Dire Straits

Pretty chill ngl

Easygoing all the way through, with a very simple draw: incredible guitar mixed with an uncharacteristically melancholic roots rock sound and very easy to listen to vocals; unquestionably one of the best standalone albums I have ever heard. 9.7/10.

Classic

This was a really good album with great vibes and soothing and calming vocals

More like straight fire. 4 stars.

After the assault on my ears from brothers in arms I swore I would never listen to that band again. So this pops up and I’m committed. To be fair I didn’t mind this, it’s an honest album and a more stripped down sound, I even give it a second play

Amazing album. Loved all of it. Heard Brothers in Arms before so knew what to expect a little. Great vocals all over this and lovely guitar solos sprinkled throughout. Will 100% be back to this one

This album is a lot of storytelling. Didn’t mind it at all, but it was hard to not think of The Blue Jean Committee from Documentary Now! Especially listening to Wild West End.

4.0 (41:34, 9 tracks, debut, 1978), Blues Rock (British) I ended up liking this album far more than I thought and I’m sorta getting into the Blues after living in Chicago for 30 years. UK Blues. Hit single "Sultans of Swing", In the Gallery is a song about the fickle nature of art (only valuable after you die) (was a tribute to a real life artist Harry) and hit me hard with my previous album being Nick Drake who sold 6,000 albums in the United States in his whole life. Overall the album is an introspective nostalgic “stream of thought” memories Mark Knnopfler has of his childhood, young love, and moving to the “Wild West End” of London post-divorce to be part of the scene. A lot of songs about the scene. Setting me up is really a country song and was, as such, covered by a lot of country artists. Pretty much exactly what I’d expect – all tracks similar – considering they were nobodies (debut) its remarkably confident and solid. Their stage presence has always been shoegaze (I don’t give a fuck about a production just look at my shoes and play.) Album cover Light yellow thick framed painting from Chuck Loyola, stark room with a blurry figure – don’t love it. All tracks are written by Mark Knopfler. 1. "Down to the Waterline" 3:55 2. "Water of Love" 5:23 3. "Setting Me Up" 3:18 4. "Six Blade Knife" 4:10 5. "Southbound Again" 2:58 6. **"Sultans of Swing" 5:47 7. "In the Gallery" 6:16 8. "Wild West End" 4:42 9. "Lions" 5:05 Total length: 41:34

Incredible Album.

Not my favourite dire straits album thought tbh dont think I was in the right mindframe while listening

Deeply dull music for 60 year old white men. I never want to hear Mark Knopfler do another fucking guitar solo on a Fender Strat ever again. I work in the hi-fi industry and I have to suffer Dire Straits on a regular basis. I’ll never understand the fascination with this band. Boring music. Very boring music. Some of the drumming is nice and Sultans of Swing is a very good song but this is repetitive, boring trash.

Sultans Of Swing elevates this album above its station. Would be a soft 3 without it for me, but I gotta give it a 4.

Favourite Track: Water of Love

Sultans of Swing is fantastic and the rest are good.

The recording is so good. Everything is so articulate and clear, it makes me want to buy better speakers. The musicianship is excellent, and this is an example of "they just don't make records like they used to." But there were some pretty muddy records made at the time, too. Sadly, I'm not really a fan of Mark Knopfler's singing, and I'm indifferent about the writing. It's not bad, but it's not necessarily artful in my opinion. The best parts are when the band is just vamping and Knopfler plucks along.

A cracking great album.

i liked it very much. calm and positive

Generical album de rock, si es cierto que tiene unos lindos temas como Sultans of Swing y algunas que le siguen. Pero un sonido bastante conocido ya.

I thought I liked Dire Straits. But they are actually pretty annoying. We get it Mark, your good at guitar, but give it a rest. The noodling is relentless and way too high in the mix. The classics obviously stand the test of time, but the remaining over written, annoyingly sung and the honky Pink Floyd sound is too much.

The pure joy I get while listening to Sultans of Swing is hard to describe. I also really like Down by the Waterline. 4.5, rounded up because, well, Sultans is a 10/5.

One of the best guitarists of all time

Smokey guitar riffs

A trip back to the heyday of MTV.

This was a decent album to listen to. I was more drawn in by the guitar play than anything else, but it had some really good songs.

Great debut, crisp guitars and good production, really enjoyable

Good classic album with some very high highs, but a good few lows. Not there best album in my eyes. But the Gallery and Sultans of swing are some really good songs

Ótimo disco! Dire Straits chega com tudo nesse álbum! Tangzu Wan'er 2.

Banger (sultans of swing... Et bien d'autres)

Album calme mais sympathique

Très cool, des pistes assez iconiques

Wow. Years ago I'd only really heard Sultans of Swing and Money for Nothing and I bought Dire Straits' Best of on the strength of those songs. I never really liked that album, I've always had the impression that all the other songs were sluggish and soporific. I wish I'd bought this instead. It's magnificent, great tunes, tasteful guitar playing and just a wonderful vibe throughout. Wild West End is an early example of the style of music that put me off the Greatest Hits, but it's perfect here as a change of pace. Really pleased to have been forced to give Dire Straits another chance.

bom mas meio foda-se

It's nice! Rock with a lot of different infusions from different genres like funk and blues

Really like this album, but not the best imo with dire straits. Love the dynamic range, letting the instruments breathe and you can hear all the details clearly. 4/5

Some good sounds are here, though only a few appeal to me. Not bad, but not to my liking.

I knew Sultans of Swing when it came out, catchy but wasn't my type of thing. Pleasantly surprised and kinda impressed by this album: the lead guitar technique and lines are exquisite. (As for the rest of band, they play together neatly, but I find the chord structures, drumming and bass playing to be so-so...) I don't mind the singing but not a fan, I can see the Dylan comparison - lyrics didn't jump out, nothing about the singing attracted me to pay attention to them ... Was interested to learn that in 1978 Dire Straits toured as opening band for Talking Heads?! Anyway, it's good craft, I'll call it Good, 7/10.

Legendarno.

Groovy, chilled, mellow - I liked it! Only recognised one song ‘sultans of swing’, good start!

Mesmeric guitar riffs and that unmistakably smooth tone—nobody plays like Knopfler. Add the gravelly, understated British vocal and it sounds like nothing before or since. The rest of the album drifts by pleasantly, effortlessly listenable, with Sultans of Swing the obvious standout.

