Dire Straits

👍 Amazing guitar work!!

Relaxed groove, with lots of guitar noodling

Mark Knopfler's guitar playing is truly something special. I'm amazed that this is Dire Straits' first album - it seems like they emerged fully formed and already mature. Some very good songs, obviously Sultans of Swing is an all-time classic, but the rest are also very good. 4 stars.

Good vibe yeah nice tchunes

Had a nice loose jammy feel. Gives an ambiance of a smoke-filled bar in the 30s. And it has sultans of swing on it. A great record.

A classic rockin album. Sultans of swing is the obvious best song but I really liked most of them. The singing on wild west end is funny though it was making me laugh. The guitar work is insane and it sounds great and crystal clear for a 70's album. Really good stuff. Score: 75 Art: 70

Not gonna lie I’m becoming a Dire Straights enjoyer. Always loved Sultans of Swing, just never knew the actual name of it.

Really interesting sound for a debut album. Some heavy southern style rock guitar with british melodies. Certainly Mark Knopfler created a signature sound.

Excellent classic album, blends together rock, country, folk and blues masterfully

Down to the Waterline has got to be one of the most underrated openers to an album, considering that this album has got the bands biggest hit. Still a great overall album that is as timeless as it come, with a hint of the wild west in every song

The debut album of the Knopfler sound. It's got a hint of blues, but it's unlike anything else. Smooth, groovy, and intricate. There is an undeniable skill that's used to sweep listeners away into the warm tones of Dire Straits. Every song is as good as the next, with the except of Sultans of Swing which deserves every bit of praise it gets. What a song. What an album.

Diving into the world of Dire Straits' eponymous debut album, one finds oneself on a rollercoaster ride of musical landscapes. The album, at times, may seem as uneven as the cobbled streets of the Wild West End, but fear not, for there are moments of pure brilliance that shine through like a full moon in a cloudless sky. This 1978 classic may have its rough edges, but that's all part of the charm. It is within the sonic waves of "In the Gallery," "Wild West End," and "Down to the Waterline" that the band's undeniable talent is most evident. These stand-out tracks paint a vivid picture of the band's raw energy, while also showcasing their extraordinary gift for melody and storytelling. "Down to the Waterline," in particular, serves as an intriguing precursor to the album's pièce de résistance, "Sultans of Swing." Mark Knopfler's guitar prowess is an ever-present force throughout the album, as he effortlessly combines fingerpicking and flatpicking techniques, creating a unique sound that few rock guitarists can replicate. His signature style feels like a lovechild between Chet Atkins and J.J. Cale, resulting in a sonic hybrid that's both familiar and entirely refreshing. "Sultans of Swing" is the crowning jewel of this musical adventure, transporting listeners to a smoky bar where a band plays with passion and precision. Knopfler's dexterous guitar work is the star of the show, with mesmerizing licks that dance through the track like a river cutting through a canyon. The song is a testament to Knopfler's innovative playing style and an ode to the beauty of musicianship. Though the album's undulating nature may leave some listeners feeling a bit seasick, it's important to remember that Dire Straits' debut is a testament to their potential and a window into their creative process. It's a collection of tracks that showcases their strengths, while also highlighting areas for growth. And let's face it, any album with "Sultans of Swing" on it can't be all that dire, now can it? In conclusion, "Dire Straits" is a ride through the Wild West End of rock music that's well worth the journey. So, buckle up, fellow music enthusiasts, and enjoy the ride as Knopfler's guitar prowess and the band's distinct sound transport you to a time when rock 'n' roll was still finding its footing. And who knows? You might just find yourself humming "Sultans of Swing" long after the album has come to an end.

I only knew Sultan of Swing before this and really enjoyed the album

Pretty good time Album cover: I like it a bit actually 4/5

cool 8/10

This was good. Sultans of swing obviously the best song.

Dire Straits first studio released album introduces us to the vocal of Mark Knopfler. The record composition of driving but mellowish rock music and that brings in influences from jazz and blues that makes the band's rhythm really shine. The hit song off the album "Sultans of Swing" is a timeless classic but the album as whole works so well together. Great first album by a band.

