultans of swing makes this an automatic 4
Really liked this one.
An amazing mix of nostalgia led by an amazing guitar.
Starts off with the only song I know by them which is a banger. Then is followed by a bunch of jam songs that are good but reach the same heights as the sultans of swing. 7/10
Very close to Brother in Arms. But as a debut album it's Impressive.
I prefer this to Brothers in Arms. Mark Knopfler's style is ill suited for pop, IMO, and it's a much better for this more laid back, day-in- the-life mood. Give me Sultans of Swing over anything on the pop album.
My dad’s favourite band is my favourite band.
Very dull
70’s Rock ⭐️Sultans of Swing
It has sultans of swing so it's a must listen on that track alone. Pretty listenanle
they should've called em pleasant straits
Masterclass of what a guitar driven album can be. Two amazing singles that stand out and the rest of the album holds its own.
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.
I like Brothers In Arms better than this album, though Sultans is a classic. Overall album was middle of the road.
For a first album this is very good
I'm a sucker for someone just noodling away on a guitar all bluesy-like and this album has a lot of that. They sound really good for a debut, pretty impressive they're this put together for their first album. I do not believe that these dudes are British. No way man.
didn't care for this as much as other Dire Straits album. maybe because it's their 1st & don't have their sound quite nailed down yet... still an overall nice listen, just wouldn't seek it out again
Absolute belter, always loved this album. Great guitars and songwriting. LOVE
The second half is perfection
Very hard to rate. On the other hand songwriting is unremarkable as is the vocal performance, like he's not yet convinced he can do it. At the same time the guitar playing is pure gold, and then out of the blue comes one of the greatest songs of all time. As an album it's quite confusing.
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.
There are a couple of cool songs on here. I will however never feel the need to purposely download, purchase or listen to this. I'm not going to turn it off but I'm most definitely not going to turn it on. Since I can't go with the 2.5 I feel this is since it evokes no feelings in me whatsoever I will go with 3 since there are some clearly gifted musicians here, 2 would imply its bad which it is not.
Eh
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!
Make no mistake, this is the dadliest dad rock that ever did father. It's not soft rock or yacht rock or classic rock, it's dad rock. Guitar heavy, dry kit, Lou Reed ass vocals, kinda has that 70s groove all over it that screams dim orange shag interior. Funny that it is that way too, cuz dad rock seems like such 70s Americana to me. Little Feat or Lynyrd Skynyrd (eyuck) or early Steely Dan adjacent type sound. But here's a band from London formed and getting successful after most of this kinda music was already well established and maybe getting a little played out? Idk for sure I wasn't alive. Anyway, I like the lead guitar work. Plenty of chicken pickin and bluesy lines. I think the rest of the band is doing what they gotta do in the pocket. There are a few standout grooves on this album, I like Southbound Again the most. Change the bass pattern to like a Larry Graham thump thing and take out 4 on the floor and I'd say it starts up a little with the funk. Otherwise it's just 40 minutes of pretty steady grooves, nothing incredible. I'd normally pop this at a 2, but I think the guitar work brings it up a bit. Without Mark Knopfler playing I think that it'd be average so I guess 3.
fav track : Wild West End
In short: It's always such a pleasure and so mindful to listen to Knopfler's guitar play. Could do that all day long.
Sultans of Swing is defined the standout track on this album. It’s an alright LP but not the best Dire Straits album. Sultans is a 5* track, but it’s on a 3* album.
As good as I'd hoped it would be
I don't know what the musical term is for vocals - guitar flourish - vocals - repeat, but it tickles my brain in a fun way. Really good.
Nice combo of bluesy, proggy and country vibes, more than the sum of its parts. The fans are still obnoxious though.
Un 4 bien puesto. Completo.
Super cool use of stereo. Sometimes the lead guitar was in the left and sometimes it was centred. Production feels deliberate. Knopfler voice is rad Top 3 songs 1. Sultans 2. Six blade knife 3. Wild West end
9/10
Inte deras bästa men helt ok
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.