Good album, especially for a debut. Brothers In Arms is peak Dire Straits to me and this album certainly contains the DNA of that masterpiece

Smooth, easy, classic guitar

Such a roadtrip album loved it

Real style over substance on this album, they did way better in later albums. Sultans of swing iconic but it doesn't carry the whole album. Sublime playing from Knopfler though. Songs just generally don't hold up that well.

Quite enjoyable trip down memory lane. It’s a little short on ideas, but not without charm

An excellent classic

Sultans Of Swing merits 5 stars on its own.

very good album

I've got a soft spot for the earlier part of Dire Straits career, so loved listening to this album.

Extremely easy listening.

It's difficult to approach a Dire Straits album without all the headband bullshit that exists around them. As ever, it's me that's got the problem, not them. As a debut, this is very strong. The songwriting and musicianship is a million miles away from what was making headlines in the music press at the time. I kinda like that. In their own way, Dire Straits didn't give a shit, and just did their thing. I also like the very English approach to blues and singing with a Geordie accent. Forget the band name, enjoy the music.

Geordie Americana

4/5. not exactly the kinda music i'd listen to over and over but still, but pretty nice. sounds like the kinda stuff my dad would pirate and burn on CDs to play on the car. in fact i'm 100% certain he had Sultans of Swing.

Not their best album…

I liked this album more than I thought i would. Clearly, I need to give the Dire Straits more love.

Pretty good

Best Track - "Sultans Of Swing"

Forgettable but not terrible

For an album as subdued and understated as this, I'm blown away by how much I enjoyed every moment of grooving along. My expectations were modest but positive, only really knowing the one Dire Straits song ("Sultans of Swing" of course) and they were well and truly blown out of the water. This is a solid showing from a band that is very technically capable, and isn't trying to do anything flashy or bombastic. Mark Knopfler is an all-round brilliant musician and songwriter, and to say that this album isn't his best work is not an insult in the slightest - The Princess Bride soundtrack is unbelievably good.

chill. classic. groovy. rockish.

Dire Shite

I hadn't heard their debut album in full before, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've always liked Dire Straits: engaging tunes and lyrics, low-key yet charismatic, meandering without being too jammy, and a seamless mix of rock/blues/country. - Heard before? A few songs, but not the whole thing. - Will I listen again? Definitely. - Does it inspire me to listen to more of this artist? Absolutely. Notable songs: Down to the waterline and, of course, Sultans of Swing.

Straight-up blues rock with one of the most distinctive guitar players and vocalists ever. Sultans of Swing is a classic, with not one but two iconic finger-picked guitar solos and multiple smart fill riffs; a showcase for and prime example of Knopfler's skill with the instrument. The rest of the tracks are more of the same and no filler.

Great album, Dire Straits knows how to jam!

it was okay, but no memorable songs. it’s music that i would keep on in the background if people were over or if i was driving!

Excellent Album. Give it a listen, you won't be sorry.

I am not a massive fan of the vocals on this

Very good album.

definitely kicker opening! the guitar is insane, love the twang on it.

Having Middle Eastern parents means I don't have that same experience western folk have where their parents put them onto their favorite bands from back in their heyday (though obviously I got my fair dose of Arabic music, and I love that). Dire Straits is the exception to that. One night, my dad put on 'Sultans of Swing' in the car, saying he used to listen to this band in university, and just like that, I fell in love with that song. It really is one of the greatest songs ever, a tale of a band coming together, against all odds, over this spacious, lick-heavy, and dexterous guitar line. 'Water of Love' was another song he played that night, which had this really fat groove that clearly drew from the world of blues rock, and it had such a winning chorus. And the rest of this album is pretty great too. If I could choose one word to describe it, it would be "light". Every instrument here moves with such little clunk and weight, there's a lot of dexterity in the playing, like I mentioned before, but it's subtle; it never feels like it's getting too fast or aggressive - the band is always in control. I know I use this word a lot, but there really is a slickness to a lot of the playing here, especially on songs like 'Setting Me Up' and 'Six Blade Knife'. And it does all this without ever sounding "Soft Rock"; it's a great balance. Chill-as-hell album, like a lazy Sunday afternoon on a hot summer day, and the AC is blasting. Not the situation I'm in now, given it's February, but soon hopefully.

Fire, of course. Stand-outs - Down To The Waterline - Six Blade Knife - Lions

das cover ist hübsch, soft, träumerisch. erinnert mich an die steins;gate ästhetik. ich sitz' gedanklich wieder im keller und bin gezwungen finns playlist zu hören. ich hab' das gefühl, dass mein hirn zu vercrackt ist, um diesen vibe, der zu dieser zeit prominent war, so richtig zu verstehen. damals war das ein teil der musik für die große masse und ich kann mir vorstellen, dass auch wenn die musik heute, die extrem beliebt ist, sich anders anhört, ich hier, so wie heute auch, etwas nicht finde, was zu mir spricht. das gewisse etwas, dieser funken, der mich wiederspiegeln kann. ich glaube, dass das bei diesen alben, die zu den einflussreichsten musikstücken unserer zeit zählen, häufig passieren wird. feeling fremd. rein musikalisch ist das album in sich schlüssig, aber liefert mir zu wenig diversität. ich höre das album während ich diesen text hier schreibe und hab' nicht immer mitbekommen, dass ein neuer song angefangen hat. das kann auch funktionieren, aber in diesem fall hat es für mich nicht funktioniert. sultans of swing kennt man natürlich, ist aber auch kein hit, den ich in eine playlist packen würde. gespeichert hab' ich mir keinen song. ich bin jetzt am ende des albums und denke mir, dass irgendwie nichts passiert ist. keine melodie, die mir im kopf geblieben ist, kein moment, der viel in mir ausgelöst hat, was okay ist, aber ich such' und brauch' das in musik.

Love

This ain't no trumpet playin' band! This guy does things with his guitar that I like. A lot!

Great album

Never a bad offering here. Great album

I don't know if I'm rating the album, or the artist

I mean…

I can't get enough of Mark's guitar. The opening rift on Down to the water line is not face melting but so good, chef's kiss. Of course Sultans of Swing but don't sleep on Wild West End too.

