Reviews (page 6 of 14)
Classic
Not their best album but like the music
Awesome debut album. Classic blues rock with some country aspects mixed in. All from an English band (big surprise!). Sultans of Swing is the best song on here, but the whole album was a pleasure to listen to. 3.56 / 5 stars
Now that’s some funky cowboy blues rock. Not a genre I knew I needed before this.
La guitarra más bonita que he escuchado en un buen tiempo. Ojalá no me hubiera rendido en mi intento de aprender a tocar guitarra.
(4) i was really confused because i really enjoyed track 1 and then the entire genre changed (the album from yesterday started playing again) but i like this album!
Really good album, definitely gave me the sound that makes Dire Straits, Dire Straits. Personal favorites from the album were
4.0 - Very Good
Already had sultans of swing favorited prior to listening. After listening to the whole album it’s definitely the best song on it. Vocals didn’t feel like there was a whole lot going on and the guitar was fantastic making it great background music
The sound is unique, the vocals quite fine, the writing good, but mostly it's the guitar, that brilliant freakin' guitar.
GREAT guitar
Very good
Dire Straits is a much underappreciated band because of their enormous success with Money for Nothing and Walk of Life. Many consider them to be one hit a wonder of sorts. This album is just one example of how good they truly.
Cool album, country-inspired guitar rock. What part of the Southern US are they from again? Wait. They’re English? Well now I’m just confused. Still cool though.
Guitar George who knows all the chords is an outlier adn shouldn't be counted.
Legendary guitar, great classic rock album.
7/10 Sultan of Swing needs the 4 stars 9-12-2025
My first album from this list was the other far popular Dire Straits album. I got that during one of my final days of spring semester, so how fitting that I get them again on the one of the first days back. My opinion on Brothers In Arms was that it had good songs but I didn't think I would return to a lot of it. That album had a more atmospheric 80s guitar driven sound which made for more hits. I thought it was alright; this record is different. I'm not saying I'm crazy for it cause I'm not, but this to me has more of what I like. It didn't hit me completely until Sultans Of Swing which I can't say I knew very well before but I'm glad I do now. It's a fantastic tune and as for the other tracks on this album, they all range from passable to very nice. I found the run between Sultans, In The Gallery and Wild West End to be the sweet spot. There's no 80s cliche or experimental approach here. All there is is some well-played guitar songs by a guitar band. Mark Knopfler, you got it, man. (7/10, 4/5 on this scale)
Sultans of Swing carries this album.
This is the Brittish response to Swamp Rock and Dire Straits is the Brittish Creedence Clearwater Revival. This album is a response to the mainstream rock at the time with a message loud and clear. "Let's get groovy". This album is great and Sultans of Swing is an ultra classic. Just a fantastic project and it's unbelievably polished for a debut.
It's tempting to say that this album is just jazz blues rock parts 1-9, but it's more "Mark Knopfler and his backing band". His playing is so distinct and so crisp, and that's really what makes this whole record. His singing is thankfully an afterthought, and the tight rhythm section and additional guitar playing serve as the stage of Knopfler's mastery of the instrument. You could handwave it away as him being a good rock and blues guitarist and nothing more but the playing in the faster songs (Sultans of Swing of course being the big one) is really on another planet. Nobody, especially at the time, was getting that tone and individual-note-level clarity out of the electric guitar in rock music. To this day, there is nobody I can think of that can play like him. If it wasn't so full of feeling I would say it's a machine because it's just that clean. Anyone else with these songs wouldn’t be that good of an album. I would even say the songs aren’t especially creative beyond “Down to the Waterline” and “Sultans of Swing”. I can’t get over the lead guitar though. It’s really something.
Sultans of swing
I really enjoyed this album. Instrumentals are top notch, and I love the blues that's infused throughout the album.
Easy listening. Stand out is Sultans of Swing
This album would be great from Sultans of Swing alone. The other songs hold their own, though none cross the line into favourites. Atmospheric, want to listen to on good headphones. Great guitars.
Great album… great guitar riffs… great story telling lyrics
Mark Knofler's smooth guitar is among my favorite sounds, and this album gives the best of it. 4/5
sultans of swing + down the waterline
Sultans is one of those songs that can come on while you're driving, and by the end you don't remember a thing about the drive. It's a late-night song. A song of dreams. As an album, I'll take Love Over Gold but the high points on this one are pretty high.
One of the most confident devices ever released. Incredible. Smooth. Easy going. All of the hallmarks that would define this band. Wonderful album.
Fantastic album. I got Brothers In Arms a few months ago and found that pretty good. I feel this is a step above that. Down to the Waterline and Sultans of Swing were a couple of my favourites.
Waterline - Mark Knopfler makes maximalism sound minimal. He’s playing a lot of notes, but within a limited range and percussively. He’s Clapton but with Dick Dale replacing the endless noodling with B E A T S. Water of Love - Agua theme. Is this from a plant’s POV? Folky ‘Dead vibes and chord progression. Mark isn’t the most cryptic lyricist. Setting - Funk 48. Honkytonkified F U ditty. Feels like a more dudely companion piece to 9 to 5. A Dolly duet on this would rip. SBK - Creepy serial killer love song with spare chill strums. Southbound - Barroom bounce with a great repeating riff that dances up and down the fretboard. A song that makes me grateful for Dire Straits by way of being thankful for The Minutemen. SOS - This song feels like the previous sounds on the record coalescing into a sudden revelation that is the Dire Straits. A stroll through a city of “competing” bands. A bemused scene expose with Harry and Guitar George and the bitter boys on the corner each having a say what music is. But MK and the Sultans — masters of chill - knows the secret: it’s never just “strictly rhythm”. Mark’s guitars pogo. Gallery - Goddamn, funk and folk make some beautiful babies. MK’s leaning, lyrically, into the character sketches and neighborhood reportage, and music is better for it. Mark’s guitar’s got more “soul” than a hundred Claptons. (I don’t hate EC; I just strongly object to him being called “blue eyed soul” bc that shit is white af.) WWE - Maybe it’s that it starts out with “Stepping Out” that made me think of Joe Jackson — or maybe it’s the prosaic poetry of the mundane found in the greasy corners of the city and the subdued reverence that sneaks in at the end as the blue collar WC Williams feels the revelatory sunshine on his face bouncing from concrete and glass. A love song to London’s West End with dirt under its fingernails. Lions - The most intriguing lyrics on the record. Another beat travelogue through Metropole but the flip of West End, focusing on the Fear. “She read about a swing to the right but she’s thinking of a stranger in the night” reads as far too relevant to me. I’m not sure who the Lions are or where they have gone — or why Mark misses them. Protectors? Kings of the City Jungle? An interesting song to allow to linger, as your outro. A really great record, especially the second half. MK’s percussive spare-where-it-matters guitar and beat poetry influenced and informed so many of the bands I love — Minutemen, Silver Jews, Unwound, even Fugazi just to name a few. His DNA is a crucial ingredient in the most savory indie rock ever made. Delicious, delicious DNA.
