Reviews (page 7 of 14)
An old favorite. One of their two best IMO.
Love their sound, and what an impressive debut album. I hadn't heard much of these outside "Sultans of Swing" but I really enjoyed it.
go back to it
this one had an unbelievably generous listening conditions on my end. 4, but i'm not sure future me will agree
Monesti kuunneltu, mutta ansaitsee paikkansa kitararockin klassikkona.
Sultans of swing but an album. Complimentary. Moody riffs and solos. Killer debut album.
Definitely my favorite Dire Straits album. Mark Knopfler is a beast and his signature sound is really showcased on this one. His brother and the rest of the band sound great here too. Sultans Of Swing is such a well written song and is the highlight but really the whole album has no skips or filler.
Another band (and guitarist in Mark Knopfler) that I've been told I need to give a close listen to . . . let it roll . . . I never knew I thought Dire Straits have a sound, but once "Down To The Waterline" kicked in, I immediately thought this sounds like them. I can see this playing during the opening credits of Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas, driving with purpose somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert. The groove changes to a dreamily rolling bassa nova/calypso on "Water Of Love". and "Setting Me Up" blends a little country rock into their stylings. They are not afraid of showing a varitey of interests. Mark Knopfler sings with an attitude and spoken/sung voice somewhere between Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. "Sultans Of Swing" is the hit here, and it fantastic, but there really isn't a bad tune on the album. Dire Straits seem to be at their most self-assured when settling into a tight groove and playing funk in a bluesy southern rock; I even hear some similarities to Bill Withers on "In The Gallery". As for me, I prefer the relaxed rolling breeze of "Water Of Love" and "Wild West End".
A pleasant listen. Dad rock. Mature, thoughtful, capable. Always loved Sultans of Swing; still a great song.
Sultans of Swing. I remember listening to this being played live every summer with my gramma and cousins at a local restaurant. Those were the salad days.
An impressive debut album, like the band came out with this sound fully formed. Sultans of Swing is a near perfect song and it is surrounded by more great music.
There's just some good guitar playing on this and everyone else is competent in a way we don't get to see too much outside of studio musicians touring with a star. An acquaintance saw him play and said is thumb was the fastest moving thing she ever saw. Good hooks. Sultans is a titanic song: story, capturing a feeling, climactic solo, come on!
This album is so crisp with that dry late 70s drum sound and probably one of the best clean guitar tones ever recorded. High class playing throughout. Sultans of Swing is 10/10 but none of the other songs are quite in that league. A really impressive and enjoyable debut album but not enough great songs to be a 5. Call it 4.5 / 5.
Just an endless groove. Great roadtrip music.
This is wild for a debut album. Instrumentals are very tight, they've got a unique sound and are doing it really well. Great one to have on the list. Strong band.
I had listened to Brothers in Arms a lot, but this is my first time with this. Brothers is Arms might have a couple more hits, but this one feels more cohesive to me. I had this on while doing some work in the garage, having a cold beer, and it was great for that. Knopfler makes such unique choices on the guitar, it's something special. I will probably revisit this.
Dire
Really good
Gorgeous, I can't lie though I was waiting for Sultan's of swing the whole time (fun fact I heard this for the first time in a coop near my uni house and I was looking around like is nobody hearing this absolute masterpiece?! Standout tracks: - Southbound again 4/5 - Sultan's of swing (one of the best songs of all time) 5/5
All good songs here.
Dire straits Really dig the guitar. Some cool 70’s vibes. Six blade knife was cool. Like the groovy rhythm guitars on Southbound again. Sultans of Swing is a classic. Wild West End was nice. Cool album cover too -not what I would think to pair with the music. 3.5 to 4
Good ass rock album
Okay, now I really get why they call this dad rock! It's not bad in any way, just really dad.
Not something I would play in my day to day, but not bad.
absolute banger album. This reminds me of my granpda. Dire straights have one of the most iconic noises of the 70-80s
# Playlist track - Sultans of Swing # Notes - Just got "Brothers in Arms" recently. Nice to hear their debut and to connect them together. - This one isn't as polished or interesting as the next, but it's a great debut. Their style is pretty unique and it's well worked in each track. Not long enough to be boring or repetitive. - Not life changing, but definitely worth the listen!
Enjoyed it.
Very good album, tails off a bit after sultans of swing
Nice! Drops off a bit after Sultants of Swing, but mostly really chill to listen to.
Nice. Excellent playing and arrangements. I like the laid back feeling. Sultans of Swing is the obvious hit, but the rest is very consistent in tone and quality.
Spent more time with Brothers In Arms before this. Despite Knopfler clearly owing a lot to Clapton in style and tone on this first record, it'd be difficult not to enjoy the grooves here.
Of course Sultans of Swing is a great song, I also enjoyed Down to the Waterline. Everything else is just okay/good. There is a weird twangy sound throughout this album that makes it almost sound like country that I really didn't expect. Great guitar playing throughout the album. Not so great singing throughout. Low 4.
Sultans of Swing.... Pretty preeeeettt good
Banger
Already liked Dire Straits, enjoyed the less well-known songs on here less but still good!
The guitar work is amazing , the vocals are very good … classic consistent quality but just a bit lower on the wow factor , a solid 4/5
Solid album start to finish.