Would be better without the lyrics

its alright not a common listen

LOVE THEM hm; six blade knife 🤩🤩🤩

This album is asking you to lean in and listen. From the first moments on, barely audible, forcing one to crank the volume or miss out. I nearly did. These guys play a tight quartet. There isn't a wasted note or moment. The story telling is fantastic. Sultans of Swing

Meh, this is the kind of music an old dude will tell you is "REAL" music after surreptitiously doing air guitar to Sultans of Swing. It's a decent album but I'll probably never return to it except for the hits.

Classic

Well, if you get one thing out of this record, it is clear that Mark Knoffler can play guitar like a motherfucker. This is the most obvious thing about this record. On both a macro level and micro level, the guitar work is notable for both its tone and the beauty of the playing. Mark’s vocals on the other hand are an acquired taste. Both because of the pitch and the vary narrow range, means that the music has to do the heavy lifting. And for the most part it does. Since everyone is likely familiar with Sultans of Swing, imagine a whole record filled with fairly similar music and a vocalist who has suck a narrow range, that the entire record becomes after a couple of songs background music because there is not enough variation to maintain listener interest. And that is what struck me. If I’d heard any of the tracks in the wild, I would likely say well that’s pleasant. Enjoyable. The thought of it being followed by another track from the record would make the first track less pleasant and less enjoyable. And that kind of sums up Dire Straits. Less pleasant and less enjoyable with repeated listening. Average at best. 3/5

It is easy listening but nothing notable for me. 2

The album sounds like Sultans of Swing for 42 minutes. And it’s great. Other than the obvious, I really loved Down to the Waterline and Wild West End.

totally fine, easy listening, 2.5

One of my top songs of 2025 was from this album, so I was rlly excited !! The guitar solos are SO GOOD. Not as much of a fan of their slower stuff. Fav song is ‘Sultans of Swing’.

Finding out that Dire Straits is today's album felt like receiving a well-deserved prize or unwrapping the best Christmas present. Dear Santa, I behaved just fine and I was a diligent student! I got 4,5 (high 2:1) in the oral exam on medieval music history. This album sounds like victory. Thank you Newcastle for teaching me how to study well (and for many other things). I'm sending the warmest greetings:))

Whilst not my favourite album of theirs, this album is inspirational to me and I wouldn't be who I am today without it. I'm biased and sentimental, but to me this is a 5. Lions is criminally underrated.

To be honest, I did not really hear this one. I listened to it while working on a puzzle (like I have done with every other album), but it was completely in the background. I only noticed it was over when another band started. So, I can't say I liked or disliked. It was literally not on my mind. Standout: Sultans of Swing - only because I know it and it's the only song that I actually heard & noticed. 01-26-2026

A platform for an excellent guitarist, with a great band, diversity of music, and great lytics

rien à dire je quiffe

J'ai toujours eu une relation compliquée, pour ne pas dire schizophrène, avec Dire Straits. D'un côté, il y a mon moi "officiel", le disquaire indé élitiste qui a passé la fin des années 90 à prêcher la paroisse de Godflesh, Sonic Youth et John Zorn. Ce moi-là se doit, par principe, de rejeter ce groupe. Pourquoi ? Parce que c’est l’archétype du groupe de "guitar hero" pour darons, le début de l’ère où la branlette de manche est devenue un art majeur, propre et sans bavure. Et puis, il y a l'autre côté, celui qui a grandi avec la FM dans les oreilles. Celui qui, une fois les volets fermés et le volume baissé pour que les voisins ne l'entendent pas, kiffe vraiment. Mais alors vraiment. Bon, je ne suis pas un fan hardcore qui collectionne les bootlegs, mais me balancer un album de Dire Straits dans les oreilles une fois de temps en temps, c'est comme enfiler une vieille paire de charentaises : c'est moche, mais qu'est-ce qu'on est bien dedans. Pour comprendre le truc, il faut se remettre dans le contexte de 1978. J'avais 8 ans, mais avec le recul, je vois le tableau : le Punk est en train de s'étouffer dans son propre vomi, la New Wave commence à pointer ses synthés froids, et au milieu de ce bordel créatif, Mark Knopfler débarque avec sa Stratocaster rouge, un son clair à te niquer les rétines et une production clinique signée Muff Winwood. C’est l’anti-punk par excellence. C’est calme, c’est technique, ça joue aux doigts sans médiator. C’est insolent de facilité. Dès l’intro de "Down to the Waterline", je suis coincé. Il y a cette ambiance brumeuse, ces bruits de quai, cette basse qui ronronne... On est à Londres, il fait gris, c’est humide, mais c’est groovy. C’est là toute la dualité qui me bouffe : mon cerveau crie "C'est de la soupe pour boomers !", mais mon pied bat la mesure. Il y a une atmosphère indéniable, un truc cinématographique qui fonctionne à merveille. Et puis, il y a l'éléphant dans la pièce : "Sultans of Swing". J'ai bossé dix ans en radio, j'ai dû lancer ce titre des centaines de fois. Je devrais le haïr, je devrais avoir envie de casser la radio dès que j'entends les premières notes. Mais non, car c'est une putain de leçon. Knopfler raconte l’histoire de ce groupe de jazz miteux dans un pub vide avec une ironie mordante et une fluidité déconcertante. C’est Dylan qui aurait appris à jouer de la guitare, c’est le sommet de l’album. Mais voilà, c’est là tout le problème et c'est ici que pa note dégringole un peu. Si le sommet est haut, la plaine est parfois un peu plate. C'est mon côté "vieux con exigeant" qui reprend le dessus : tout n'est pas à la hauteur de ces deux pépites. L'album souffre de ce que j'appelle le "syndrome du Pub-Rock pépère". Des titres comme "Water of Love" ou "Wild West End", c’est sympa, ça s’écoute, c’est du J.J. Cale sous calmants, mais est-ce que ça te retourne les tripes ? Non. Ça t’endort gentiment. Il y a du remplissage. "In The Gallery" ou "Lions", par exemple, me laissent totalement de marbre. On sent que le groupe cherche encore un peu sa voie, qu'ils n'ont pas encore atteint la grandiloquence (parfois chiante, avouons-le) ou l'efficacité chirurgicale des albums suivants. C’est plus brut, plus sec, mais parfois un peu vain. Alors, au moment de noter, je suis tiraillé. Mon cœur nostalgique voudrait être plus généreux, mais ma rigueur intellectuelle me freine. Ce n'est pas un album parfait. Il y a des longueurs, des moments où la tension retombe trop bas. Ce n'est pas un album qui changent une vie ou qui redéfini un genre, c'est un album de confort. Donc, cet album s'en sort avec un gros 3 sur 5. C'est un 3 de "haut niveau", un 3 qui flirte avec le 4, mais qui se prend les pieds dans le tapis sur la longueur. Certains morceaux ne sont tout simplement pas à la hauteur de ce que le groupe proposera quelques années plus tard ("Brothers in Arms", par exemple, où là, la production touchera au sublime, même si c'est pour vendre des lecteurs CD). Au final, c'est un bon album que j'écoute en cachette, un plaisir coupable assumé, mais qui manque un peu de niaque et de constance pour mériter sa place au panthéon absolu de mes étagères.

