Reviews (page 5 of 15)
Også cool.
Extraordinaria habilidad con la guitarra, sonido suave que me recuerda al country y el blues. Dota además de una percusión distintiva, diría que inusual.
Overall enjoyed this one. The highs were VERY high. The rest was pretty mid, but not bad. I did enjoy the honky tonk vibes on Setting Me Up and overall bluesiness of the guitar solos on everything.
Is Mark Knopfler copying BB King, or is his guitar sound an homage? I suppose it could be both, either way, the music is heavenly and heavy at the same time. I’ve always thought Knopfler was one of the most underrated guitarists, but listening critically to his music, I hear King’s influence. Although the vocals are weak, the songwriting and excellent guitar work more than make up for it. 4 stars
i liked it. fell asleep while listening tho lolz
Sultans of Swing. Waterline. Perfect.
As far as I’m concerned, Dire Straits are the ultimate in Dad music since I spent many a car journey growing up with the likes of Dire Straits playing. Sultans of Swing is an absolute all timer but I don’t specifically remember this album, perhaps we just had other albums and maybe even a greatest hits in the car. In any case, this is damn good; I’m not surprised at the quality of the guitar playing given what I know about Mark Knopfler, but I have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the album as a whole because I wondered if this might be all about the one very famous song here.
Decent
Great Debut, fresh sounds, but they have better records
Favorite Track: Sultans of Swing
groovy
This album sounds plessant and relaxing, but it is not realy my type of music. I am not a big fan of country, but the guitar sounds realy good.
Brothers in Arms is the only Dire Straits album I know, but I know it very well and love it. I have enjoyed nearly everything I have heard involving Mark Knopfler (including his work with Dylan,) but I was never interested in exploring any more of it for whatever reason. I of course know "Sultans of Swing" and I vaguely seem to recall that I knew it was on their debut. This sounds VERY much to me like Dylan's stuff from the same period, which isn't surprising. I really enjoyed this and struggled between 3 or 4 stars. I've given a lot of albums "3.9"s that couldn't quite clear my self-constructed 4-star threshold. Maybe I'm just feeling generous today, but this is a really good album, especially for a debut.
Already listened to it. Classic.
I love that while the punk scene was in full swing, Dire Straits seemingly came out of nowhere, fully formed, with this record. They're one of those bands that sound like nothing before or since but for some reason, I still have them filed under 'Guilty Pleasures'. I really don't know why - I'm not trying to impress anyone, but there's just something about my enjoyment of them that I'd prefer to keep quiet. In fact, if anything, they probably deserve a bit more credit than they get - I'm pretty certain they could have reformed, toured the world, and pocketed mega-billions but they never have. They walked away at the height of their powers on good terms and left their work to fend for itself, displaying a level of integrity missing from so many other big bands. They've always been a bit of a 'dad band', but there's a comfort to their sound, and I don't care what anyone says, Sultans of Swing is a wonderful track and I could listen to it endlessly. I REALLY enjoyed listening to this album. There, I said it. (These reviews are anonymous, yeah?)
Some great tunes - need to get back to this record in the future 8/10 Will I add this album to my library? yes
Some great songs. Will probably return to this album myself
Down to the Waterline is kinda giving Disraeli Gears (by Cream), but more awake and aware. Water of Love: I can picture myself when my dad, brother and I drove down ohio and oklahoma. Yeah this album is giving very much Disraeli Gears, but a bit more country or something.
Love his voice, and the instrumentals are very enjoyable. Occasionally a bit overly simple.
ok dire of saints is very cool, pretty 70s i like the vibe a lot.
Day 33 — Dire Straits — Dire Straits (1978) Listened: April 29–May 2, 2026 Genre: Blues Rock / Pub Rock / Classic Rock Vibe: Relaxed and confident blues-driven rock with a quiet snarl — Knopfler's fingerpicked guitar does more with less than almost anyone. Highlights: • Water of Love • Setting Me Up • Six Blade Knife ★ Sultans of Swing • In the Gallery • Lions Impression: Enjoyed it from top to bottom. Only knew Sultans of Swing before this and the rest of the album makes complete sense around it. Great background music with enough groove and chill energy to work or clean to. Knopfler's guitar musicianship is the whole story. Rating: 3.7/5 Keep songs? Yes Revisit album? Yes
Этот альбом - просто эталонный пример той самой "музыки чтобы ехать" и было отлично послушать его пока я ехал и смотрел в окно. Чилловый кантри-рок, без напряга и переусложнений, но с приятными мелодичными мотивами. Так и надо.