An absolute delightful record with Knopfler's exquisitely tasteful guitar playing that is impossible to ignore but yet never shoves itself down your throat. The spanky twang of songs like Setting Me Up, bouncy groove of Southbound Again, the undeniable geneious of Sultans Of Swing (I strongly recommend checking out the Live Aid version of this on Youtube). Just some of the most solid guitar pop rock there is.
i listened to this a long time ago and i thought it was so boring besides the first track and sultans, but this was a really good record, really solid for a debut as well, quality, found that each song was different and added to the album
Yeah alright, okay, yeah yeah, okay
A popular album around the house when I was a kid. Very nostalgic. Sultans of Swing is worth the price of admission. Solid blues rock. 4/5 #147
Je pense que j’ai trouvé mon style de rock préféré : à la fois puissant et doux .
This whole thing is just an excuse for Mark Knopfler to noodle on his guitar and that's fine. Throwing the rhythm guitarist under the bus on 'Sultans of Swing' seems mean.
Easy listening 70s bangers. Sultans of Swing still rocks in 2025, and In the Gallery is just OK, but overall a great album
An easy listen. Chill good rock album. One of the greatest BANGERS of all time and a couple great standout tracks. 7.8/10
Classic record from a classic group. Feels like an Americana record, but I was easily fooled. It's cool, chill, groovy and fun. The guitars are so sultry and smooth, instilling such a mood. Just a nice and easy record to listen to throughout. Listening to it from this project made me really appreciate what it represents.
Never heard this whole album before. Classic sound, great guitar work.
Excellent album with several memorable songs.
A bit sameish at times, but I'll always happily listen to Mark Knopfler play guitar.
Favorite: Down to the Waterline second favorite: Six Blade Knife
Tight production and musicality makes this an easy full-through listen, though some songs drag too long
4 sterne
smooth, awesome, fun to listen to
Good album. No surprises. Jangly white boy bluesy soft rock. Sultans of Swing is only standout on album.
It isn't often that a debut album unleashes upon the world a remarkably unique talent like Mark Knopfler, but aren't we lucky that this one did. His distinctive guitar playing style anchors some great songs here and while "Sultans of Swing" is the popular choice, "Wild West End" and others are equally (or more) worthy. This is a really solid release and while I may prefer Making Movies, that only reflects the artistic growth and shouldn't detract from just how good this album is.
Decent listen and a distinct vibe.
Top! Al vind ik brothers in arms nog beter.
I got to admit I wasn’t expecting Dire Strait’s debut album to be as chill as it was. It kind of lacked in variety as compared to their later efforts (Brothers In Arms), but it certainly made up for it with the Knopfler’s guitar playing. Seriously, this has to be some of the coolest guitar work put on an album. Normally, my main problem with 70’s rock was the over reliance of the solos, but here they were justified. It’s not perfect, but it makes for a chill vibe. And it’s got Sultans of Swing, so there’s that. Favorite track: Sultans of Swing Other hits: Down to the Waterline, Setting Me Up, Six Blade Knife, In The Gallery, Wild West End
This was an amazing new album with a new sound from down under
Never not ready to put these guys on. ✅✅ Down to the Waterline ✅✅✅✅ Sultans of Swing ✅✅✅ Wild West End
Into this
“walking in the wild west end, walking with your wild best friend” beautiful stuff
Great album
A good album to throw at zombies. Thought they were really cool sounding like Dylan.
Good
Great debut, not their best effort but a stand out for the 1970s
Know it well
Generally really like all Dire Straits tracks I'm familliar with (which is only a small part of the total). The tracks on this album I was not familiar with are pretty good as well.
Oh hell yes. Love Dire Straits. This should be good. Already have a couple saved from this album.
I've heard 'Sultans of Swing' on the radio a million times but never bothered to look up more of Dire Straits' music. Such a unique guitar character - I really enjoyed this one!
Dire Straits have been a staple in my ears since childhood, via my dad (although I think I have heard more Mark Knopfler solo stuff). That said, until now I have never listed to a Dire Straits album start-to-finish. It was as good as expected, with the cooler-than-cool vibe lasting throughout the entire album. My expectations were fairly high, and they were met!
Pretty sure I recorded this on cassette one Sunday night when WLAV FM (the rocker) played the album in its entirety without interruptions.
Je n' ai pas eu le temps de l'écouter mais je le connaissais déjà. Très bon album
Another absolutely killer debut album. Dire Straits is one of those bands that I’ve never actively seeked out, but always end up adding their music to my playlist when they pop up. This is consistently good from start to finish, but the only song that truly blows me away is “Sultans of Swing”, which of course I had heard a ton of times already before. Don’t get me wrong though, this album still absolutely kicks ass, and the singer/guitarist is so unique that I could probably recognize any Dire Straits song as soon as it starts, which is extremely impressive. 1 more Dire Straits album to go, very curious to see how they evolved over time, so I’ll for sure remember this album until then.