Sultans is sublime. Guitar on this album is just so satisfying. Timeless.
i have a great time on this
It’s got Sultans on it, which nearly makes it an automatic 5, but none of the other tracks really stand out. Not their best album, but it’s still Dire Straits, 4.5.
A nice sound, truly excellent guitar work, fairly engaging songwriting. Overall a great record. Mark Knopfler really nails so many fantastic guitar sounds! I already knew Sultans Of Swing of course, but the rest of this was new to me and there were some nice tracks in there. Setting Me Up is a great blend of Knopfler's 'signature' style/sound from this era but with a strong country influence. In The Gallery is a great showcase of how smooth and melodic Knopfler's writing and playing can get, though it could use a 'better' singer probably.
Good debut record.
¡Me gustó! Ya conocía muchos temas, igualmente, pero nunca había escuchado el álbum completo.
This album getting 4 is carried heavily by 'Sultans Of Swing' and the generally excellent guitar-playing that's going on. I feel like the guitar on the tracks is a cut above the rest of the parts, and mostly carries some otherwise middling tracks on everything but 'Sultans Of Swing' where it all comes together more like what Dire Straits would later be known for Standouts Six Blade Knife Sultans Of Swing 4/5
Overall Thoughts: - emphasis is definitely on the lead guitarist - everything forms sort of a bed for the guitarist to go over the top - very laid back for the most part without a ton of complex melodies or structures outside of guitar solos, stripped down - touches on blues, country, funk, latin, and other influences while still maintaining a similar structure throughout the tracks - definitely has post-punk influence but doesn't feel tied to it
Great sound! A true classic. 4 stars.
A classic; emblematic of so many styles that were gaining popularity in the genre circa the late 70s while still maintaining a sound and tone that would be distinct and recognizable for the band's entire career. "Setting Me Up" could have been A Working Man's Dead b-side easily, but these brits do more than just Americana. This album switches up tempos right on cue, and grabs you til the very end with bold, thumping bass driving every song forward, as Knopfler's guitar soars and flourishes. Overall very solid release.
Very easy listening sultans of swing is a classic - great album
Great album. Sultans is one off the greatest rock songs of all time
I'll listen to MK's guitar all day long...
Very enjoyable listen. Sultans of swing is a classic obviously but I also really enjoyed water of love and southbound again.
Really pleasant and subtley complex album. The guitar work is so light, but so technical and intricate. A real pleasure to listen to. I definitely feel like this album has only a few excellent tracks and the rest of the album is only decent, but it's a very accessible and mellow listen. Top tracks: Down To The Waterline, Sultans Of Swing, Wild West End
This was fire
Top Stuff, Yes, you've probably heard Sultans of Swing ten thousand times, but the whole album is well worth a listen. For a debut album, it's astonishing just how polished and finished the sound is. Even tho' it was released in the midst of the New Wave / Punk era, it was recognised as distinctive and awesome at the time. And SoS is awesomely good...no-one can seriously refute that.
Sultans of Swing.
The perfect chill album for a possibly hectic Monday morning, Dire Straits debut album definitely delivers. I've always enjoyed Mark Knopfler's guitar style and overall vibe. Quite enjoyable.
Overall great album. Super cohesive groove all the way through.
So I didn't know that Sultans of Swing was on their first album. Because Ive never listened to their first album before. It was quite good, I enjoyed it and may even come back to it later.
LOVE dire straits. this isn't quite a 5 for me - making movies thru brothers in arms are the straight fives - but it comes pretty close. trop bien!
Really chill
Water of Love? I can just imagine what the band thought looking at the lyrics before putting music to it. That song was saved by the music and you know what? It’s actually a decent song. This is really a solid album. Much better than Brothers in Arms and this one only has one standout track. They all compliment each other nicely and the album flows well. Having a single standout track doesn’t make much difference in my opinion of the album. It’s bluesy, kinda poppy and jammy. I really don’t think I’ve sold anyone reading this on this album but sometimes words can’t direct a person any which way. It’s worth a listen, how about that? Choice cut: Sultans of Swing
Very strong debut, Knopfler knew what sound he wanted and got it from the start.
Dire Straits made such good music! This self-titled album toes the line perfectly between rock and blues, and it never goes too hard in either direction. It's quite the pleasant album to listen to, because it flows beautifully from start to finish. I'd go so far to say this is one of the smoothest albums I've heard on this list--and I'm nearing 700 albums. Not only that, but to make a bop that doesn't disrupt the smooth vibe? It could only be "Sultans of Swing." The instrumental portions might be the strongest, because damn does Mark Knopfler know what to do with the guitar. A joy from start to finish.
Another debut album that just hits it out of the park! This album is just sooo easy to listen to, all while having great lyrics, solid instrument work, and a unique take on blues rock. It's just such a great example of an album that straight up grooves, but not in that 60s psychedelic way. And don't even get me started on "Sultans of Swing"; they came up with that song, again, on their debut album?! Absolutely fantastic, legendary song. This falls somewhere between a 3 and a 4 for me, but close enough to a 4!