It's probably a good idea that Dire Straits didn't start this album off with "Sultans of Swing." No one would have been able to focus on the rest of the album. That's truly one of the best songs ever recorded. It's gorgeously played, perfectly paced, and deeply, effortlessly cool. I would love to live in that song, or at least hang out there on Friday nights. The rest of the songs vary in quality by comparison. But the depth of musicianship is top notch across the board, with Mark Knopfler's impeccably smooth guitarwork setting the easygoing, blues-inflected tone. It's mind boggling that this is a debut album. The sound feels well-honed, like something that developed over decades, although the band had really only been together in that form for a year. Do not sleep on Knopfler's lyrics either. The lyrics are mature, quietly elegant, and appropriately restrained without seeming fussy or overthought. That's a skill few songwriters possess. Fave Songs: Sultans of Swing, Down to the Waterline, In the Gallery, Setting Me Up, Wild West End, Lions

Название группы слышал. Причём многократно, в контексте влияния на советский андеграунд. Но как-то "не выполнил домашнее задание": не послушал. Классный темп в первой песне: бодренько, не нудно; как будто музыка для бега или тренировок. Прям очень хорошо зашла и не вышла, добавил себе. Забавно, что самый популярный трек (Sultans of Swings), написан в похожей ритмической композиции, и он прям реально качает... А ещё по вступлению мне напомнило чем Секрет - Привет. A Setting Me Up напомнило "Когда-то ты был битником...". Ну собственно, ответ на это всё в первом абзаце. Ну и конечно же, емаеее, какие же тут гитарки сладкие и обалденные: и ритм, и соло, и лид. На самом деле, только ради кайфового гитарного звучания альбом может и стоит послушать. Однородное и приятное. 4+ и это почти пятёрка. Что не дожали: тексты и может быть концепт. Хз, как мне кажется, альбом можно было спокойно назвать по главной песне - Sultans Of Swing - она прекрасно суть отражает. P.S. Полез потом читать про альбом, подчерпнул забавный факт: На кассетах, которые продавались во Франции, порядок песен был другой — «Down to the Waterline» и «Wild West End» были поменяны местами для того, чтобы сбалансировать длительность сторон. Можно ли из этого предположить, что раньше это (длительность одной стороны кассеты/пластинки) было ключевым фактором в расставлении песен в альбоме?

Ой, оч приятные ушкам мелодики, прям хочется взять бутылочку кавы и залечь в ванную. Вкусно, минималистично, неспешно Забавно, что стоило только немного ускорить темп, как сразу не 10-40 лямов прослушиваний, а 906)))

While I didn't walk away humming anything outside of Sultans of Swing, I do love the tight guitar work on this. And the way the musical phrases repeated themselves here and there. This deserves a closer listen.

A fair bit of Mark Knopfler's output is a little saccharine for my tastes, but here the balance between sweet and spicy is just about right. There's a hint of grit in many of these tracks that runs nicely against the guitar playing, which is, expectedly, the star of the show. It bears stating the obvious, but Knopfler's playing is exquisite, borrowing from jazz and country yet managing to sound both more expressive and lyrical than contemporaries doing the same thing. And it all seems so effortless! Hey, the man's got a good, characterful voice. Plus this album contains zero homophobic slurs! Four stars!

You guys already said it, but to get specific: "Sultans of Swing" has one of the best guitar solos ever recorded, right? It's not the most melodic, or probably the most technically challenging, or any of that. It's the way it's performed. It's so staccato and you can hear he's not using a pick because of how the notes sort of fall off in places. It's so damn cool and really makes that song groove. The rest of the album was a mixed bag for me, but overall I very much enjoyed it. "Wild West End" was a nice bit of slower 70s acoustic rock that I had never heard before. I wonder if they ever opened for Fleetwood Mac during this era. That'd be a pretty sweet bill.

Great guitar parts, but the drums stand out on this one too. I think this is my favorite Dire Straits album.

Nothing else quite as good as Sultans of Swing on here but a decent album with a mellow mood.