I don't remember ever listening to this album before, but it reminds me of childhood. Summer BBQ, my dad and uncles playing basketball, my mom and aunts tanning, all us kids riding our big wheels in the street and this album playing out a car in the neighbor's driveway. Even though this album is not usually what I listen to, it captures a moment in time for me and Im glad I can hear it and appreciate it now. It's really good music and I will be adding this to my collection.
This is the 2nd Dire Straights album I've heard through doing this, the first being Brothers In Arms, and I enjoy this so much more. It's the same silky smooth skills and classic blues (small r) rock sensibilities, but far more warm blooded. Where I found B.I.A to be sparse and cool to the point of anemia this has far more air in the room, and is more enjoyable for it. Rather than the sense of peering at virtuosity beneath glass, this feels human. Sultans of Swing is an absolute all timer too. Something about that change into and out of the pre chorus that just hooks you in.
They definitely have a sound that i can't get behind.
Songs I liked: Water of Love, Overall, I really liked the album. I had only listened to Sultans of Swing before, and the rest of the album was pretty good.
Really good bluesy rock album.
Some really interesting sounds on this one, the guitar tones are pretty unique and very clean. Not super special lyrics-wise, but it very impressive for a debut album. Best song was "Wild West End."
A really good listen. Just didn’t have that certain je ne sais quoi to make it to 5.
It's just alright.
Creole
It was fun to get some context on this one.
i feel i didnt get the time to listen to this as actively as i should have, but from what i heard, i loved. very lovely
Oh yeah sultans of swing…great album
Great soft rock! Smooth as hell, and a great performance on the guitar. Sultans of Swing is a legendary song
The final boss of clean tone riffs. I like dire straits a decent amount, but I'm not putting them on regularly. I really wanna put them a 4, but I think 3 feels better considering how little I think about anything other than the hits.
Dire Straits is, for me, an American-sounding, smooth blues-rock album, quite different from the polished, synth-driven style of “Money for Nothing” seven years later. Mark Knopfler’s finger-picked guitar and the understated performances give it a calm, refined energy. I especially love Sultans of Swing — it feels like it really represents the character of the whole album.
Boring. I only knew Sultans of Swing. I’m not a big fan of Mark Knopfler’s voice.
Oooh Dire Straits, the only song I know on this album is Sultans of Swing. By name anyway. Damn, that on has 1.7 Billion streams! meh, it was alright, it all sounds very similar. But Sultans of Swing sure is fire!! 3 stars.
This is one of those albums where I am not particularly fond of any song in particular but I just enjoyed every single track. There is just something so pleasant about this band and their vibe that I can't quite put my finger on. Wild West End quite literally stopped me in my tracks to the point where I had to look up what it was called. I don't know what else other than this is a very well made album that is the equivalent of a laidback evening with a nice cool drink in your hands.
Mark knopfle’s sultry guitars are great but not necessarily interesting Like mid period Dylan with out the skill Sultans of swing is a great island in this sea of mediocrity
Meh
It reminds me of my dad. Loved it.
Dire Straits were a band that began by bucking trends and, in doing so, eventually started setting them instead. in the UK in 1978, punk rock was ascendant, but the band's self-titled debut album set them far apart from that ruckus. like punk, this music sounds like an attempt to simplify, make things a little more direct; but you would never mistake Dire Straits for, say, the Clash, who formed around the same time. instead, lead guitarist, singer and songwriter Mark Knopfler spearheaded a sound which, in the late 70s, was indebted to the blues, jazz and country crossovers pioneered by acts of about a decade prior, including Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Band. so, imagine that 60s bluesy roots rock sound, but with that 70s precision and slickness in the production, playing and overall presentation. the way Knopfler tosses vocal phrases off his back is effortlessly cool, as is his guitar work, especially on the smash single, "Sultans of Swing". if I have to dock points, it's because a lot of the deeper cuts sound pretty damn similar to its biggest hit. I do really like "Down to the Waterline" and many other tracks here, but I'm interested to hear what Dire Straits did later on, once they started becoming more of a pop rock act and getting more sonically elaborate. strong 7/10.