Muita qualidade musical num álbum só. Muito pica 👍🏼
Quando eu nasci, esse album já tinha a idade que tenho hoje (23 anos). Com a veia de rock clássico ao longo de todo álbum, com pitadas de country e folk em músicas como "Setting me up" e "Wild West End", além das guitarras rápidas e técnicas como na clássica "Sultans of Swing", Dire Straits me manteve engajado do início ao fim, com o único ponto fraco sendo o seu desfecho, que embora não seja culpa da boa "Lions", passa a sensação que o álbum termina abruptamente, com mais algumas músicas pela frente que não existem. Nessa situação, só o que resta é dar o play novamente.
Smoking album
It’s much more mellow than I expected. I really liked it. I recognised the distinctive guitar sound but actually a good reading or bedtime album.
yeah pretty good
Not their best, but good!
Sultans of swing
In a time of dying disco and heavily produced rock... comes a sound that is basic and straight forward. Never truly appreciated this at the time but wow, this is rock and blues at its finest.
What a debut. Love it!
Sultans of Swing is a 5/5. The rest of the album is good but nothing spectacular so a 3/5. Therefore overall 4.
If you like one track, you should like them all
Even if the rest of the album sounds “solid” to me in comparison to the timeless “Sultans of Swing”, this is a stone cold classic. Mark Knopfler’s absurd talent on the guitar steals the show for the most part.
Slick guitar, simple production, surprise surprise
Dire Straits just ooze class, more than just one album.
easy listening but rewarding at the same time. 4 stars!
just really good stuff, so smooth and pleasant. Always liked these guys but this is my first album of theirs and I was very impressed!
So chill.
Chill. Vibey. Feel like I could get high and have the best day of my life listening to this.
I love the cool, slow, acoustic feel this album brings. Each song is soothing yet unique and refreshing. This is how you do acoustic rock right.
I was a little kid in 1978, when my dad left this record on his turntable in the basement. For years, as he puttered around doing woodworking and going through his fishing gear, echoes of Mark Knopfler’s guitar licks and Dylan-esque singing filtered up through the vents as I played upstairs. It was one of his favorite albums. So it’s hard for me to think of this as anything but a classic of literal dad rock. Listening to it now, I’m honestly into this a lot more than I anticipated. Some really fantastic guitar playing and the vocals are catchy and bluesy. It’s not what I would choose everyday (like my dad) but I'd definitely listen again…at least to Sultans of Swing. 4⭐️
4/5
"Brothers In Arms" album is a 5/5. I've given it 4.5/5. It was a mistake. I regret it. This album though is truly 4.5/5. For a debut it's great.
If Dire Straits had a different vocalist, this would be 5 stars. The instrumental parts are sublime, but the singing kind of kills it for me
C'è una certa delicatezza e gentilezza in questo suono rock, molto apprezzato
Nice stuff, but no song stood out that much to me on my first listen.
From the initial blues riff, very good. One I will re listen to and break down.
Gear: DCA ÆON 2 Noire Artwork: unvergesslich vergesslich Mix: 🎧😘🤌 Musik: Geniales, teils minimalistisches Debut in Form und Ausdruck. Auf "Brothers in Arms" sind die Dire Straits aber dann noch eine Spur genialer. Wertung: 🎸🎸🎸🎸(🎸)/5 (inkl. +1 für "Sultans of Swing")
Great stuff
This was a fantastic debut album from Dire Straits, featuring an all-time classic song in my opinion. Lots of cool elements exhibited here like rock mixed with jazz and blues, and some really catchy rhythms and hooks to boot. Very enjoyable album, and inspired my "All-Timers (don't @ me)" playlist which is sure to be supplemented by this project. Notable Tracks: - Down to the Waterline - Southbound Again - Sultans of Swing - all-timer 8/10
Relaxing sound
Virtually flawless album. Love DS
Sultans elevate this much higher than it would be otherwise
I just really like dire straits. Something about knopflers singing and guitar sound.
Down to the waterline - I liked this Water of love - good intro, like this too Setting me up - I like this a lot, she's a little bit country Didn't review every song from here because I was walking home and had to Process a film I saw. I've really enjoyed this though!! Feels nice and familiar even if I didn't know it before
Хорошая изобретательная музыка
some songs drag but a few really kill it. It’s wild to think Mark Knopfler had his signature sound at the band’s debut.
Solid album. Worth re-listening
My uncle introduced me to Dire Strats when I was a teen. Let’s be real: Dire Straits is actually the Mark Knopfler show. I always found his guitar playing in somewhere in the area of Gilmore’s tone, Clapton’s talent, and Howling Wolf’s slide. In other words: he’s pretty good. I always found his voice range to be…well, kinda’ flat, like Johnny Cash with a headcold. It was unique. The most famous song on this album, Sultans, is a great example of the bands collective versatility and storytelling, though I have always been a little confused because the song sounds more Brazilian bassa nova than American swing. Favorite track: the country tinged Set Me Up as it presents as a buffet of all of their sounds in one short song! Cheers!
Enjoyable from start to finish. Love the guitar. Dire Straits is much more than just the hits (though those are exceptional too). 8.5/10 (4.25/5)
Probably evaluatin this with the voice of my dad over my right shoulder. I'm sure a lot of people will slam this, I liked it.