I've had a few albums recently where the mixing was quite atrocious. My first foray into the dire straights and I find myself marvelling at how expertly balanced the sound is. I was only familiar with "Sultans of Swing" before, but "Wild West End" is worth the album listen alone. Again, I cant overstate how crisp, clean, and deep this album sounds.
This is alright, though I can't see it being something I'd be itching to come straight back to. Accentuated by some playful little bass lines and some uplifting jangling leads, there is also a sense of melancholy hanging over it via the themes conveyed throughout. However, much like with a couple of other albums I've listened to so far, this is perhaps a tad rudimentary to leave a significant impression on me. Possibly also not helped by a feeling of blues fatigue washing over me. [upgraded to 4⭐ on a subsequent revisit]
Very enjoyable. The vocals are like Bob Dylan but more radio friendly and mainstream but regardless this was good. sultans of swing is a generational banger.
Pretty sure "Sultans of Swing" played every day on SWLA 92.9 The Lake. Overall, I enjoyed the album though there were a few moments where the singer's inflection reminded me too much of Bob Dylan.
loved it, very well produced and arranged, like most of the songs, only problem is they all kind of sound more or less the same and i'd like a bit more of a mix up
Decent album, I only remember listening to Sultan's of Swing prior to the whole album. Pretty consistent, solid songs that feel much more recent than 1978.
Dit was een stuk leuker dan ik dacht. Waarschijnlijk word ik oud. Ik ben in mijn jeugd doodgegooid met Dire Straits/Mark Knopfler. Met dank aan mijn vader. Daarna deed ik het af als ouwelullenmuziek, maar ik dit is een plaat die je eigenlijk van begin tot eind op kunt zetten om je dag mee te beginnen. Lekker rustig wakker worden.
very good!
Sultans of swing is that good, it’s worth 4 stars on its own.
Pretty good. I like the guitar and the instruments, go well together, and with the lyrics. Nice, chill songs to listen in summer, on the beach, or on a road trip. The songs are a bit similar though. 4 stars.
Cool
Standout Songs: Setting Me Up Southbound Again Sultans Of Swing In The Gallery Lions Very pleasant blues rock album, I did quite enjoy it
Reminds me of the music Mom used to listen to when I was a kid. <3
I’ve never listened to anything but their singles. I remember reading about how awesome of a guitar player mark knopfler was in guitar world a long time ago. I didn’t care. Now I’m blown away. The way he hits the strings. And can control the tone he wants. Amazing.
I wanted to like this album from the first notes of the opening track, such is the persuasive power of Mark Knopfler's characteristic guitar style. I love that this album starts off in a quiet and understated way. While the guitar in particular seems to arrive to this debut album with a fully formed idea of how it wants to be in Dire Straits, I got the feeling, especially from the first half of the album, that the rest of the band wasn't so sure. It felt a bit like different musical ideas were being tried on. "Down to the Waterline" and "Southbound Again" felt like a foray into Bob Dylan's lane, for example, whereas I can hear Gordon Lightfoot's "Sundown" in "Water of Love", and "Setting Me Up" sounds like any routine in-house bluesy band. However, once the album rolled over to "Sultans of Swing", I realized the vocals still had the same Dylanesque sound, but the effect was totally different. Is it because I already know this song and it's a quintessential Dire Straits song? Maybe. Probably. But it shifted my viewpoint. In any case, I liked the second half of the album a lot more. All of the last four tracks are great. While I don't love everything about this album, the strength of Knopfler's guitar playing and a few standout songs make this an album I'd happily listen to again.
sounds just like them - nice stuff
Surprisingly awesome album
Dire Straits rules. Listen to that playing! Bangers!
um rockzinho de pai, tem bastante influencia de bob dylan e neil Young mas o mark knopfler é um guitarrista que sabe se curtir, achei divertido.
4.5 stars. Impressive debut album with clean production and good hooks and very listenable blues rock. Standout is "Sultans of Swing".
Is “Sultans of Swing” enough to get this album to four stars? Maybe? But just barely. In reality, the album is probably not quite worth four stars. But it’s close enough to round up.
groovy af. i like it
chill
Need to listen again
Already own this Vinyl because the Dire Straights are awesome. Interesting that in the Wikipedia, it described the "Sultans of Swing" song as having an "inescapable hook" and "Bob Dylan-like snarl in its vocal. Luckily it's not the case, cause Dylan sucks as a vocalist. Mark is a much better singer than Bob. Anyway, Sultans of Swing will make the 1001 playlist, and it gets a 4.3 star rating from me.
Solid album. This would be a good addition to my vinyl collection. Probably not one I'd pick out of my own volition to listen to very often, but I often listen to a randomly selected album from my collection, and I'd happily throw this one on if so selected. Sultans of Swing is a classic.
Good, really good. Didn’t know a British band could implement country and blues sound so well. Best songs: down to the waterline, six blade knife, sultans of swing, Wild West end.
blues
Dire Straits is generally under appreciated.
Oh yeah...nice
I’m thinking a 4, relaxed, good for background.
Not appropriate for the month of June, however, juicy fingerstyle is the key to what makes this album great.
Nå snakker vi. Dire Straits er fett. I will die on that hill.
this album is so many family road trips growing up.
Loved this one
This album really cements Dire Straits place in rock and roll mythos. Mark Knopfler’s guitar work is inimitable and in a league of its own when it comes to style and sound. It gives you even more respect for him when you realize he’s also the singer! His vocals sometimes feel very Bob Dylan inspired, which works in the albums favor. The instrumentation feels very inspired by soft rock and blues rock bands like The Eagles and The Grateful Dead. John Illsley and Pick Withers lay down a solid rhythm section on every song, with Withers bringing in some very exotic sounding drum rhythms. David Knopfler is the cherry on top, backing up his brother on rhythm guitar. Songs like the Up tempo groove Down to The Waterline, the almighty guitar epic Sultans of Swing, and the smooth and laid back Lions, really show how tight the band members were and how they were all masters of their craft. There are some points where the songs can blend together, but I don’t think it damages the overall album experience.
It’s okay. I liked the mellow vibe of the album. It got better towards the end, after Sultans of Swing.