Ok

I listened to this album about 10 times over the weekend. So amazing

Nice blues, easy to listen to

Plenty unsophisticated

Brilliant musicianship

Na

It has the Sultans of Swing so obviously it just can’t be a bad album. This is a GREAT debut album I really enjoyed it

boy music thats all I have to say

This seems like an album out of time. Released 10 years later then possibly a more favourable review could be offered. Yet alongside the costello, dury and others of that ilk this seems pedestrian and samey. The sultans of swing remains an excellent song an absolute career highlight.

Doesn’t get much better than Mark Knopfler on guitar

Man, good guitar and such. I love Brothers in Arms, but this didn't quite have the same variety and engagement for me as that. Wild that Knopfler is British with his inflection.

3.5

A really fine debut, always has been kne of my faves. It is a bit of a one sided album, side one is incredible with "Down To The Waterline", Water of Love", and "Six Blade Knife", the other two are great little rockers, as opposed to the usual Straits cool vibe. Side 2 Bookends really well with the undeniable classic "Sultans of Swing" and the smooth "Lions" but the two in the middle kinda sag a bit, especially "In The Gallery" (9.6) ★★★★½

The guitar work is extremely great, some of the songs are borderline boring, but it mostly works. 4 stars

Not my favorite Dire Straits album, but still some good stuff here, including "Down to the Waterline", "Wild West End", and the classic "Sultans of Swing". 4 stars.

3.5

Damn fine Straits! Includes classics such as Sultans Of Swing, other cool deep cuts such as Sultans Of Swing and of course their legendary early big hit Sultans Of Swing. 4 Sultans Of Swing out of 5.

MOR rock 'n' roll enthusiast music. If it were playing in a bar ca. 1971 or 2001, I wouldn't have noticed much difference. Solid performances but as bland as wonder bread.

kind of had a hard time collecting my thoughts on this one. best analogy i could come up with is when you’re watching a movie/tv show from the 70s and you see an actor that looks like a regular person: no perfect teeth, no big muscles, nothing in particular that would make you think they’re part of Hollywood. you see that and think “wow, i guess they were just letting anyone be in movies back then.” maybe this album has some sort of incredible cultural significance i’m missing, but ultimately it just sounds like mellow inoffensive adult contemporary music from the 80s (albeit released in 1978). the production is clean and the mix is great, but nothing else really stands out for me here. Dire Straits is the Coldplay of gen x

Rv/g

First impression it sounds like a very chill yet full of vibe type of album, mostly based on guitar and bass from what I am listening to.

Liked it a lot. Great tunes.

Such cool and relaxed music but funky I loved it

Pas si mal sauf la chanson maudite

I had never listened to Dire Straits before this, I maybe recognize Sultans of Swing. Technically the guitar and instruments are very funky and interesting. Vocals aren't my favourite, but I like it on Sultans of Swing, but I wasn't connecting to it overall. Maybe will try to get into it another time

The bri'ish Dan

10/10

Exceptional

I generally think Brothers in Arms is the better album, but you're kidding yourself if you don't think this is a 5. What an incredible talent Mark Knopfler is.

I have probably heard half of these songs hundreds of times each and everytime I think I am going to be sick of them this time, I never am. It's got Sultans of Swing so it was never going to be lower than a 4. Highlights: Down to the Waterline, Water of Love, Six Blade Knife, Sultans of Swing, Wild West End

5/5

Never given the whole album a listen. This was very chill with some impressive musicianship!

Pretty mid album.

We quite enjoyed this. Sultans of swing is a jam. Good to have on in the car.

One of the best guitar rock songs for guitarists in the 1st album “Sultans of swing “ worth the entire record.

This is almost a 5-star just because of Sultans of Swing. Yes, it carries the album that hard.

Nice mellow sound - very pleasant listen - solid 7 out of 10

Dire Straits are the classic rock band I really gel with and have been for all my life. Potentially a nostalgia thing but god Knopfler’s guitar is just a joy on every track

Super cool rock album. Sultans is an all-time classic track. The guitar work is phenomenal throughout the entire run time. Just a chill time, man. Far out.

Honestly pretty enjoyable. Sultans of swing is a good highlight and I enjoyed the riffs. Still not one I’d say I absolutely return to but definitely enjoyable.

Потому что я РУССКИЙ!

У меня один вопрос: почему такая группа не на слуху, как остальные легенды рок-музыки 80-х? За 25 лет своей жизни я узнала о них впервые и рада открыть их для себя. Одноимённый дебютный альбом группы Dire Straits порадовал гитарными соло, ударными, меланхоличным звучанием и блюз-роком. Первая песня, открывающая альбом Down to the Waterline, поднимает высокую планку, начавшись с великолепной гитары, с каждой секундой дающей больше энергии. Sultans of Swing не зря самая популярная песня из альбома. Живое выступление заслуживает обязательного внимания. Первой песней, которая захватила меня, была Water of Love, очаровавшая с первых барабанов, звучащих словно дождь. Вся композиция окутала своей атмосферой мистики и спокойствия. Также выделяются треки Lion, Six Blade Knife. Весь альбом хорош, но, послушав другие работы группы, ставлю 4/5⭐️

очень понравился альбом музыкально, гитарные соло цепляют за душу. Атмосфера альбома, как будто ты сидишь в английском прокуренном пабе 80-х. Возможно, с градусом алкоголя в крови этот альбом будет раскрываться еще ярче. Оказалось, что это еще и дебютный альбом группы. Мощно!

super chill

I preferred it to Brothers In Arms, which tended to drag on a bit. This was a bit repetitive but it did its thing pretty well. If you removed Sultans of Swing, it probably wouldn’t have made much of an impact…

It’s a little bit insipid, and can see why it would appeal to the masses. The band is tight, bass and drums let Knopfler do his thing, but I’d like it to go somewhere else than that safe bluesy pocket where it’s just riff after riff. It’s a consistent album to be sure, but one comment I’ve seen that says it’s an hour of ‘sultans of swing’ sums it up well though.