"Dire Straits" has a the warm air of laid back grooves, created in particular by clean and cosy guitar lines. It is a refreshing break from many of the eras more explosive sounds into a more understated atmosphere, like the feel of a quiet evening.
I don’t like them as much as I thought I guess.
My first Album to rate rly liked it
Deluxe
A band I know but never dug into their discography. First impression; a better Eagles. Super well produced album, sounds very clean. Vocals give it a very smokey quality. Filled with country western riffs and a California rock feel. Bass and drums provide great grooves and some songs with some serious boogie. This is a great debut album, most of it was very pleasant to my earholes, thought the end was kinda of a let down compared to the rest of the album.
I think I just don’t like Dire Straits. I tried though.
thankfully there is sultans of swing. This 6/5 star classic pushes the album to an easy 4/5 instead of having to think deeply about the rating for this otherwise solid 7/10 album.
Fun! I wish I was driving a convertible to the beach with this album playing. 7/10
Classic Masterpiece. Didn't get to listen to it this time, but some songs got stuck in my head from previous listens.
More enjoyable than the last one. I think there are multiple better songs on here than Sultans of Swing though.
Guitarras prime
Great guitar work. Classic dire straits sound
É efectivamente bom, pontualmente. Boa banda sonora para ir com o sr Victor a caminho do aeroporto
Não é o melhor álbum deles para mim, mas é um álbum sólido
Muito sólido, especialmente para primeiro álbum
Lejos, mucho, del Punk. Ya la portada (una pintura de Chuck Loyola) indica que estamos ante un grupo diferente. Si hay algo reconocible en el rock es el sonido de la Stratocaster de Knopfler (y su sedosa voz). Ya desde la apertura de Down to the waterline hasta la eterna Sultans of Swing (inspirada en una banda así llamada) es un disco para disfrutar. Setting Me Up es un rockabilly, Six Blade Knife es un tema a redescubrir (la incluyó Robert Rodríguez en Desperado) Wild west end es otro de los mejores del lote. Este debut es esencial y luego siguió con Communiqué (1979), Making Movies (1980), Love Over Gold (1982), hasta llegar al momento de mayor gloria planetaria con Brothers in Arms (1985).
Really smooth. Didn’t think I would like this one, but it’s certified.
Cool album. Sultans of Swing is a classic, and the rest of the album has a vibe that evokes a mix of blues and some of the 70s country-rock of the Eagles. Not my favorite Dire Straits album, but still enjoyable.
très similaire pendant tout l'album j'ai trouvé ça fade en fant
A very nice 4/5 me gusto mas que Green River que es lo mas parecido que hemos escuchado. Un sonido fuerte, seguro, me encanto el bajo en casi todas las canciones. Creo que mi favorita fue Water of Love
Aaaah me childhood
Classic listen in the car with dad
Amei!!!
Sober, technical, narrative and elegant, these are the words with which I would describe this project, an album that establishes its identity through clean guitars, contained rhythm and a nearly cinematic night feeling that creates a sound that has space, that breathes.
Sultans
I really dug a couple of the songs on here, but the rest of it didn't really grab my attention. It was good, I've always been a Dire Straits fan... I just didn't find this album memorable.
I nice rock album. Enjoyed the listen.
I am conflicted. I like most of the songs in the album, however I just don't find the music very interesting or hearty for the soul. Still an awesome album.
I’m not a big Dire Straits guy, but this is pretty damn good
Sometimes dad rock really hits. 8/10
Classic dad rock with some excellent guitar!
7/10
Effortless cool. Some masterful guitar work and excellent tracks. Even if it were an album of duds (which it is not) bar Sultans of Swing that would warrant a listen.
"Water of Love" has some lovely high-pitched plucks. It also has a scattering of well known classics to be expected for Dire Straits. Its just a really well rounded paired down album without a maximalist production approach (better for it vs Brother in Arms) What's not to like. It's super chilled and easy listening and where you can really enjoy the guitar as a unique spectacle in its own right. Stayed with this album for some weeks before I was able to commit to the review and was not a chore. Great.