Good debut

I like it, very dad

One real standout track and the rest is pretty mellow-cool. I always have like Mark Knopfler’s guitars. 3.5 and rounding up.

Cool vibes all the way down.

4/5 That was very enjoyable. I don't know if it's because I have kinda half hated a bunch of the last albums (shhhh don't tell them), or because I actually enjoyed it. It was groovy, rocking, fun, in tune(!) melodic etc. I would listen to this again.

I do love me some Dire Straits.

4/5 That was very enjoyable. I don't know if it's because I have kinda half hated a bunch of the last albums (shhhh don't tell them), or because I actually enjoyed it. It was groovy, rocking, fun, in tune(!) melodic etc. I would listen to this again.

It’s “Dad Rock” and that’s okay with me. Plodding and melodic and perfect for background music. This is something I’ll come back to.

This is not a country album, but it feels like a country album, but this is somehow a yield from the punk era? In light of such revelations, the listening experience is affected by equal parts what Dire Straits is, and also what it is not. Musically, it's easy listening, the lyrics are inconsequential living rent-free in one's head without annoying controversy. This is a fine album.

It must be over 30 years since I last heard the album. It was purchased shortly after seeing the band live. Played often just to marvel as the guitar playing. While that is still plainly evident the album as a whole now feels somewhat underpowered.

Some bops. Least favorite Dire Straits album overall

great album

Country club rock. Groovy, classy, enjoyable, and suited for all ages. I recommend sipping a Michelob Ultra while you listen.

Like

Pas mon style mais sympa Mastering propre Guitares excellentes

I fuckan love Dire Straits. Perfect day for some good ol' Americana rock n roll.

Only really familiar with Brothers in Arms from my Dad's record collection. Sultans of Swing the obvious highlight but it hangs togehter really well and passed the time much quicker than an album of 4-6 minute fairly self indulgent guitar noodling tracks has any right to. Recommended background listening for a chilled evening.

Impressive debut.

oooh good one

Down To The Water- 7 Water of Love- 8 Setting Me Up-7 Six Blade Knife-7 Southbound Again-7 Sultans Of Swing-9 In The Gallery- 8 Wild West End- 8 Lions-8

Today's album is the self titled debut album from the UK rock group Dire Straits. The band was started by brothers Mark and David Knopfler. Mark's guitar playing is very recognizable, as is his singing style. He is largely slept upon when it comes to his guitar talent. He is absolutely one of the greats! His lyrical style is similar to Bob Dylan. Dire Straits music draws influence from country, blues, funk, folk, and jazz, and blends it all together into a beautiful mix. I've listened to quite a bit of Dire Straits stuff, as well as Mark's solo stuff as well, and love it all. My favourite Dire Straits album is Brothers in Arms, and I'm sure it's on this list, so I can't wait to give that one a spin again. They were still discovering their style on this album, what with it being their first album, but for a debut album, it is insanely tight and polished. Thoroughly enjoyed today's listen, and will definately listen again! Favourite songs: Sultans of Swing, Southbound Again, Down to the Waterline, In the Gallery, Setting Me Up Least favourite song: Six Blade Knife 4/5

I had always made fun of Dire Straits as music for dorks but this was actually a fun one to listen to.

These guys are underrated by a lot of people (including me). I always forget how good of a guitar player Knopfler is. They have a unique and recognizable sound, and this is a better than average debut album.

British Rock? Here we go again. But wait? Actually unique? Actually Enjoyable? Some songs gave off a fleetwood mac type vibe of rock with a dose of easy listening. Not bad at all. Though, anytime I've seen this band the first thing in my head is Pistachio's grandfather saying "when you're in dire straits, and you don't know what to do" using the crystal ball to communicate. Which makes me think we have had a DS album before because I know I've mentioned that here before. Side note, I ended up listening to this one twice because I enjoyed it so much.