Nice to listen
amazing that they named a band after the jojo's character in pt 2
Good album
A lot of very funky guitar that I loved
Ahead of their time. Mark was awesome and the whole production great.
Dire Straits oli juuri sitä lääkäri määräsi. Entuudestaan yksi tuttu kappale, mutta loput uppos kuitenki oikein hyvin.
It's easy to see why Sultans of Swing is the song on this that really did something, but it's probably not the strongest one here. There's a nice groove to a few of these tunes, but the more Mark and the Straits actually let the drummer relax and all just reeeaaaaaally take it easy the better they sound! Solid 4*
me sentí un vaquero caminando por la calle
Low 4 Good this. Nice to hear someone like bob dylan as much as me.
lou reed vibes, i love. not a perfect album but really great.
9/10 - The album is so lush and deep. It grows on you with every listen Fav Tracks: Wild West End, Sultans of Swing Heard before? ---–- ❌ Saved a Song? ----- ✅ Saved Album? --–-- ✅ Will Listen Again? -- ✅
Sounded good! Did not make a big impression 😔
I partially listened to this album as I drove home from the grocery store, and I finished it as I was in the shower. I had been expecting a more punk-leaning sound from this album based solely on the name, but I was immediately proven wrong by the sudden appearance of some classic muddy guitar plucks and strings. With some incredibly rhythmic percussion to bob my head along too and catchy, danceable rhythms, this album ended up feeling a lot more fun than I ever would have guessed. The dark and foggy vocals served as a perfect complement to the dingey, blues-inspired vibe of the music, to the point that it took me a second to realize they were British. The longer the album went on, the more it started to sound less authentic and more like an act, but that's not inherently a knock against it. This blend between camp and authenticity keeps the album fresh from one song to the next, and both tones serve the album very well. I have found myself more and more throughout this project to be a sucker for bluesy classic rock, and that continues to be true when it comes to Dire Straits. Highlights: Down To The Waterline, Water Of Love, Setting Me Up, Six Blade Knife, Sultans Of Swing, Wild West End
An album for driving on an open road in the west, windows down, hair blowing in the wind. Love!
slow sunny morning or road trip vibe; also good as background music
Really liked this Album. Mark and David Knopfler just know how Create good melodies. But sometimes Mark Knopfler sounds like Donald Trump and I can't unhear it✌️😭
I have long been on the fence about Dire Straits. A friend of mine bought me a Greatest Hits album years ago, saying that they must be right up my alley. I remember being a little offended by that because when I listened to the album to me it sounded like corny mainstream 70's soft rock. This time around I really tried to approach this album with an open mind. It won me over by the end. I still do think they are a bit corny but they own it, and I definitely don't think they are mainstream, I feel like they are completely doing their own thing. I am also fascinated by the guitar tone on this album - as a fender clean tone guy who often plays without a pick, I approve.
I'd heard Sultans of Swing many, many times, but I've never bothered to listen to any other Dire Straits. Turns out the rest of the album is just as good as Sultans of Swing! Honestly, I was a bit hesitant going into this one because I am incredibly burnt out on blues guitar based music, but Mark Knopfler has such a smooth and unique way of playing the guitar; it just works so well on all of these tracks and it doesn't feel like the same tired blues licks you hear all the time.
1) 7/10 2) 4/10 3) 5/10 4) 6/10 5) 7/10 6) 9/10 7) 7/10 8) 7/10 9)
Absolute classic!
I love this album.
Kaunista soittoa ja kauniit riffit.
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. Realistically a 3.5 but I'll be nice and give it 4 just because of Sultans of Swing Favorites: Sultans of Swing
Iconic
Gran debut…y marcando su estilo
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.
8.5/10
Very good album, will listen again. Good songwriting, musicianship and nicely recorded.
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
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
What you hear in the background when you’re drinking a margarita at Margaritaville.
8/10
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.
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 :)
Down To The Waterline // Sultans of Swing // Wild West End //
Not my vibe but great album either way.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Like ittttt
Amazing, almost perfect
Classic for a reason
Good asf nice chill album to lay on ghe beach with or to smoke some weed to
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.
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.
'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
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.