Not too shabby!

A great debut album. I had forgotten about the country and folk influences.

p417. 1978. 3 stars. Generic Geordie US influenced rock. Mark Knopfler has sharp lyrics, can knock out a tune and is a fine guitarist - but it's also slick and soulless. No wonder Dire Straits incurred the wrath of the punks at the time. This isn't essential listening, but some of their later albums are.

A chill album, what I would call a summer album. Six blade knife would probably be my favorite.

Ok I guess

Njegov glas mi je ful vsec pa kitaraaaa! Ze od prej mi je ful vsec, na Zojo me spomni

Eh… pretty basic. Entertain me please!!!

*DS plays instrumentals* Thought to self: “Hey, this isn’t half bad! I thought this band SUCKKCKED” *Mark Knopfler - sings words with a sultry cowboy… uhhh… persona?* Thought to self: “Ohhhh THAAAATS why”

quintessential dad rock unfortunately very boring and forgettable outside of the 3 popular songs (which are good)

When this came out in the UK in 78, Disco was at its peak with the release of the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, ABBA were dominating the charts and first wave punk was in full cry. So imagine having the confidence to release this as your debut album. A collection of fairly wordy lyrics with a bit of a Dylan edge to them, set to spare and restrained backing with a guitarist whose finger picking style is completely different from anything else on the scene. The centrepiece is, of course, Sultans of Swing, but every song on the album is a winner. Knopfler is at odds with the power chords and jangle of much of late 70s guitar. His playing is clear and spare with not too many notes and every note in the right place. He doesn't seem to be doing much, but that's the beauty of it. He makes it seem simple. Dire Straits would go on to be the biggest band in the world and never really deviated from the template of this album.

I’m a fan of the Dire Straits but this album never really did anything for me. It’s pretty one-note.

Good guitar playing, but the songs don’t move me. There’s not much emotion in them. I’ve always had the impression that Dire Straits made bluesy/country-ish music for businessmen, and this album did nothing to puncture that notion.

God I wish I could figure out how to replicate Mark Knopfler's guitar tone. Also, "Sultans of Swing" is an absolutely perfect song. But the rest of the album is solid, not great. I'm a Brothers in Arms guy anyway.

First track sounds like the musical child of Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, and the Allman Brothers Band. I dig the guitar on the first track. Wild West End sounds a lot like one of their other songs. I wanted so bad for this to be a 5 that I’ve never heard before. Then a 4. But I don’t know. There’s only like 2 or 3 here that I really like. Is that enough for a 4?

I kind of dig the grooves and clean sound. Knew their hits but never listened to this album before.

it's fine but I'm just so bored

Meh I only listened to one and half song so not good lol

enjoyed this one a lot!!! when google told me they were british i was shook idk that just doesn’t feel right, i was certain it was american with the twang and the vocals. knowing now it kinda feels like american cosplay. tbh i have no special thoughts, but did particularly like the long instrumentals and solos, and the stripped back vibe. faves: down to the waterline six blade knife southbound again

I think it’s pretty good! Dire Straights belongs to a category of bands that I haven’t bothered distinguishing from Steely Dan in my head. Whatever!

Real good listening. Didn't speak to me enough to add songs to my library, but it's one of those albums I'd put on when I don't wanna be djing while making dinner. Really niiiiiice guitar solos. Brother gimme one of your softest riffs.

This album is quite inoffensive and unforgettable. Although I enjoyed some of the songs and musical choices like the soulful addition of southbound again, I am not a fan of country /folk influenced rock. Didn’t realise sultans of swing was by Dire Straits so that was a nice surprise.

I know Sultans of Swing, but I didn't really expect the rest of the album to sound like this based on that. I thought it would be more expansive with long instrumentals, but at least the first half is closer to a standard pop record. Didn't make much of an impression on me really. I found more depth in the second half, a definite improvement.

Second favorite Dire Straits album. I love Mark Knopflers lyrics and twiddling on the guitar. Such a fun album to listen to, very relaxing and they have their own unique sound. Shame people only know about 2 of their songs most of the time.

Reminds me of my Pops when we first came to Canada.

Top tier dad rock, no question. Hard to believe this was their debut album. Dire Straits came out of the gate fully formed tight band, smooth production, and Mark Knopfler already playing like a guy who’d been doing it for decades. His tone and phrasing are untouchable, and those riffs? Straight iconic. Everyone knows Sultans of Swing, and yeah, it’s a masterpiece, but Down to the Waterline and In the Gallery are just as good maybe even better if you’re paying attention. Down to the Waterline sets the mood perfectly with that clean, moody intro before it locks into that effortless groove. In the Gallery is gritty, bluesy, and has that storytelling bite that only Knopfler could deliver. The whole album’s got this laid-back confidence. For a first album, it’s insane how refined and self-assured it is. It’s iconic, influential, and a reminder that great music doesn’t need to be loud or complicated it just needs to feel right. 9/10

Excellent album! Mark Knopfler is the man!

Nothing wrong with Mark Knopfler picking on the guitar

Enjoyable album, but I expected more umph.

Smooth and sweet listening. Love sultans of swing the most.

I am so embarrassed to admit this but for the longest time I thought it was bob dylan singing on sultans of swing. Oof. Anyways, there’s some great guitar playing on this.

I get it objectively but not for me

Sultans of swing is crazy good Whole albums flows nicely 4

Sultans of Swing is a great song, but the rest is kinda meh.