My first reaction to this was more positive than Brothers in Arms. I really like Mark Knopfler as a guitarist, and this album felt more guitar forward and less 80s. I still need to revisit Brothers in Arms, but at first pass I gravitated more to the classic guitar rock sound of this one. Sultans of Swing is A+ Album cover: B+
8/10
Ik geef toe dat ik voordat ik ging luisteren al een originele manier probeerde te bedenken om deze muziek als saai en extreem onavontuurlijk te bestempelen. Maar schijnbaar is dat vooral de latere Dire Straits, met hun overdreven uitgerekte snooze fests van een nummers. Dit is wel m'n jam, als een Britse J.J. Cale. Dit zal best de natte droom zijn van elk beginnende gitaarspeler, waar ik me niet mee kan identificeren. Maar ik hoor wel dat de heren van begin tot eind in een rootsy en bluesy groove zitten, wat het een verrassend fijne luisterbeurt maakte. 8/10 Highlights: Water of Love Six Blade Knife Sultans of Swing
What a record! I've listened to a lot of different Dire Straits songs over the years, but I had never gone through this album. Its so good. I was blown away by the lead guitar. Its some of the best blues guitar of the 70s. Its right up there with Grateful Dead or CCR. It kind of gets psychedelic, but its actually really tight and methodical. I also love how they kind of expand and play with the genre, some songs have almost a funk blues element to them where its hard to differentiate between the guitar and the keys. I also love the way Mark Knopfler sings. Its rough, but thoughtful and personal. One of the most fun parts for me was the lyrical elements that kind of bridge Great Britain to Americana. "Southbound Again," but then its about going to London not New Orleans or "Wild West END" about the West End in London. It's really clever, but also very intentional and self aware. It's like they're fully aware they're playing the Delta Blues, but they make it personal to their situation. Really really solid album.
Зачетик ставлю
Will definitely listen again!
A guitar driven classic as the rock n' roll era that moved into the 80s never truly died.
Guitar solos on this are just too groovy it's incredible. Was only an elementary Dire Straits listener prior to this but I have definitely been made into much more of a fan now. My favourites were Down To The Waterline, Six Blade Knife, Sultans Of Swing (obviously), In The Gallery, and Lions. It's a classic for a reason, love it, easily high 4 at least
un altro dei classici della mia infanzia. bellissimo.
Voto probabilmente dovuto in gran parte al fattore nostalgia perché me li facevano ascoltare da piccolo, però Mark Knopfler spacca
Che figata. Un album rock, guitar-driven, con i controfiocchi (soprattutto considerando che si tratta di un debutto!). Sultans Of Swing è un po’ come quel video in cui Gandalf annuisce e sorride per 10 ore: potrebbe andare avanti all’infinito senza stancarmi.
C’è una certa delicatezza e gentilezza in questo suono rock, molto apprezzato
Some good stuff
Almost enjoyed this enough to give it a 5, but it just fell short. I knew Sultans of Swing was a great track going in, but I also liked Wild West End
Just lovely stuff! And Sultans of Swing is a stone cold banger. Simpsons: Yes
Enjoyed the vibes of this one. I think more than the last album we had by Dire Straits.
The band would hit their commercial and pop peak with Money for Nothing but a lot of that is present in this quality debut.
Its tough when you envapsulate your whole career perfectly in your debut smash hit single. Sultans of Swing is the benchmark for everything Dire Straits continued to stand for, and also Mark Knopfler solo too. The rest of the album is incredibly well played pub-rock. nothing special from a composition point of view but a case where the whole is better than the sum of its parts. It was also the foundation, from making Movies onwards, to take ove rthe world.
This was soo good. Much better than the blue one
Sultans and Mark Knopfler. Amazing debut album.
Dire Straights' best.
Own this Sultans of swing is a banger
I've always been a "greatest hits" guy when it came to Dire Straits. I enjoy them, but really wasn't exposed to much more than the hits. This was a fun listen for me which I enjoyed. I'm a sucker for blues-influenced rock, and they have a great blues/soft rock blend.
classic
A good chill classic rock album
Great!
This is a toss up between 4 and 5
Classic, every song here rocks. I will always love Sultan of Swing it’s too good. 3.6
Já tive a opurtunidade de ouvir uma boa quantidade de Dire Straits, contudo tenho a ideia de nunca ter ouvido um álbum na sua integra. Este álbum é algo que eu já esperava, o senhor Knopfler a tocar a sua guitarrra de forma prodigiosa, sendo que o restante parece ficar aquem da sua habilidade na guitarra. Claramente este álbum tem a maior música da banda, que dificilmente alguma chegara perto dela, a mítica Sultões do Swing. E a semelhança da guitarra todas as restantes cantigas ficam ofuscadas em comparação a esta. Um problema que julgo existir com os Dire Straits é a incapacidade dos mesmos de fazerem músicas mais paradas de forma consistente, o Wilda West End acho que sofre muito com este facto tornandpo a música muirto cansativa. Digo isto mas sei que nem todas são assim, O Brothers in Arms (música de outro álbum) é uma obra prima e é ainda mais calma e lenta do que a que referi agora. No geral é um álbum que deve ser ouvido, estes senhores não são nada maus especialmente no que toca a guitarra. A melhor cantiga do álbum é claramente o Sultans of Swing , se não contarmos com ela gostei do Down to the Waterline. Nota: 7/10 07/06/2024
Another album with one song doing a lot of heavy lifting, but as much as the other songs didn't live up to Sultans of Swing, it was still very enjoyable
album was decent solid vibe 3.7/5
I mean, it's got "Sultans of Swing", who could ask for anything more?