Distinct sound
Yeah, sounds like Dire Straits. Great album, but not their best by a long shot. However, still excellent.
Such clean guitar. Even if some of the songs are longer than I’d prefer, it’s never really boring.
Really enjoyed, cool sound.
Creative guitar genius unleashes his songwriting
Good album sultans is a banger of course 3.5
This is #day302 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… "I want my MTV!" Oh, wait… not yet, right? Anyway, Dire Straits... a band from the classic rock radio station with a never-ending run of "Sultans of Swing," "Money for Nothing," and "Brothers in Arms." As for the debut, this is exactly the kind of record you go to when you want some signature guitar work, particularly from the late '70s. Perfect for a Saturday evening with a lager beer. A great debut to boot. P.S. This is a revisit review, since I promised myself to be more open-minded. This is a 4 out of 5. Looking forward to #day303.
This is a great debut from a hugely popular band. It's an album I used to own until a burglary relieved me of my copy. By then my tastes had moved on, but I still have a high regard for this album.
Even though I prefer Communiqué, I also really like Dire Straits’ first album. It’s hard to explain or justify, and I know they didn’t invent anything, but this band helped me at a young age, while I was growing up with Miles Davis only, not to fear guitar bands. It was a brilliant debut album, totally anachronistic in the middle of the punk wave. However, to me, both of those first albums feel very close to very good blues. They’re laid-back and still have enough variety and surprises to keep me interested, and of course, there’s a unique, soulful touch in the guitar playing. A simple track like Six blade knife still sounds like honey to me.
This was a pleasant surprise. I've heard Sultans of Swing but I wouldn't have known who had performed it. The guitar playing on this album is great. I'm a sucker for good guitar work, and I enjoyed the guitars on pretty much every song on this album. The songs are simple and the arrangements are clean. Just excellent guitar playing. Very easy to listen to and enjoy.
very vibes and bluesy and reminds me of my dad, aside from the classic sultans of swing, more of a bop my head and have a soundtrack to life going on behind, i do like wild west end too though this is the OG twinkly noodling though, nice tone on the geetars
Listened through 3 times and it got better each time
Another one I own a physical copy of. Worth a listen for Sultans of Swing alone, but this is a solid album through and through.
Always forget these dudes are British...more bluesy than I expected, but in a good way. 'Sultans of Swing' is an all-timer - didn't realize it came off their first album.
I enjoyed this, some great tracks
ooo ye
This was excellent, a lot more American Honky-Tonk than I was expecting but really enjoyed it.
Good listen, it reminds me of going to car shows with my parents when I was little. A lot of the song were familiar. I feel like this is a good road trip album.
Bob Dylan fronting the War On Drugs doing a concert of Dire Straits covers challenge.
Loved this album. Guitar is incredible throughout
It’s got an unmistakable ‘Dad rock’ vibe, and the under-developed songwriting can give the tunes a bit of sameness. But the band is tight, the guitar playing awesome, and it washes over you in a pleasant, warm bath kind of way that can make for an enjoyable listen.
7/10 very relaxing vibe, would be more enjoyable on a summer night by the pool
Love his voice and the guitar phrasing
4/5 great guitar work
A really fun album. It sounds surprisingly modern for something released in 1978. Great rock-blues with a touch of country mixed in.
Sparked a reinvestigation of Dire Straits for me - this album has some wonderful tunes.
Sultans of Swing
Some absolutely astounding compositions on there make up for the ordinariness of the rest 4.3
Cool bluesy rock songs with finger picking. Pretty fire.
Decent album, sultans of swing does pick it up a bit 4/5
Listening to the same song 9 times in a row but that song is a banger
So excellent, never gets old.
Legendaran album, bio bi grijeh dati manje od 4/5, 7/10
I love his sound. Very chill. A vibe.
Fantastic guitar work
Loved this! Very refreshing, and I don't believe I had ever listed to the Dire Straits before.
I liked this one. Just wondering what happens after 1001 albums, does the app self destruct?
Enjoyable
4.5 stars. Fantastic album.
Great debut album from a band who seemed to appear from nowhere fully formed sonically. Sultans is obviously the most well known but other tracks on the album are equally as good.
Sultans Of Swing is on the debut album ???????
perfect album to listen to on holiday. fav songs : Sultans of Swing & Wild West End
Really enjoyable and good listening, but it wasn't a "classic" for me, not like "Brothers in Arms"
I always thought Dire Straits was a late 60s or early 70s band. Their music doesn't feel like it should be popular around the emergence of hair metal. They are a solid band, but they just feel so old, even for the time. They honestly feel like an old version of Steely Dan. Sultans of Swing is still iconic, even though I always thought it was a Doors song. Best Songs: Down to the Waterline, Sultans of Swing, In the Gallery Worst Songs: Setting Me Up, Wild West End,
Kohtuullisen taitava kitaristi
Very good listen. I really enjoyed the music, the guitar, the vocals were good too. Though i think the guitar melodies take the cake. Lyrics are great too! Very enjoyable experience, and great vibe.
Outstanding debut, three iffy tracks, otherwise pure genius.
Great album. A couple of weaker trackers for me but the guitar is unreal. Replayed a few times!
This was great! I listened to this on the subway home tonight. I was in a good mood and really enjoyed Mark Knopfler's voice. It is very soothing and precise, he doesn't need to raise his voice and he just has a great flow. Sultans of Swing is just so so good and I get the feeling the whole album is built around it. I wonder if bands sometimes get a real time feeling when they are recording a song that they have hit the nail on the head, I bet these guys were pretty happy with how Sultans of Swing was sounding haha.
Well guys this is a great record & well worth a listen. First release by Dire Straits & they exploded onto the music scene in '78. Guitar work was always an outstanding feature of Dire Strait music & this record is a good example. These songs were a breath of fesh air at the time of release - a change from the New Wave/Punk music that was surging through the scene at the time. From memory some great tracks but I'd have to listen to it again ...... Sultans of Swing was, and still is, an absolute classic ..... I seem to recall In the Gallery & Water of Love were also great pieces of music. It's an 'essential listening' job this one. Some great Dire Straits music followed in later albums which included some other classics that have stood the test of time ...... Romeo & Juliet on the Making Music LP is one that comes to mind. I'll have another listen when I get a chance .....