Nothing ass album, nothing ass band. This us the type of album my music tech professors would hear and be like “this is the end all be all for clean guitar tone meaningless ass band aged terrible radio filler no edge no soul no nothing

wow what an introduction, not the kind of song I would follow up with that intro tho, love how the instruments sound on this record, wish I could say the same for the vocals

I'D BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ALBUM. I had already listened to Dire Straits Brother In Arms in December, but I really wanted to hear it! I had 3 out of 9 songs in my playlist and very high expectations. Honestly, it’s a tough call which one is better, both are great. And yes, this is perfection, I don’t believe it’s a debut album. Water of love is such a beautiful ballad, I'm shocked. Southbound Again and In The Gallery are less enjoyable for me. Everything else is phenomenal. The guitar riffs on this album are so smooth and so unique, especially combined with the vocals. I love it so much. And the album cover is fantastic. But I can’t give a perfect score, unfortunately. 4/5 —————————————— Liked songs: — Down To The Waterline — Water Of Love — Setting Me Up — Six Blade Knife — Sultans Of Swing — Wild West End

-sounds very familiar, meshes with the genre of music of its time, wish it had something that makes it stand out -leaning a little too country for my liking but a few songs save it - all the songs sound the same too, cant really tell when the next song plays -sexy guitaring -favourites: down to the waterline, WILD WEST END, sultan swing too ig

Is a great Album added to list to buy

Coworker music but the coworker's a chill dude

Yes

I don’t hate it. In fact there are some bits I really like, but the overall effect is underwhelming. And that’s it 🤷‍♀️

A 2 star review said it was like Bob Dylan jamming out. That's the coolest thing ever. Sultans of swing was stuck in my head after listening

good for the café

Really Atmospheric

Technically fine, but not for me

Loved the beginning of down to the waterline really strong start Incredible acoustics Very cohesive

Hell yeah brother

SLAY SLAY SLAY da ora inizio a indossare jeans duri da uomo a vita bassa e cinturoni da gay cowboy anni 80! VIBING SO MUCH WITH THIS ALBUM. mi son piaciute quasi tutte e amo come sono messe e culmine

Pendlar mellan 3 och 4 för mig. Några låtar är grooviga och sultans of swing älskar man ju för att den är så kul på guitar hero. Mycket är dock väldigt medelmåtta. Stark 3a kanske? Pappa tycker att det är karakteristisk musik för dire straits. Man känner igen det. Neutralt betyg 3.

tracks 1, 2, 8, 9 made something to me like WOW this is Music

I really like the dire straits, also this album. But in all honesty I feel like it is missing something.

Groovy guitars. I feel like to truly appreciate this you need to be driving a convertible on Route 66. Enjoyed it more with a few listens, much groovier and less cheesy than Brothers in Arms

70s Jazz Rock- I enjoyed it.

Absolute banger makes we wanna wiggle my fingers and bob my head like im on a surfboard and go ah-ya ah-ya ah-ya

I loveeeeeeed the guitar in this album

I loveeeeed the guitar

Best album before going back to work! Trying to stay off reels while getting ready in the morning this was helpful. Loved Wild West end and setting me up.

Good album, I like Dire Straits. Great guitar riffs.

I felt mixed about this album. I love Sultans of Swing but I wasn’t feeling the other songs. On the other hand I ended up listening to the whole album three or four times so I guess I didn’t hate it. 3.5 Stars

Wasn’t overly familiar with this group. Besides Sultan. I liked it though. I have a feeling if I listened to it a lot it would grow on me quite a bit.

All these albums are fine. Not my taste.

Most of the songs on this album felt as average as can be

Quintessential chill dad rock, 'Dire Straits' album is a relistenable, bluesy, head bopping time. It doesn't go too hard for you to snap your spine headbanging. Top tracks: "Wild West End," "Down to the Waterline," "In the Gallery," "Sultans of Swing"

this shit rocks. Knopfler's guitar is one of the most unique and incredible sounding pieces of musical machinery ever created. If this album had Brothers in Arms, it would be a 5 but it's a great 4.

--Down the Waterline...great guitar --Water of Love...a lazy river jam. it's sweet --Setting Me Up...there's kind of a Lennon/Plastic Ono Band feel to this. groovy --Six Blade Knife...grimy and cool --Southbound Again...funky fun. the guitars throughout this album is just so tight --Sultans of Swing...classic --In the Gallery...guitars are great once again but we got a solid bass groove going here --Wild West End...nice 'n' breezy --Lions...they're veering into easy listening territory with sort of a Latin feel. not sure I love it but it's an interesting change of pace

Sultans of swing is obviously great. The rest of the album is the same, and holds up really well.

Every song on this album is a masterpiece!

This is a good album of some laid-back guitar rock that I enjoyed listening to. I have to admit that other than Sultans of Swing (and Money for Nothing and Walk of Life not on this album) I could not name another Dire Straits song. Good album that is worth a listen.

smooth and clean rock record with some great lyrics sprinkled in

Big fan of the overall production of this album, love the slightly jazzy sound of the drums and the atmospheric guitars. Although half of the songs do sound a lot like sultans of swing. Favourites are down to the waterline, sultans of swing and in the gallery.

3/5 nice nice

God guitar og dejlig groovy. 7/10

guitar goes crazy dont love the guys voice but for the 70s feels very on brand water of love feels horse. just horse i think my mum would absolutely eat this up but its a no for me

A little too country but i like the mix of country rock. (01/03/26)

6/10

Groovy guitar riffs and definitely in the pocket. The first song, 'Down to the Waterline,' had an especially tasty groove. I was not too much of a fan of 'Sultans of Swing'. Worth another listen in the future. Like a decent light beer. The final song, 'Lions,' is a great bluesy and punch groove.

Good rock, so good. Sultans of swing is a balm for my soul

Absolutely groovy and a fun time. Sultans of Swing is such a classic.

Effortlessly grooves through the first third before petering out. But just when you start to drift, Sultans of Swing begins.

I only liked one song it's not really my music grene so I hope I get more as I get back on the site

sexy

peak

Groovy and consistent, very likeable

Lovely debut

Super solid - they have the feel of a pub band or wedding band that can play any sound (they do country, rootsy americana, blues rock, funk, reggae etc on here) but the lead guitar elevates this

Even their debut boogies with hints of jazz and country. Nice slow, smoky low atmosphere for their debut which included the Sultans of Swing, a lament to good ol' pb rock. Was fun to hear this again

oh hell yes!!

Most of this is exactly the kind of blues I can't stand, veering on country. There are flashes of brilliance, like Sultans of Swing, but overall not an album I want to listen to again.