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
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
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
Favourite Songs: Setting Me Up Sultans Of Swing
Very enjoyable, will listen again
musica de la buena usos de guitarra espectaculares el HIT es un HITAZO
Sultans of swing heeeellll yeah rest kinda boring but very pleasant I really enjoy narrative music with silly storylines
Stripped down, sounds good.
Divorcee music, all through and through, and it's all mine (20 something)
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!
Good and chill for Saturdays and roadtrips
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.
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.
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.
The second half is perfection
In short: It's always such a pleasure and so mindful to listen to Knopfler's guitar play. Could do that all day long.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
More enjoyable than the last one. I think there are multiple better songs on here than Sultans of Swing though.
Não é o melhor álbum deles para mim, mas é um álbum sólido
Muito sólido, especialmente para primeiro álbum
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.
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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
nice to have on in the background, vibed with the whole album
liked it
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
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.
4.5
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!
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!
Good!
Very good, come back to this
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
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
Pretty chill ngl
This was a really good album with great vibes and soothing and calming vocals
More like straight fire. 4 stars.
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
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
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
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.
One of the best guitarists of all time
Great debut, crisp guitars and good production, really enjoyable
Ótimo disco! Dire Straits chega com tudo nesse álbum! Tangzu Wan'er 2.
Album calme mais sympathique
Très cool, des pistes assez iconiques
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
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.
Groovy, chilled, mellow - I liked it! Only recognised one song ‘sultans of swing’, good start!
Smooth, easy, classic guitar
Such a roadtrip album loved it
very good album
I've got a soft spot for the earlier part of Dire Straits career, so loved listening to this album.
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.
Pretty good
chill. classic. groovy. rockish.
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!
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.
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 mean…
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
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.
A platform for an excellent guitarist, with a great band, diversity of music, and great lytics
rien à dire je quiffe
Nice blues, easy to listen to
Brilliant musicianship
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
Doesn’t get much better than Mark Knopfler on guitar
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.
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.
Rv/g
Liked it a lot. Great tunes.
Such cool and relaxed music but funky I loved it
Pas si mal sauf la chanson maudite
The bri'ish Dan
We quite enjoyed this. Sultans of swing is a jam. Good to have on in the car.
This is almost a 5-star just because of Sultans of Swing. Yes, it carries the album that hard.
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
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⭐️
super chill
Not too shabby!
A great debut album. I had forgotten about the country and folk influences.
Ok I guess
Njegov glas mi je ful vsec pa kitaraaaa! Ze od prej mi je ful vsec, na Zojo me spomni
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.
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.
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.
Sultans of swing is crazy good Whole albums flows nicely 4
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Groovy and consistent, very likeable
Lovely debut
Some strong tracks but not quite consistent enough for a 5.
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
peak
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.
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 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
Interesting album with some lovely tracks.
Wow, so the Dire Straits are/were actually good!
The apotheosis of pun rock, with brilliant songs and playing by a tight band. DS was never better.
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..
Álbum clássico.
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
4
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
- fuck yee faijarokin kuninkaat - jumankauta että tän tahtiin on chillailtu ja polteltu tupekkia back in the day
Solid album
Classic fantastic album. Would purchase
only word that comes to mind is groovy. the vibe is kinda immaculate not gonna lie
Never listened. The songs seemed familiar without ever hearing them before. Sultans of Swing is obviously the only one familiar on the album. Nice and chill tracks.
This hit very nicely on a Friday morning. These guys really play well together. All the songs were good; ‘Sultans of Swing’ is the obvious standout, but the opener ‘Down to the Waterline’ had a nice groove and was also a favorite. Didn’t love it quite enough to garner a perfect 5, but it’s a solid 4/5 easily.
Beautiful, meloncholy and playful. Excellent musicianship. This is an album I’d like to listen to again, on stereo. My daughter will hate me tomorrow!
Mark Knopfler is underrated and this is a great debut and precursor to ‘Making Movies’
Great guitar playing and song writing. Sultans of Swing was the only real prior knowledge going into the project. Made me want to be driving in the west.
I listened to this album first thing in the morning which i think was a good thing to do! Its instrumentals are relaxing but funky which i really enjoyed. There wasn’t anything necessarily special about this album but all the songs were overall good! I probably wouldn’t go out of my way to play this album but if it came on i wouldn’t be mad. 7.5/10