I listen to half this record :) Living in the 70's is a banger. I will come back to this one for sure.
I love this type of country music! Full of slide guitar and dust and sun and slow movement, not a pop production in sight. The spoken/sung vocals play exceptionally well with the guitar, sometimes I don't like how affected they are in songs like Six Blade Knife though, it feels forced. The life-like personality of the guitar riffs, fills, and backing more than makes up for any vocal transgressions. Faves: Water of Love, Setting Me Up, Sultans of Swing, In the Gallery (purely for the guitar personality), Wild West End Love it. Not sure that I needed to hear it before I die.
I bought this LP in either 1982 or 1983, which is strange, because although I remember *really* liking Romeo and Juliet at that time, it's not on here, and I was never crazy about Sultans of Swing, which is the only other DS track I think I would have known. I can only think that my logical brain was at work, making a decision that Dire Straits were worthy of investigation, and so I might as well start at the beginning. Anyway, I became really fond of it, and, of course, because I bought it as a teenager, I still know literally every note. The other odd thing is that I did become fond of it, because this was, and still is, a bit of an anomaly in my record collection. I liked posers! Cool stuff! The Cure, etc etc. But like it I do. I like the fab guitar work, the unsophisticated lyrics, a suggestion of north-east misery in the melodies (despite fierce pride in their roots: it's only just occurred to me that much of this album is about what it's like to try to become successful, to have to travel to London, to deal with agents, etc, when you're from the north east of England). It's to their credit that they unapologetically expressed all of this via the sounds of U.S. country roads, which doesn't make any sense, but, hey, that's what they were into. Mark Knopfler couldn't pull off cool menace (Six Blade Knife) but he cannily observed all life around him and described it in some great songs. I do still (mainly) like Dire Straits; they're not cool, but they're good. There's more than enough here (and on Making Movies, which I hope we get) to show that they had soul in abundance. (Their nadir, for me, several years after this, was the unbearably stompy and cheery Walk of Life. We'll probably get Brothers in Arms as well, at which point I may have to be quite rude about that song.)
Great album. Groove, feel, sound, it's all there in this dad-rock collection
4/10
loved it, more a 4.5
Nice
the most famous guitar solo, and other songs by dire straits, i didnt knew they were british, but yeah .. amazing, actualy scottish
6,88
Not a giant Dire Straits fan, but this pretty great and the high rez version is stellar sounding. And c’mon, Sultans of Swing.
Very good album. Quite a debut. Sultans of Swing sounds as good today it did (almost) 47 years ago. If Brothers in Arms is their masterpiece then this is a "4".
A bouncy rock band from the late 70s. Has a lot of guitar prominence in its songs, where some of the lyrics are barely whispered almost as if to to make way for it. Most of the songs tell a story that are fun to visualize, if a bit nostalgic. The general guitar tune seems verging on what more modern country has settled on. Sultans of Swing is highly rated for a reason but still falls a little short for my personal liking.
Very impressive debut album! Probably top 10 debut albums. I just loved the vibe, and feels like a sweet road trip playlist.
Incredible guitar work but semi-forgettable songwriting
Amazing album, glad I got to revisit it since it's been a while since I've listened. Wish I knew how to describe their style but it's great either way.
Road trip music
Couple big hits, supported by a steady easy groove and great sound for all the rest. On the line, but +1 for solid debut album. 4
Knop slays, cool to hear their start
The opening chords of "Down To The Waterline" showcase the unmistakable blues pub rock sound that has characterized Dire Straits for decades. Mark Knopfler's unique fingerstyle technique, combined with his smooth yet occasionally rough baritone vocals, mesh beautifully with the band's harmonization, tight rhythms, and powerful percussion. This album features a rich blend of musical styles, including folk, country, reggae, jazz, and particularly blues rock, reminiscent of J.J. Cale. This eclectic mix creates a distinct sound that stands in contrast to the punk and disco movements that were gaining popularity at the time. The production quality of this album is remarkable; the recording is clear, the sound is rich, and the songs are organized in a cohesive arrangement. Notable tracks include the opening number "Down To The Waterline," the enduring hit "Sultans of Swing," as well as "Water of Love" and "Wild West End." This album remains fresh and enjoyable, without feeling outdated. It is truly a great listen.
My Dad loved Dire Straits so I have a special place in my heart for them. I particularly remember listening to Sultans of Swing.
Sultans of Swing is very good. I can see myself liking the rest of the album more over time too. 3.5 Stars.
Surprised that I enjoyed this, given the singularly dismal offering Dire Straits previously had in my listening history. I would wager it's due to the blues rock and country grounding of this release. I don't know why they got rid of it a few years later. Shit slaps.
A far better album than brothers in arms. But personally I find Dire straights a bit of an English Eagles (not musically) they please nearly everyone in their style.
Smooth, usually don’t like this type of music, but dire straits is an exception
Great album. Some songs I wasn’t as familiar with but I really enjoyed it.
Much better than the last one. Real music by real musicians.
найс, претензий нет.
Good dependable Dad Rock
4.3 Random Thoughts - Down by the waterline is my 2nd favorite Dire Straits song. Would be cool to hear a a McCartney- Knopfler collaboration, I think Paul could come up with some tasty bass lines in these songs.
Listen to in west Texas with Victoria while she was talking about how the mountains looked like piles of cocoa powder and the yuccas looked like muppets. It’s ok. Not exactly my speed, but great smooth guitars licks and complementary drums. Probably nice for a dinner party or something your mom wants to do on a Sunday.
3.5/5 enjoyed the guitar and smooth vibes of this album.
Круто, очень круто. Риффы Марка Нопфлера просто шедевральны, но для меня как то кисло слишком, я, к несчастью, больше фанатею по чему-то альтернативному, 4/5 (sultans of swing шедевр на все времена, несогласен-саси)
pretty fire sultans of speeding is gas
Chilled listening, will certainly return.