Have always heard of them and knew a few hits but wow. Loved this album.
fine debut album, beautiful understated playing and better in my opinion than the more corporate sound on latter albums. Mark Knopfler's playing is elegant and fluid throughout. Only criticism would be that the songs are all largely low-key, could have done with a little more variation
Dude. I had no idea Dire Straits was this good! Dire Straits is a band I've heard of, but I never really checked them out before. After listening to their self-titled debut, I see the appeal. This whole thing is just a very pleasant smooth experience. I like the vocals. I can hear a slight influence from artists like Bob Dylan but I can still hear that Mark Knopfler is a pretty unique singer. Speaking of Mark Knopfler's work on this album, the guitar work is great too! He, along with his brother David, allow the band's music to sound as smooth as it is. The writing is solid, with the tone being very consistent, but not too repetitive. There really isn't a bad song on here. Obviously, "Sultans of Swing" is an absolute classic, but the other songs are just as good. This is a great introduction to a band I'm excited to hear more of. High 4/5.
slow guitar sticks like honey
I really like this album. It's a good vibe. Not part of my daily listening, but it's a kind of mellow rock that I am enjoying.
A very strong album, containing one of the all-time classic guitar rock songs. Only a pure genius could write, perform and release something of the calibre of Sultans Of Swing as their debut single. I've spun this record a few times in the past so I have a good familiarity with it. I briefly considered giving it a coveted 5/5, but upon reflection, there are a few ordinary moments via tunes like Setting Me Up and In The Gallery. They're still decent songs, but they don't quite live up to the magic of that standout track. I hope Dire Straits features again in this project as at least one of their other albums is deserving of the 5, based on my logic of magic across the board.
Knopfler has one of the best (mostly) clean lead guitar tones in the history of recorded music. Dude is just a monster and nimble player, whether it be rhythm, little licks and fills, or full out ripping solos. Despite knowing the phenomenal Sultans of Swing, I never dove into Dire Straits albums much. This debut incorporates elements of rock, blues, folk, and country. Knopfler is the star here. His guitar is front and center and his vocal delivery is somewhat reminiscent of Bob Dylan, but less nasally. The rhythm section holds down a tight beat, but doesn’t stand out for flashiness - they really support Knopfler. The fidelity and overall sound is excellent, with songs ranging wonderful to good. The songs have room to breathe without feeling boring or empty. Just a solid band and record overall.
Some really great tracks. Overall pretty enjoyable.
Dire Straits are absolute GOATs. Yes it's 'dad rock' but it's just oozes style. I'm not sure this is their best album, but damn are they good and is this fun to listen to.
I can´t resist Marc Knopflers guitar-play 🎸 and I like his voice and the nice groovy swinging sound. The album contains some of their greatest hit ("Down To The Waterline", "Water Of Love" and "Sultan´s Of Swing") and no real fails. 3,5
Blues rock. Un megahit. Un 4.
Def a leader of the whole "Dad Rock" genre. A few bangers, but doesn't seem to get beyond nostalgia.
Nice chilled album for a Sunday morning.
Thoughts before listening: Another album I own. I love Dire Straits' guitar work and the songs are definitely catchy. "Sultans of Swing" is an all-time great song. Review: Yeah, I like this. There is definitely a cool almost country vibe to these songs, very reminiscent of JJ Cale. I also like how Mark Knopfler's guitar is constantly doing little runs throughout the songs without being overly flashy. Just a nice compliment to the music adding textures throughout. Only real problem with this album is that "Sultans of Swing" overshadows everything else. The rest are perfectly fine, midtempo tunes, but I just want to listen to "Sultans" on repeat. 5-star song on a 3-star album...so I'll give it 4-stars as a whole.
Again I wanted to give another Dire Straits record a 5. Some of the songs are so strong...and others leave me wanting more. Still really enjoyed the album in it's entirety.
Knopfler showing why hes top 20 axeman
É um senhor clássico
Really enjoyed this album! Sultans of swing is an absolute masterpiece
3.9 Just pure dire straits, one of my favourites of theirs. fave songs: lions, down to the waterline, sultans of swing
Dire Straits hold a special place in my memory as many many years ago, when I was but a preteen, our family had just invested in a new stereo system (with a CD player!) and a distant cousin of mine, being a huge Mark Knopfler fan, insisted that we play Sultans of Swing to test out the audio delights of this new stereo. This album has a really nice comfortable feel. Down To The Waterline seems a strange choice for the opener but it works. I really dug Water Of Love, Six Blade Knife, and of course Sultans Of Swing.
I dig the vibe - shamelessly steal some americana sounds, but give it all a sultry, loungey, early hours of the morning feeling. Chillout rock. Fave tracks - "Sultans of Swing" is obviously the one I know best. "Six Blade Knife" I dug, too...