Classic 70s rock sound, I like it but I'm not really into 70s rock. Gonna shelve this for when I'm feeling nostalgic which is probably gonna be never lol. Favorite song: Sultans of Swing Least Favorite Song: In The Gallery

Fun, smooth rock tracks. Very distinct guitar sound across the whole album. There are many repetitive that are groovy at the best times and a bit sleepy at the worst. I also enjoyed the cool instrumental additions. Track Highlights: Down to the Waterline, Southbound Again, Sultans of Swing

Every song sounds like a variation of Sultans of Swing

I’ll always love Sultans of Swing but the rest of the album is pretty forgettable

5/5 very pleasant and groovy and summery. Four out of 9 songs added to my playlist.

Liked this album. Some good tunes on it and there's no doubt that Knopfler is a great guitarist. Sultans of swing is an all time classic. They get better from here too.

Dad rock at its best. Good riffs. Probably would grow on me a bit if I listened more. Great production. 70’s clean and open. Would sound great on a good set of speakers.

Some strong tracks but not quite consistent enough for a 5.

E jo bare någe av d beste så e lagd Beste sang: Sultans of Swing

Liked this one. Some fun songs including some I already knew. Think I maybe preferred it to the other Dire Straits album we’ve had. Fav song: Sultans of Swing Least fav: Six Blade Knife

Love sultans of swing and the general vibe of the rest of the album. Better than brothers in arms in my opinion. Hard to find a least favourite song because they are all a good base level which I like. Specific rating - 4.3 Fav song - sultans of swing Least fav - in the gallery

Liked this more than the other dire straits album. The guitar is gorgeous and it balances his voice so well. Really really enjoyable listen- only complaint would be that some of the songs are a little long. Favourite song- Sultans of Swing Least- In The Gallery

I love this. Hints of Dylan, the guitar is sublime.

8/10

Me ha gustado bastante

peak

Dad rock! Även om jag är en kille som framförallt älskar galna bråkiga ”sound” på guran är det här att göra så mycket med så lite! Tre single coils och kanske nån liten delay så är vi hemma. Sultans of Swing topp 100 låtar någonsin? Topp 50? Bonusinfo: när jag såg Mark Knopfler som förband till Dylan i globen 2011 stal han showen helt från en meget trött och objussig bobban. Väldigt stark trea! Eller vafan, en fyra!

Knopfler är magisk. Bara hans gitarrspel gör det till minst en 3a. Sultans sular upp den till 4an.

Lyssna på deras livealbum Alchemy också!

Han är en demon den där Mark Knopfler. Blir tyvärr alltid lite trött på rösten, men han har sån otrolig feeling i fingrarna. Chicken picking låter ju rätt skoj också.

finaste gubbrocken vi har ❣️

Vilket sväng! Vilket drag! Vilket plicketiplockande! Omöjligt att avgöra hur gammal mannen som sjunger/viskar/rosslar är

Mostly solid album with a couple duds.

I'm not a fan of the singing, but the band is absolutely amazing. Maybe once I get over the voice, I will love this album. Definitely still great though.

1) i liked it! i think the only thing i didn't particularly enjoy was the quiet & slow beginning 8/10 2) not my favorite.. i hardly paid any attention to it 5/10 3) not bad! reminded me of being @ a tx roadhouse! 6.5/10 4) gave me gorillaz vibes 8/10 5) i LOVED the guitar in this one! 8.5/10 6) not bad @ all, i really liked the vibes of this one 8/10 7) wanted to like it, but wasn't my fave 5/10 8) cute song! 7/10 9) last song & a nice one to end on! 6/10

Never heard about this album, very good

The Good: Dire Straits The Bad: Straits are Dire The Ugly: Bandname = album name… This has to be one of my favorite album covers. The lines, the shades, the color, the everything… What makes little sense is how that art compares to the kind of music found on this album as one would believe it to be more jazz, or easy listening, instead of the pop-rock infused with Country and Bluegrass… I had many friends in high school who were fans of this band, then again, we are talking about the mid ‘80s, ergo the Brothers In Arms album, which sounds a lot different then this one. As I had not listened to Dire Straits in years, except for the afore mentioned album, finding this one on the list perked up my attention for ones. Listening to this freshmen effort of Mark K and his band you can’t but be massively impressed with the musicianship, the production, the everything. I can’t recall hearing the song Sultans of Swing till the mid ‘80s, guess my parents did not appreciate this music in 1978… All in all a joy to listen to, not only because of the way it sounds, but more so because of the time it was recorded…. one could argue that they suffered from a bit of pre-mature… you know… I’d love to give this album a 5*… but I won’t… it is a 4 1/2* for sure!!!

i love six blade knife

cafe vibes, fav were lions and down to the waterlines.

Down to the Waterline: ok PERIOD what a stellar start to an album. It feels like driving down Ventura Highwaaayyyy Water of Love: mischievous opening, a cowboy’s opening scene, feels like the Wild Wild West Setting Me Up: ok this album is GROOVY and I need to start looking at lyrics because these guys are mumblin’ for real. It’s a vibe though. This is a precautious “f you! You can’t play me” anthem. The guitar lines feel very southern rock/blues, very chuck berry Six Blade Knife: Nothing special! A song for unhealthily attached yearners Southbound Again: This song reminds me of going from Boston to North Carolina during college 🥹 “Southbound again, don’t know if I’m going or leaving home”. Have I carved out a new space that feels like home with a new community and freedom or is home where I can be my most uninhibited natural self, the way I was raised. “Southbound again, last night I felt like crying” I’m leaving what I know and returning to what once was. I miss that person. Sultans of Swing: I don’t know if I’ve ever heard of this band but I’ve CERTAINLY heard this song! I would love to see this in a sped up fight scene in a western or anime turned live action movie. Sharp movements, sharp angles, you know the vibes In the Gallery: They’re reminding me of Steely Dan at this point Wild West End: ok OBSESSED with the mandolin and steel guitar! I love how the instrumentation mirrors what music for the “Wild West” sounds. Dreamy syncopated guitars, gruff voices, rough growling vocals Lions: These songs are too damn long, I’m sorry. Nothing they’re saying necessitates songs this long!! It’s not like the guitar solos are super impressive either???

The voice is the only thing that gives this a 3/5.