Another high school staple. I am familiar with most of their catalog, and this is a sparkling debut and introduction to Knopfler's signature (and remarkable) guitar style and play. The record gets a little sleepy... don't want to say filler, but it's not 100% packed with killer A material. I much prefer Love Over Gold and Making Movies to the two albums on the 1001 list. Of course, this includes the in-a-league-of-its-own "Sultans of Swing," which is notable in that I (and dare I say millions of people) can sing Knopfler's guitar soloing from memory. That's a feat, particularly as there's a lot of it. The easy highlight of the album. "Water of Love," "Down By The Waterline," "Setting Me Up" are other tunes I love, but as the second half plays, things get a bit forgettable. So, really solid album with a monster classic hit and introduction to a music icon.
Forgot how much I love Dire Straits!
Favorite tracks were Southbound Again and Wild West End. Good music quality, seems to focus on the skill of the guitarist. Vocals were cool, if a bit grungey from time to time. A lot of these songs sound like movie soundtracks or road trip songs. I generally liked them, but they're not very singable for me which is a downside.
funky
This is a tough one. Sultans of Swing is a massive hit. I really liked In the Gallery. No bad songs really. 4 stars.
Gran debut. Muy buen disco.
About halfway through I was at a 3, but the last couple of songs really pointed out the intricate arrangements on the album. I kind of wish the songs were a touch better, but Sultans of Swing is soooo good, it kind of makes up for it. I think it's a 3.5 for me, but bumping up for the care taken!
i like it. it's not something that i would usually pick on my own but i really enjoyed the use of instruments and just the overall sound of the album.
Este álbum libera al padre boomer que llevo dentro. Llámame normie, pero me flipa. Muy fácil de escuchar y, al mismo tiempo, excelente en lo técnico. Y una densidad enorme de temas clásicos. Poco que objetar, un álbum que no ofende a nadie y perfecto para poner de fondo.
i've yet to hear this in full, only know sultans of swing off of here Down to the Waterline - 5/5 Water of Love - 4/5 Setting Me Up - 4/5 Six Blade Knife - 4/5 Southbound Again - 4/5 Sultans of Swing - 5/5 In the Gallery - 4/5 Wild West End - 4/5 Lions - 5/5 Total score: 4.3/5 i can't lie, first track hooked me almost instantly. the guitar riffs, the silky smooth bass... i've clearly been sleeping on dire straits
Great album. Favourite tracks are Six Blade Knife and In The Gallery 4/5
For no reason I can explain, I've always felt guilty about liking Dire Straits. Maybe something I liked as a kid and that shouldn't have been carried into adulthood? Anyway. Funny to be reminded how country they were (Setting Me Up especially). Otherwise, solid album, and weirdly timeless. Permission to self to not feel guilty granted.
Ja shit, ik vond het vorige Dire Straits album echt verrassend leuk. En eigenlijk begint deze precies hetzelfde, met een soort jazzy, bluesy gitaar waar ik gewoon echt heel lekker op ga. Ben ik dan toch een oude witte man aan het worden? Eerlijk, de gitaar en bass solos op dit album funken gewoon heel hard. Sultans of Swing is ook gewoon een klassieker, best wel bizar dat dit hun debuut album was, ze klinken al zo gepolijst. Nadeel van hun 'sound' is wel een beetje dat het ietwat verwaterd in het midden van het album, nummers 3 tm 5 is vrij matig en snel te vergeten. Het album komt dan aan bij Sultans of Swing, wat natuurlijk een absolute knaller is, maar daarna kakt het toch ook weer een beetje in. Ik irriteer me geen moment aan dit album en zou het prima vinden het nog eens te luisteren, maar buiten de FAVO nummers, kabbelt het toch voornamelijk voort zonder dat het echt mn aandacht pakt. Toch denk ik aan 4 sterren, puur omdat het echt wel lekker weg luistert en precies lang genoeg is. FAVO: Down to the waterline, Water of love, Sultans of Swing
Luv me dire straits, never listened to this album though. I now have a few new favourites, also liked how country it sounded on some tracks
I already knew Sultans of Swing was one of the greatest songs of all time but I'd never listened to this album before. It's pretty damn great. Nobody makes a guitar sing like Mark Knopfler. It always sounds like he's singing a duet with it rather than just playing it. It almost feels like one long song, which I'd usually complain about, but that guitar gets into your soul and I love it. However, it does mean there aren't any other stand out songs for me so I wouldn't be able to give it a 5.
was so tempted to give a 5 just for sultans of swing buuut it's just not quite there a very very strong 4 tho 🙂↕️
Mark Knopfler is one of my favorite guitar players ever. His technical abilities, sparse and tasteful licks, deep affection for jazz as well as quirkiness (famously not using picks) kind of remind me of Stewart Copeland but for guitar! This album is a testament to his incredible guitar tone. I didn't love all of the songs, especially tracks 2-5, but then you get Sultans of Swing which is just massive and the rest of the album keeps it at a high level. strong 4
sehr gute musik, geht in die entspannte richtung
From this album I was previously only familiar with Sultans of Swing. While that is certainly the best track, I would say it's one of several that are worthwhile. I liked this album, and while I think I prefer Brothers in Arms this one is worth listening to again.
This band can jam. 4/5
I see why sultan of swing has a billion streams on netflix!
i like this album quite a lot! down to the waterline, water of love, and wild west end were my faves.
Absolute chill record, amazing first outing for the band, sweet songs and amazing guitar playing. At times a little country influence here and there, but no complaints.