I am a bit of a Dire Straits fan, I used to listen to a ripped cd of their greatest hits in a walkman on the school bus in the early naughties (yeah I was that cool). This is a solid first offering from them, which showcases Knopfler's unique guitar picking style and contains one of the best rock tracks ever recorded in SOS. This is almost a pure American style rock-blues rip-off but somehow this British band manage to deliver it with an effortless cool. I often find their albums contain some filler tracks but in this case it just defaults to a skillfully delivered blues-rock and, although a bit formulaic, there are no absolute clangers. Enjoyed revisiting this one.
Mark Knopfler is a brilliant guitarist. His style is sparse and understated. The other musos are good but it is really about Knopfler.
The opening is smooth, the water motive amazes me and I have to listen again. Down to the waterline, six blade knife and wild west end are good, but this album just makes the debate about the sultans of swing being one of the best of all time be a waste of time. Gonna listen again on walks and chill vibe
Wow, ansich ein sehr gutes Album // Ich mochte 5/9 Songs // 'Down to the Waterline' und 'Sultans of Swing' sind jetzt aktuell 2 meiner Lieblingssongs.
Tolles erstes Album! 2 top Hits. Super Gitarren Sound von Mark Knopfler.
La guitarra de Knopfler es patrimonio universal y eleva el nivel del disco. Algunas canciones ya las conocía, pero nunca está mal volver a ellas. De momento es el disco que más me ha gustado de los que llevo escuchado
I feel like this is one of those albums that everyone is just supposed to like. That's not a bad thing I guess, but it really would seem weird to me if someone actually didn't like this album. That's not to say I think its one of the best albums ever, it's totally not. I like it well enough but honestly wouldn't really play it much. Sultans of Swing is a beast of a song though, absolutely brilliant in every way. On the whole this album accomplishes what it sets out to very well. It's a super chill record, mostly kind of laid back, and really showcases Mark Knopfler all over the place. And that's a good thing. A little too country-ish for me in some places and not all of the record really grabs your attention. But solid nonetheless and I suppose a classic for good reason. 3.5/5 and rounding up for the near perfect Strat tone on every song.
Интересно, но не мой стиль. Единственная самая популярная песня в спотифай Sultans of Swing. Она неплохая. В целом альбом так себе
Great album. 10/10 rhythm and grooves.
No es mi tipo de música en realidad. Pero las guitarras de este disco son increibles, vibra de estar en el pastizal en una carne asada mientras te pega el sol de las 5 de la tarde en la cara
Mark Knopfler is a worthy leader for Dire Straits, and his skills all come through on this debut. As a songwriter, his stream-of-consciousness lyrical approach is likable and intriguing; as a vocalist, he's laid-back and casual; as a guitarist, he's technical, sometimes subtle, sometimes flashy, and always cool. The rest of the band keeps up well with the world painted on "Dire Straits," keeping everything appropriately casual and crisp. A very good debut record.
Sultan of swing is good. The sound is kind of similar, guess it's an iconic sound for dire straits.
Great album that I have never listened to start to finish but have heard majority of the songs many times when I went through a big dire straits phase about 3 years. I bet that version of me would have rated this even higher 😂
It’s a shame that the rest of the album isn’t on the level of sultans of swing, but I suppose that is an impossible request given how elite that song is
Favorite Track: Sultans of Swing
Loooooved it!
pampampmarampapapa good
i liked it , super east listen
Sultans of swing the stand out song on this album.
Time to cleanse my ears after some proto-punk guitar distortions. Nice listening, sultans of swing is goated, other tracks are nice but hit the same highs for me. 4* Highlights: sultans of swing, southbound again
7.5/10, more my speed!