Fucking ood
Cool vibe, loved the first song
good but a bit samey
Knopfler rules.
Good one. Mark Knopfler has a really characteristic playing style. Not what I’d call ground breaking but very nice nonetheless.
while ive heard of dire straits before ive never bothered to check them out. im feeling really stupid for that now because this is great. 8/10
The album had a good vibe and it got better and better as it went on. It was a consistent sound that had a few fun builds here and there. Sultans of Swing is the high point, but the songs that followed were all good.
Actually enjoyed it a lot, which I didn’t think I was going to.
I don't think I've listened to any other Dire Straights beyond Sultans of Swing so this album was a pleasant surprise. Strong on the dad rock vibes.
Blues rock. Un megahit. Un 4.
Sultans Of Swing. Bien; aunque se me ha hecho un poco largo ... 3. No, venga, Sultans Of Swing se merece 4.
What a great album
Hermoso album. Gran evocador de recuerdos de la infancia.
Awesome guitarwork and the vocal style suits the music a lot. Some tracks were a bit boring though. Stand-out: Sultans of Swing
Never really listened to this album surprisingly... heard many of the songs. The opening track intro is a beautiful lead in... This album sounds fantastic. The guitar playing is so nice. Easy 4/5 for me. Really like that album cover too..
Great debut. Only a couple of so-so tunes. Sultans of Swing is an all-time classic.
Sultans of Swing, an all time favorite song. The rest of the album isn’t bad but pales to that monster hit.
Sultans of swing
This album sounds so damn nice. Some reviews say it has Bob Dylan like qualities, I might actually enjoy him if he sounded anywhere as good as this.
cool guitars.
Wish there was more diversity of sound but can't hate the riffs.
7 / 10 Rock "relax" de Diré Straits con los toques mágicos de guitarra de Mark Knopfler
Mark Knofpler = musical genius.
Quite decent, enjoyed it
a good album showcasing Knoplfer's huge talent.
A good album, I liked the style of music. I liked Down To The Waterline and Water Of Love the most.
Such smooth music and includes one clear classic
mark knopfler my girl
HL: "Sultans", "Wild West End", "Water of Love" Dire Straits are a comforting band to listen to for me. Maybe I don't like this debut as much as Brothers in Arms, or even Making Movies, but perhaps that is because today is the first time I've heard this from front to back. April 7, 2024
I mean, there's sultans of swing on it. Plus: Nice cozy background music.
The instrumentation of these songs is great. The twangy movement of the guitars really drives the tracks. Beautiful guitar work that is not over the top but fits the songs perfectly. The vocals sound a little like JJ Cale to me but seem adequate.
5 stars if it had no vocals. 4.0/5.0: Great
J. J. Cale (very) plus Dylan.
Dug it
Banger to start the album. Love "Sultans of Swing". Thought the rest of it was enjoyable to listen to as well.
Like the bluesy feel of this album.
Ihr bestes Album
Blues and jazz music sure can sound appealing enough on their own. Combining the genres? I’m sure Dire Straits isn’t the first to do it, but their effective usage of both genres is hard to ignore.
Wow, surprisingly chill, easy listening - would be a great soundtrack hanging around in the garden on a warm summer day! Impressed
Sultans Of Swing. Bien; aunque se me ha hecho un poco largo ... 3. No, venga, Sultans Of Swing se merece 4.
Solid blues rock. It’s held up over time, unlike a lot of the artists from the 80s.
Sultans of Swing is a 5 track. What a great album
Solid album with a huge banger on it. Good overall, I like Dire Straits.
Never listened to this whole album. Definitely heard a lot of these songs. Sultans has a shit ton of spotify listens. Overall I liked the album a lot. Mark Knopfler has an easy to listen to voice. 4 stars for me
Wonderful guitar work. Nice and buttery with a few shreddy bits that I can get down with. A nice southern sounding voice. Sultans of Swing kinda sounds like a Dire Straits song. I feel like we have had a lot of close 5s recently which is nice. This one is another close one, but it doesn't quite have that chutzpah that would push it over the edge. Really enjoyable listen though!
Mark Knopfler's distinct guitar sound shines right off the jump in the very first song. It keeps on rollin' through the first few songs as well until Southbound Again which is a bit slower bluesy number which was awesome. Fires right back up into quite possibly my favorite rock song of all time in Sultans. I will never skip this song when it comes up on random on a playlist and I have probably heard it 300 times. Rest of the album was a bit slow for my liking when I think of Dire Straits, but still some amazing playing.
Just reading Brandon's review about Dad Rock and this certainly falls in that category. Real good easy listening rock music. It gets a little too low key at some points but what a debut this is. Sultans of Swing are a banger of a song and I love the closeout with Lions.
I've somehow never listened to this album. Seems they had already perfected the formula - poppy rockish bluesy ballads with a minor inflection, a Dylanesque vocal and plenty of twiddly guitar fills. For the opening track and Sultans, this gets lifted from a satisfactory to a very good.
Really great. I am super familiar with brothers in arms, but had never heard this album before
Mark Knopfler can do no wrong when it comes to making great tunes.