It's Dire Straits. Those guys make delicious music. This was a little less mature than later efforts but still so enjoyable.
i’m constantly amazed at how genuinely actually i enjoy dire straits. i don’t know why but i always just think to myself like ugh dire straits here we go but then i turn it on and i’m like wait i’ve heard this song on the radio a million times and actually i like this. i still don’t love this guys voice, i think he’s a weird singer, but i think we gotta hit a low 4 here. considering a 3, but i felt generous today
it's pretty cool. not much else to say
Southbound again is fire, obviously sultans of Swing is a classic. Overall very strong. Down to Waterline has a very similar sound to SoS? But definitely recommend 7.5/10
8.5/10 I actually had just recently deep dove this album so felt pretty fresh. I really like what they do here and contextually at this time in music this was an inventive look at what rock could be moving forward. Sultans of swing maybe top 50 rocks songs ever? favorite song: sultans of swing
Such a warm and beautiful record. That guitar is CRISP
I can really see myself sitting in my garage and drinking 5-8 beers to this
New to me. Not bad. Will revisit.
I liked it. Added “sultans of swing” and “Wild West end”
Really good
8/10.
I kind of liked it. Sort of passively listened so can't speak too much to it. But it had some nice instrumentals and a good swinging feel. Kind of corporate feeling after while though.
Listened before
4/5 stars, the strats just the best shape isn’t it
Solid rock album, none of the songs really stick out aside from the obvious Sultans of Swing, but damn does this album sound incredible and played extremely well. That strat tone is out of this world
Big fan of this one, very close to a 5 but some
More variety than I expected
-*Down to the Waterline—groovy sound; enjoy the clear guitar. Honestly the middle guitar solo makes me want to look out over the sea in Italy. Mark Knopfler’s voice is sweet and intriguing. Between talking and singing which is a cool, slick style. -*Water of Love—Opening makes me think island music. Chill song. The compositions sounds both complicated and simple. The instruments kept me around then I started to enjoy the lyrics. -Setting Me Up—is that Bob Dylan? Lol. Again, pleasant instrumentals that keep me around. I can appreciate Knopfler’s voice but it’s not my favorite style. Feels like there’s some rockabilly influence -*Six Blade Knife—I want this played in a 60’s/70’s club with smoke making the air hazy while a man in a slick suit approaches a suave lady and they go out to the dance floor. What are their secrets, why are they here? No one knows, but they dance the heck outta that floor. -Southbound Again—southern rock influence? Groovy. -**Sultans of Swing—first, love the song title; Knopfler and the guitar having a conversation, sharing a story. Very enjoyable listen. “We are the sultans of swing.” -In the Gallery—bit slow for me, imagery and subject is interesting -*Wild West End—another lyrically interesting song. Like singing a journal entry. “Excuse me talkin’, I wanna marry you…you’re just another angel in the crowd” -*Lions—“yes, and a girl is there/high-heelin’ all across the square” great lyric. Metaphorical imagery and nice song construction. Really enjoy the guitar work on each song. Knopfler’s voice stands out but isn’t my particular favorite. Each song is well crafted and interesting. The album is cohesive and a standout as a band’s first release. Enjoyed the guitar outros. Dang, Mark Knopfler is quite the songwriter. *would download **definitely heard before
Stellar guitar tones and production. Hard to believe it's their debut!
Great stuff.
smooth not quite country vocals with a zippy cool instrumentation, enjoyed quite a bit
Sultans of Swing is very good. I can see myself liking the rest of the album more over time too. 3.5 Stars.
I can't think of any other band that incorporates the guitar the way Dire Straits do. It isn't just a guitar solo or two per song. Used almost like punctuation during vocal sections. And the guitar sound is so clean. Really stands out during an era that was progressing to heavier distortion.
Good jams
Dire Straits were just so cool. This listen inspired me to learn Sultans of Swing on guitar and I discovered that most of the songs on this album were in a pretty similar lane - great vibe.
This album would be four stars even without Sultans of Swing, one of the best songs ever. Mark Knopfler is one of the sliest of modernists, gently coaxing us into the (then) new wave.
Sultans of Swing is one of my favorite songs. Enjoyed the rest of the album as well. 4/5
Great mix of picking, country swing, blues and jamming...but still all Dire Straits signature sound. Really surprised I've never heard this album. When I was a kid and Money for Nothing blew up MTV...nobody really knew much about the guys in headbands.
Great guitar work and southern vibe from a shockingly English band.
One of the best guitarists in our time playing some of the most boring music
Histórico
Second-best album from one of my favorite bands
Chill! Would def get the vinyl!
Loved the guitar. But did not connect with it on any deeper level.
They really have their sound figured out in this album. Sultans of Swing is a great song that I always enjoy, and so the rest of this album with many very similar songs was good.
I really disliked the first half but the second half was really something
SoS and you’ve heard the DS style. Doesn’t stop it banging
Jejshuse
I'm a sucker for blues rock so I really enjoyed this one. Nice and minimal with catchy rifts in-between.
What worked for me: The sound has this knack for being both laid-back and deeply moving, making the album perfect for immersive listening. Knopfler has such a knack for painting vivid pictures with his words. What didn't: Sometimes, reading like singing and knopfler's way with the words was a little hard on me. Taking a second and multiple spin to really dive into the lyrics and narratives is necessary and I am sure it will be a treat My Take on all the numbers: Down to the Waterline: That atmospheric intro really pulls you in, and the vivid imagery of clandestine romance near the docks is beautifully set to that shimmering guitar. Water of Love: A bluesy, laid-back track that feels deeply soulful. The slide guitar adds a haunting, almost swampy feel to the yearning lyrics. Setting Me Up: A punchy, up-tempo number with a slight country vibe. It’s sharp and fun, and Knopfler's wit really comes through. Six Blade Knife: One of the moodier tracks. The minimalist arrangement and that tension-building riff perfectly convey the theme of danger and betrayal. Southbound Again: This one’s upbeat and driving—a real road song. The relentless rhythm mirrors the feeling of moving forward without looking back. This didn't work that great for me. Sultans of Swing: The crown jewel of the album. Everything about this track—from the jangly riffs to Knopfler’s effortless storytelling—is pure magic. That guitar solo? Iconic. In the Gallery: A poignant track, and maybe one of the most lyrically rich on the album. It feels like a tribute to unsung artists, with an undercurrent of social commentary. Wild West End: By now, you’ll get a full sense of the album's arc. It has this dreamy, wandering quality, capturing London life in such a relatable, nostalgic way. Lions: meanwhile, closes things on a playful but reflective note, with Knopfler’s guitar carrying that signature mix of restraint and brilliance.
didnt really click too well, but enjoyed the variety and listening to the full album
that was a bop. I'll definitely listen again
I’ve been aware of Mark Knopfler’s immense talent for some time, but for some reason I’ve still slept on Dire Straits. And shame on me for doing so. This album was excellent. They have a very stripped-down sound, while still giving the listener plenty to listen to. I enjoyed each song and didn’t really find any fat that I would cut out. I’m just amazed by Mark Knopfler’s ability.