Dire Straits passed me by in my youth, too MOR, but now I quiet like them, an age thing obviously 🤣 decent album this one
An enjoyable album but nothing to write home about.
great band SOLID ALBUM
I'm not really into old music but i actually liked this one, and add few songs to my Playlist
4 Stars, pretty easy listen, only 1 banger.
Surprisingly enjoyable
Very road trip and errand montage coded. Not bad by any means but nothing extraordinary. Easy-going, groovy when it wants to be, and easy on the ears. 3.5/5 Favorites: Six Blade Knife, Sultans of Swing, In the Gallery (for the classic Bob Marley vibes in the strings)
nice to have on in the background, vibed with the whole album
liked it
meh
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.
groovy com umas musicas bem iconics no meio, mas algumas no comeco tava meio country que nao eh muito meu gosto
I can appreciate the musicianship, especially of Mark Knopfler, and enjoyed the two big hits (Down to the Waterline, Sultans of Swing) but just really not for me
This was an okay album. It has a very laid back sound, which can lean too far into boring at times. If I wanted to be a bit more forthright about it, I would say this sounds like a worse Bob Dylan, so you should just listen to him instead. Overall, I wasn't that impressed, but it was an alright listen. Three stars. (Favorite track: Wild West End.)
Again, amazing album cover. Did not know they sang sultans of swing! Very laid back blues-rock. Imagining worn down wood, dive bars, cigarette swirls, mild depression
technically, this is great, but gosh sitting and listening to the whole thing is a little dull and repetitive. maybe also a shame because I knew the best songs on the album already, but I'm rounding UP to a three this time
I was familiar with Dire Straits going into this album- Sultans of Swing is a great song. I really enjoyed what this album offered- a distinct sound mixing a lot of genres and some big hitters as well. Overall- great album. Probably in the 4 to 4.5 range
When I was a kid my father had Brothers in Arms cassette in car stereos so I have a soft spot for Dire Straits. I must admit that I've never listened to the debut album (except for Sultans of Swing). For me the highlights are Down to the Waterline and Wild West End but if I'll ever feel the need to listen to Dire Straits, I'll choose Brothers in Arms. Crazy to think that Mark Knopfler was in his late twenties when he wrote these songs. He probably has been a middle aged white dude since birth.
This was pleasant enough, but forgettable
Who doesn't love Sultans of Swing? What else does this album offer? Down to the Waterline seemed of a same type with Sultans, that same guitar sound, tasty licks, tight drum fills and I dug it. I was surprised by the other tracks of the album encompassing a feeling of some other styles. I enjoyed the listen, probably won't throw it down for another spin.
An eloquent and melancholy set of story-songs, all carried along by Mark Knopfler's mournful vocals and exquisitely tasteful guitar. There's only one "hit" on this album, but there are also no weak spots.
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.
Not my style, kinda sleepy tho
Dire Straits (1978) is blues-rockers Dire Straits’ debut studio album. It’s not an album I’ve ever listened to before. Of course I knew ‘Sultans of Swing’, which sets a pretty high bar as a debut single, but nonetheless I didn’t have high hopes for the rest of the album. When I was a teenager Dire Straits represented everything I hated about music. Certainly at the height of their Brothers in Arms fame, if you told me you liked Dire Straits I would have known for sure that we were never going to be friends. And in typical teenage fashion my dislike wasn’t based on evidence, just vibes. Why would I waste time listening to such a boring band?! Having now given it the customary three listens, I realise I was being a bit harsh. Either that or I’ve got old, mellow and am embracing middle-of-the-road music. Although the songs can be a bit meandering, there’s a lot to like. Mark Knopfler’s vocals have the feel of Dylan in his Rolling Thunder Review / Desire era on several tracks, and the the album includes elements of folk and country rock along with the blues. The guitar playing is excellent, and although only Sultans of Swing really stands out I can see why people like this album. In the end though, it’s just a bit too clean and consistent for my liking. Side A: Down to the Waterline - 4/5; Water of Love - 3/5; Setting Me Up - 3/5; Six Blade Knife - 3/5 Southbound Again - 3/5 Side B: Sultans of Swing - 5/5; In the Gallery - 3/5; Wild West End - 3/5; Lions - 3/5
4.5