I feel good with a 3.5 on this one, but I'm gonna round it up to a 4. There’s not really a bad song here, but there are moments where this album just feels a bit empty, whether it's an outro going a bit long, or the vocals just feeling too monotone, and it makes the songs drag on just a little bit in a way that kind of dilutes them for me. When this album is hitting though, it hits really well and really smooth, with some of the best guitar playing I’ve heard from a 70s album so far. I don’t normally check the reviews on this site too much, but it’s a testament to their variety and their sound that someone’s favorite could be another person’s worst and vice-versa. I don’t think it can ever bump up to a 5 for my tastes, but what’s here is really nice, and definitely a recommended listen.
Much more like the Grateful Dead than I expected, surprisingly chill and fun.
Love Dire Straits. Great band.
Pretty good.
I know sultans of swing (though didn’t by name) but the rest is new to me. This is a cool album, smooth and a solid 42 min which is a good album length. Easy to have on and doesn’t feel particularly aged
Good stuff!
Heard of Dire Straits, didnt know what to expect, and given this felt like the 10th album in a row released in the 1970s (it wasnt, but felt like it), I started this album up with a sour predisposition. As the album flowed forward, I really enjoyed the sounds and vocals! Then I heard Sultans of Swing, which I recognized immediately, and was blown away that I fully recognized a song I had no idea Dire Straits had done. I replayed Sultans of Swing numerous times that day. Overall enjoyed and look forward to more Dire Straits in the future!
Keep that clawhammer away from my girl Mark.
Sultans of swing is a masterpiece
A very nice early morning listen. It still has energy while being a bit slower and funkier at times. Haven’t listened to much Dire Straits but I’ll have to listen to more.
good stuff
Much more enjoyable than anticipated.
I’ve only heard Sultans of Swing before listening to this album. Very laid back rock that discussed topics like lost love, longing, and ostracism. Plucky strings litter the songs, adds a nice texture to the smooth background. Really liked the second half of the album. Standouts: Water of Love, Six Blade Knife, In the Gallery, Wild West End, Lions. Solid album, but nothing that really surprised me.
typischer klarer Sound der Gitarre, entspannter Beat und Knopflers Stimme - sofort werden Jugenderinnerungen wach. Und mit Sultans of Swing dann auch noch ein richtig grosser Song! Sicher (noch) nicht das beste Album von Dire Straits!
More country influence than I would have guessed. Good tunes, need to listen again and pay more attention to the lyrics.
I enjoyed this much more than I expected.
gorgeous super dry late-70s late-night production like you’re smoking cigarettes in the booth with just the light from the desk lamp on
This is far from my first time listening to this album, so I can’t offer a fresh first impression—but I enjoyed it just as much as always.
Wow this album snuck up on me. Thought it was whatever for the first few songs but then caught myself dancing to Setting Me Up. I also liked Sultans of Swing. Then I realized that the guitar work throughout this was amazing. I like Wild West End a lot! Enough for it to add it into my regular rotation. Flowers to the guitarist.
Really enjoyed this and understand their appeal, looks like I’ll have to check out some more from Dire Straits
It's a difficult one to score as I enjoy listening to this much more than I enjoy thinking about it. I'm going to allow listening experience to prevail though. Low 4.
A warm, cosy, familiar hug of an album.
Very listenable but I don't particularly want to listen to it again.
Silky smooth dad rock. Like smoooooooooth, which I appreciate them committing so hard to that
Heh
super solid and a couple really good songs
Primera vez escuchando un disco de esta banda. Algunas veces más rockero tradicional, otras, más blusero, sin duda Mark Knopfler es el protagonista, tanto por su voz con un dejo de desgano como con su modo de tocar. La nota de color es que, como argentino, es inevitable conectar a Skay Beilinson con Mark Knopfler, tanto desde la estética como desde las guitarras. Buen primer disco de un banda icónica.
that's a good one!
A great, great bluesy rock record. Steel guitars with no country twang, smooth rhythms, excellent pacing. Sultans of Swing, of course, is the best track on the album. The rest of the songs are of similar pedigree. Not a 5, but a very solid 4
Sultans of Swing alone makes this a 4/5, the rest of it is good too.
Day34 - more than just sultans of swing
Classic Dire Straits
probably gonna be one of the most listened albums of this period for me.
Very nice debut album featuring the unmistakable, bluesy, guitar and vocal stylings of Mark Knopfler. For me, it's a coin toss for which I like best...this or Brothers In Arms. So I'll just make sure both are in my collection.
This was great. Can definitely see myself listening again.
Great album. listen all day.
Jag tycker om Dire Straits gitarrspelande. Sultans of Swing är nog fortfarande bäst. Rätt mysigt album. Prel. 4 / 5
• Tycker om omslaget; det är simpelt, lite mysteriskt. Motivet ser ut som något som man vanligtvis skulle finna på ett foto, men här är det istället målat • Down To The Waterline tror jag att jag inte hört innan, men bra • Han där Mark Knopfler skulle jag vilja påstå är min favoritgitarrist • Lite countryinspirerat stundtals • Sultans Of Swing har inte blivit sämre med åren direkt Betyg: Inte deras bästa album (*host *host Brothers In Arms), men det är bra, Sultans Of Swing är en av världens bangers, hade lyssnat igen => 4/5
Sultans of swing är bra. Annars bra gungig album som funkar bra i bakgrunden. Inte jätteinspirerat men bra ändå
Good pub rock, exactly what you'd expect from dire straits
Love Dire Straits!