Loved it, killer first track

My kneejerk reaction for this album was to give it a 5, however ive revisited this over the past week and feel the middle of the album drops off in favour of a stronger third act, nothing wrong with that i just feel theres a missed opportunity to capitalise on such a strong opening (maybe one of the all time track 1, side 1s). Unexpecteded brilliance of Water of Love, Wild West End and Lions was incredibly refreshing. Mark Knopfler's mastery of fingerstyle guitar is as prevelent in the early Dire Straits as it is in their later and more eatablished albums.

Debut album that sets the tone of the band being great musicians. I'd been on a Mark Knopfler kick a few years ago, when he was one of the one Masters of Guitar cartoon characters I couldn't answer. There were 3 or 4 songs other than "Sultans of Swing" that I really liked. Generational talents & banger.

First song hooks you in and I immediately thought i will like this album. Other songs a bit too American rock/country like for my taste.

not something i would listen to every day but its okay 6/10

Den enda låten som står ut för mig är Sultans of Swing som är jättebra. Resten är meh...

Boring

I had heard the name Dire Straits before (and not just because of JoJo) but wouldn’t have been able to place any of their music. This feels like the late 70s/early 80s version of a vibey rock album, and I dig it. Some of it is a little slow for me but particularly the second half of the album has good energy

I'm in dire need of a more interesting album.

A decent listen, but the whole album kind of blends together. It blends into other music from Dire Straifa and from the era too.

Great grooves.

3/5

I listened to this album on Spotify before visiting this website for the first time. I didn't even know this album was in the list of 1001 albums! It's also pretty strange how it was the first one to be chosen. Am I being watched?

Favorite: Setting Me Up Least Favorite: Six Blade Knife Overall Rating 8/10 I thoroughly enjoyed this one, I don't know what else to say lol

A great soundtrack for my walk to work

Fantastic album on first listen. Amazing that this was a debut album. Really enjoyed it.

Ya know what! There are worse ways to spend 41 minutes.

Interesting album with some lovely tracks.

Wow, so the Dire Straits are/were actually good!

Such a cool band. Such a cool album. I technically like Brothers In Arms better, but that's relative when talking about Dire Straits as it's all out of this world. The vocals, the guitar, great drumming all with impeccable mix quality. Dire Straits is just one of those super cool groups that flies under the radar way too much compared to other big name bands from the '70's and '80's.

The apotheosis of pun rock, with brilliant songs and playing by a tight band. DS was never better.

FIRST TRACK IS EATINGGGGG. It sounds like annd album you’d hear in the beginning an 80s horror movie where the group of friends are driving to the beach 😭 the first track has to be my favoriteeeee from the entire album. I had high hopes cause I thought the whole album was gonna be like that(it wasn’t). this album wasn’t bad though?? I def enjoyed it more than Kid A though. it’s a really chill album and the type I would play at a barbecue or just while im driving. I think it’s perfect for the times where I wanna listen to music but not get hyped. I felt like I should’ve been smoking a cigarette while listening…

Overall rating: 9/10 (more my music taste) Favourite tracks: Sultans Of Swing (classic), Six Blade Knife, Southbound Again, Wild West End

Can't believe that I haven't really given this a listen. Dire Straits is one of those bands with a few huge hits, and therefore my dad played them a lot in the car while I was growing up. Trips to visit my grandparents were mainly the greatest hits Dire Straits, Huey Lewis, and other late 70s and 80s stuff. This album is better than expected. Would have loved to see them live back in the day.

Better than I expected. I think this is a debut album and it's solid and polished for one. Granted they are classic rock royalty at this point. What shocked me was the bass line was more forward, some rock buries it. Solid album. I enjoyed it..

inoffensive but unnoticable. didn't pick up that the album had ended until spotify autoplayed something i actually liked and i went to check the title lol 2/5

Bad

Álbum clássico.

Now that’s one killer debut! Remember this album well, forgot just how good it is, and how it really holds up. It dropped before CDs or MTV, so the only way to hear it was on the radio or own it. Uncle E had the vinyl, and it got played. Lead guitar is outstanding and has a unique sound. Bass, drums, and vocals are excellent (and solemn.) The whole thing works, works very well. L = (4.0*s) Best debut I’ve heard and one of the best bums on The List. J = (4.9*s) It don’t get much better than that.

Dire Straits are great and Mark Knopfler is a Sultan of Strings. His work on guitar goes from simple plucking to complex tickling requiring great skill. This debut album doesn't have a bad track but the last three fade off a bit. Of course SOS ranks among highest for the band but I really like "Six Blade Knife" and hadn't remembered it. More to come from these brother in arms...3.87 stars.

Man, Dire Straights storm right out of the gates with their first album and specifically with opening track Down To The Water Line. It sets the table perfectly with the slow build opening and introduces you to Mark Knopfler's top notch guitar and vocals. The rest of the album goes down so smoothly as you get through Water of Love, Six Blade Knife and Sultans. The deep cuts keep the engine rolling and exemplify all the best aspects of what the band brings to the table. Mark Knopfler is recognized as one of the greats and this first album shows his unique style that exemplifies his mastery. The way he gently interludes his vocals with guitar lines really help pull you into the lyrics and almost provide a second voice to the band. Something about the way he leans into the depth and rasp of his voice gives it so much gravity. While Knopfler is the star here, the rest of the band shouldn't go overlooked. The bass lines and drum fills stand out at times and really bring the whole thing together. I've always loved what Dire Straights brings to the table and as a result this album has always been held in high regard. I think a lot of people slept on this album over the years, but it held nearly a permanent spot on my high school bedroom wall vinyl display among some of other much more known classics. Was really glad to revisit this album and it held up even better than I expected. 3.90

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4

Sounded like pretty standard dad rock to me. Nice to listen to, but aside from Sultans of Swing, nothing particularly stood out to me.

Enjoyed it - kind of laid back & kind of bluesy

Starts pretty strong, the last few songs after Sultans Of Swing are a little more mellow

Funky

okayyyy prerfect pick !!!!! knew most of it but my favs are still so hard to pick loooooved tha album oppener what an amazing song, such a classis 5/5 tbh i should be careful as to how i rank but it's too hard to put a bad rating to good music !

- fuck yee faijarokin kuninkaat - jumankauta että tän tahtiin on chillailtu ja polteltu tupekkia back in the day