My dear mother infamously despites Dire Straits. Apparently, this antagonistic sentiment results from an old trauma of having this 'Best of Dire Straits' CD stuck in the casette tray of her parent's station wagon for many years. She hates them even more than she hates ACDC. So growing up me and my father had a secretive covenant: we'd put on some Knopfler while out in the ute, listening to the dulcet coontraband of one of the UK's most renowned guitarists beside the golden pastures of my youth. As such, the opening riff of Money For Nothing has forever been tattooed against my tabula rasa. This had the accidental effect of infusing Dire Straits with the kind of edgy, cool veneer that all those forbidden taboos of childhood inevitably attract. It wasn't until over a decade later, upon being hit with the usual wave of homesick nostalgia that will always come with the hiraeth at the last terminal of adolesence, that I re-treaded some muddy footprints in the bucolic memory of my salad days and therefore re-visited Dire Straits with somewhat fresh ears. All that to say that Dire Straits' self-titled debut isn't exactly an album that warranted that level of admiration. Strictly speaking, it's a pretty run-of-the-mill record. A fairly impressive inauguration for a band that would sweep the world when their hit Sultans of Swing began to find regular radio play. There's enough radio-friendly guitar work to grant this album its mainstream appeal, and it's easy to notice the unbashed shades of Dylan cast over the blues-y tones. These days, Dire Straits has been (rightly, in all honesty) relegated to the somewhat disparaging category of 'dad-rock staples' next to Canned Heat or Creedence. It's a bit of a bittersweet fate for a band that had once been a household name. I don't know. There's a lot to be savoured in the re-discovery of popular music's 'old news' pile. Unfortunately, you can be pretty confident that this isn't the album that'll get the Zoomers blowing the dust off grandpa's vintage record collection. There's just very little of exception here besides the silky-smooth guitar work. The album is meandering - a symptom, perhaps, of mostly being written to fill time for pub crowds and ballroom gigs in their early career. I have nothing but respect for a band of well-practiced musical workhorses and their tight performances (thinking early Beatles or Minutemen), but it sometimes makes it very hard to carve out what makes them particularly special. That said, credit where credit's due for Sultans of Swing, which continues to earn its venerated status within the rock singles canon. Fav tracks: Six Blade Knife, Sultans of Swing, Lions
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.
I fw it
Album No. 0158 on my list. I was looking forward to this album! “Sultans of Swing” is obviously an iconic song and I had known quite a few other Dire Straits songs, but none other from this album for some reason. It’s a really good rock album! I’m not the biggest fan of the songwriting to be honest, both regarding the lyrics and the way the songs are structured. But: the sound of this album is great, and the way Mark Knopfler plays his guitar is even better. The way he structures his licks, the way he uses phrasing to make the instrument rather “behave” in a way similar to a singer, is just phenomenal. And despite my earlier criticism, there are some cool bits on this! I’ll add “Down To The Waterline”, the obvious “Sultans of Swing”, and “Wild West End” to my playlist. Good stuff, will listen to again. 4/5 stars!
This list gave me two dire straits albums in 5 days with is a bit much. This one though is much better. A mysterious mellow sound that seems like it’s waiting to bust out of the box.
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 ❣️
As a guitar player myself, Mark Knopfler has always been someone I look up to. The glassy guitar sound treads confidently in both the worlds of blues and funk. The no pick policy definitely gives it much more character. Such a great sounding record overall. Songwriting also has a mystery to it. Enjoyable!
nothing too special or memorable; that 60s/70s sounds
Good!
Very good, come back to this
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.
I really like this album.. I think it can be only listen to it in it's entirety. I don't have a favorite song, all of them are completing each other 4/5
比较温柔
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
Excellent album I have not listened to in a long time. I had forgotten how good the guitar work and lyrics are on this album
This was pretty good album! Very country ish without being TOO country. I could enjoy this on a playlist but I don't think I'll be seeking them out. 6/10