Somehow had never heard of these guys before this listen, but they're obviously very popular. I'm a massive Hendrix stan but this was probably my favorite listen yet so far. Very smooth feel to it, really enjoyed this album.
I really don't enjoy sultans of swing but liked the album as a whole, added it to my playlist to listen again.
I like it when things slide around and twing and ping and there is a lot of that in this. I’ll listen to it again I’m sure of it
3.5
Class Pure buttery guitar tunes ooft
4.5
This is solid. Would listen again.
Enjoyable listening. I like Knopfler's tone and style although it does sometimes feel like he uses the same 3-4 licks over and over again.
Solid platta. Många bra låtar. 8/10
Day 0014/1001 of One Album a Day / Listened to whilst: commuting Unremarkable but also not bad barring Sultans of Swing which is of course phenomenal. No noticeably bad tracks either imo. Fav tracks: down to the waterline / six blade knife / sultans of swing Worst tracks: none
This was good. Then went and listened to all of Brothers in Arms too. Sultans of Swing is absolutely brilliant and worth the high rating alone. The voice ans guitar playing is just lovely.
Another artist that suffers from my 80's music video overdosing, which ruined quite many bands for me, that I don't want to listen or it doesn't even dawn on me they might have something I would enjoy listening. While I enjoy Dire Straits playing and laid back style of music, I subconsciously feel like something horrible is about to play, all the time. It is a problem I have with surprisingly many bands, I'm finding out.
My favorite Dire Straits release, love every song on here.
Toll. Aber ich mag die dire straits auch einfach sehr gern. 4.5 Sterne.
Que músicas gostosas de ouvir, e é o tipo de música que por si só nunca iria conhecer
8.7/10 Extremely catchy, well produced, every instrument is totally in harmony with the next, flows nicely, well written songs, probably will fare worse on future listens.
Great country blues record. And specifically Mark Knopfler’s guitar tells a story without speaking a word. Sultans of Swing is obviously a classic, and a masterpiece and Southbound Again really shines!
Very nice guitaring
Some really great songs on this album. Sultans Of Swing has one of my favorite guitar solos on it. The other songs are great too with that same classic American rock vibe to it. I'm sure that I will listen to this one many more times.
Big fan of Mark Knopfler so happy that this album has turned up. Know this fairly well as my brother had this album early 80s. Have always found that Dire Straits stood out from other bands of the period. There is a slight eccentricity to DS music that went against the norm. Clever guitar picking, steel guitar, moody slide, bluesy with a hint of Chet Atkins country. Although, for a debut album, it seems a bit safe. Some tracks, 'down to the waterline', have a hint of Bob Dylan about them, which is no bad thing. Stand out track is clearly 'Sultans of Swing'. 4 stars from me.
Not their best but Definitely good
Great Album! Playable front to back with some huge highs! Sultan of Swing is an all time contender.
I wish all the songs were as groovy as Sultans of the Swing
Solid album. The best song on this is "In the Gallery" followed by Sultans of Swing.
Better than I expected.
This was great. I've obviously heard 'Sultans of Swing' before, but the rest of the album was new to me. There weren't any weak tracks. It was a little bit short, but there's no point padding an album with filler. I will make sure to listen again.
Good old Dire Straits - never fantastic but never terrible. Not many bands can achieve this and I think that honours them
Very evocative music. Album is cohesive. Guitar is plain but not overplayed, lots of motifs and fills but they aren't overplayed. Guitar playing doesn't come off as wanky either.
# 381 : They've done a pretty decent job, good album. Sultans Of Swing is like one of my all time favourite tunes. It's all about the guitar of course, but it has its decent moments and overall is a well produced album. Honourable mention : Sultans
I have always loved the way Mark Knopfler plays, it sounds so effortless but it is so hard. Great tone, this album still sounds quite fresh. Dire Straits have a very iconic sound really enjoyed this one. Stand out tracks: - Down to the Waterline - Water of love - Six blade knife - Sultans of swing - Wild West end - Lions
It was fun and chill. Enjoyable, but I'm not sure I would revisit.
Really enjoyed this one overall. The guitar playing is incredible and Mark Knopfler’s voice works really well. Close to a 5/5.
"Finger likin' good". High points are the guitar and when amplified by a moving melody and lyrics pushes the songs to new heights. The album starts slow but gets the ball rolling with Sultans of Swing.
Solid Album some good listening
Cooles Album.
Mark Knopfler found a tone setting that he liked and he made an entire album without touching the knob or bridge selection once. I have no qualms with that, he captured lightning and then let his picking style and phrasing take control. He is a master class in stripped down rock. There is no hiding imperfection when the gain is low, also there is no imperfection. Some songs are stronger than others and showcase this talent, but this album is easy listening, head rocking throughout
Ничё так
Music snob here. I played this with low expectations but really enjoyed its sound and liked the lyrics too.
I listened to this before. I like Dire Straits a lot.
Debutalbum, det er ikke det mest oprørende, men det holder
4 stars for Down To the Waterline and Sultans of Swing. Lost one star because not every song sounds like Down To the Waterline and Sultans of Swing.
Sultans of Swing is so good! Then lots of the album is quite same-y, overall great sound
This was even better than the other Dire Straits album we had. Really Chill and they really sound like the Bob Dylan of the 80s . Obviously Dylan made music in the 80s but not like this 4/5
A bit slower vide than I was expecting. Sultans of Swing was good, the rest was fairly enjoyable if not any real standouts.