Неплохо, но позже были альбомы лучше
Sultans Of Swing. Bien; aunque se me ha hecho un poco largo ... 3. No, venga, Sultans Of Swing se merece 4.
Not my favorite Dire Straits album but a good debut
yeah yeah yeah
Not quite a 5, but close. Probably a 4.5 on the strength of Sultans of Swing alone.
It's Dire Straits. It's pretty good. Fave Tracks: Water of Love, Sultans of Swing, Wild West End 4/5
Side 2 is 5/5. Mark Knopfler is such a virtuoso guitar player.
Great album if you like the Dire Straights sound
An ok album… not my preferred listening pleasure, yet not head banging either.
A classic of the classics. I always have a good time with this album.
Great catchy and moody songs honored by Mark Knopfler unique playing. Always a pleasure to listen to.
Dire Straits has such an iconic sound. You have to love them. Sultans of Swing is probably one of the best songs ever. Rating: 4/5 (A very good listen) Standouts: Sultans of Swing, Water of Love, Others: Down to the Waterline, Setting Me Up, In the Gallery, Wild West End,
Dire Straits creates guitar-driven rock songs that are performed in a style reminiscent of blues rock and country rock. Dire Straits' distinct sound comes from Mark Knopfler's smoky, rich voice, and his crisp and expressive guitar solos. Their self-titled debut album contains some of their most popular songs, like "Sultans of Swing" and "Water of Love." These songs became very popular all over the world, and helped Dire Straits become one of the world's most successful bands during the 80's.
At this point many of these albums sound the same xd but it was nice
Such a great album, used to be one of my favorites. Always surprised me that this is their debut album, they are just extremely talented. Awesome riffs and vocals.
Discazo. No el millor, però molt escoltable
Strong guitar work.
A great chill album. The clean guitar work, laid back vocals, all so very nice!
musically amazing, not something I listen to frequently tho
Down To The Waterline, Sultans of Swing
Some good songs. Interesting voice
Loooving this so far, only like 30 seconds in. I like the guys voice and the guitar is awesome. The audio quality seems so high which is ridiculous because I’m on my AirPods but, but it just sounds really good
Good album. I love Sultans os Swing, so that really helped.
Signature guitar sound
Mark knopfler is great
1/10/24
Great guitar playing by Mark Knopfler
I liked the guitars
Excellent classic. Not exactly my jam, but clearly a work of art.
Not the biggest Dire Straits fan, ever, but hearing some of their older material was good to experience. 'Sultans Of Swing' will always be a classic in my ears. The guitar work, the catchy lyrics, semi-cryptic comments/verbiage makes it a pleasure for the listener.
thoughts by song 1. Makes me want to smoke a blunt and watch the sunset 2. good vibe could have taken 3 minutes off the song and felt the same. 3. good ol southern chili cook off vibes. 4. Smoke even more weed that snoop 5. A better verison of setting me up on the album. sounds the same almost. 6. high speed horse chase. certified banger, 7. Boogie Nights vibes 8. eh 9. solid
Very expressive and smooth sounding guitar solos throughout the entire album. Sultans of Swing is a registered Hyper Banger
Every track is at least solid. Smooth af.
Good album. Some filler. Establishes Knopfler as a performer. Local lads did good.
This is probably the most solid guitar on any album ever. It is just consistently great.
Good music!
I think what makes this album for me is the guitar, it's fucking phenomenal. While the lyrics aren't always perfect in my opinion, the guitar and the other instruments always make up for it.
9/10
4/5 Down to the Waterline Wild West End Sultans of Swing Water of Love
wheeee!!! it doesn’t make me obsessed but all respect
Love the guitar on this one
Really catchy, and deeper than I had assumed. I mainly think if Money For Nothing or Sultans if Swing, and was worried the album was going to be weak, but I enjoyed the whole thing.
Really good especially the second half. Sultans is one of the best songs ever by anyone. 4+
So solid.
More like Dire Straights FIRE 🔥🔥🔥
It took me way too long to realize how much I love Dire Straits.
Solid album. Knoffler has such a distinctive sound.
For sure one of the underrated bands of the 80's. Knoffler is a guitar god.
Good 70s rock
Apart from Sultans of Swing, the whole album feels a little slow and bland. There’s technically nothing bad I can say about it. The instrumentation and vocals are there. So are the harmonies and some experimentation as well. They have a unique sound and it’s a great album, it just feels like I’m in a sleepy high the whole time. 4/5
4.2 - Songs like “Water of Love” aren’t so memorable on their own, but I will remember the wonderfully laid back vibe of this record, and how casually Knopfler slays every guitar lick and solo. His hammers and string bends are unparalleled, and it baffles me how underrated he is compared to Clapton and other so-called “guitar gods.” And “Sultans…” is one of a tiny handful of “classic rock” songs that I still love hearing.
It is quite good album. I like how it seems to flow without trouble and still sound good. Maybe I'll come back to it some day.