Bluesy country twang with a relaxed, laidback vibe. I dig it and I could see myself really digging it with time. “Sultans of Swing” is a classic too. Highlights: “Setting Me Up,” “Sultans of Swing,” “In the Gallery”

Really tight, impressive album. Mark Knopfler's guitar playing is legendary and yet still underrated. His guitar tone and phrasing are some of the best ever in rock music and this album showcases that in what I (and probably many others think) is their best song - Sultans of Swing. The album outside of that track is more vibey than I thought and while it's not as immensely impactful as Sultans of Swing, it's still very good. 4/5 but it's like a 4.3/5 on my "actual" score.

Solid album, very chill. Listened to it while running errands. Love the guitar and calming vocals.

Will listen to more

Very good. Haven't listened to that one for a long time.

Guitar go boing Enjoyable

A great album from a great band. I love the sound achieved by this group, whose musical prowess is clearly demonstrated. Listening to the collection sends me on a tough yet laidback adventure with hardened but lovable outcasts.

8/10

8/10. I wasn't expecting a ton from this, but I was pleasantly surprised. It isn't the most exciting album, but it's certainly very pretty to listen to throughout.

Sultans of Swing is a masterpiece and there’s some great guitar elsewhere on the album but definitely some slow parts. 8/10

Boss. Me dad got me on these early doors. That Sultans of Swing is the very definition of a toe tapper and the guitar solo outro is perfection

Riktiga bangers men inte för intressant sound. De spelar rätt säkert.

-"Down to the Waterline" is a catchy, spooky tune -"Six Blade Knife" also has a bit of spookiness to it -"In The Gallery" almost has a funky vibe to it -"Sultans of Swing" is obviously the big hit from this album. It's good, but certainly not my favorite Dire Straits song, of which I only like a few anyway -The album is some very plain rock. Not my favorite rock genre, but perfectly fine. I think it is just barely holding onto 4 stars

What can you say about Dire Straits? I've always liked the idea that Mark Knopfler is "your favorite guitarists' favorite guitarist". He has such a smooth and effortless style that seems so easy and melodic until you start really paying attention to what he's doing. Love the album, not my favorite Dire Straits album, but a good one nonetheless.

Complete 180 from Brother in Arms. I hated that album, so I went into this one also expecting to hate it, but I am glad to be wrong. It has a lot of Lou Reed vibes and has a good flow throughout the album. Favorite song is probably wild west end.

I've heard Sultans of Swing before, but nothing else, so I was kind of interested when everything else on the record sounded like. This album was very solid. The guitar on here is enjoyable. Sometimes the things he does with his voice reminds me of Bob Dylan. I didn't like it enough to give it a 5, but it's still really good. My favourite songs were Sultans of Swings, Down to the Waterline, and Wild West End.

7,5/10

Good album! Really enjoyed the music.

Great guitar parts, definitely a standout of the late 70's.

This was sickly smooth. As though you could rightly credit cigarette tar, quaaludes, and the band's local escorts as co-producers of the album. The guy's gravely voice and that sliding, twanging guitar complement one another perfectly, the same way that mixing together just the right amounts of different kinds of garbage can end up with beautiful compost. I do think the singing is not extraordinary, and that he's trying to do a couple more things than he's really able to with those melodies. But I also recognize that isn't really the point. If it's good enough to suit the needs of all 3-7 occupants of a dimly lit, smoke filled mobile home bedroom, it's doing exactly what it's there to do. Highlights: In the Gallery, Down the Waterline, Sultans of Swing Lowlights: Wild West End, Water of Love

I don't know where dire straits sits in their cultural relevancy, but I liked this. Sultans of Swing is a classic.

Liked it. Best album for a while

Great guitar work on this bad boy!!

Some classic rock, easily listenable

It was really good very jazzy feel I liked it

Pretty accomplished for a first album. I'd forgotten how Dire Straits has that mix of rock and almost country, something to do with the whining guitar I suppose. Found myself singing along to some of the tracks and as I haven't listened to them in over a decade or more, that must count for something

first listen great sound

Happy memories of my dad playing this in the car as a kid. I assumed a lot of these songs were by the Police!

Thought dire straits was something else this is good

A great album from such an under appreciated band.

Knopfler's (the Mark one) signature finger-picking guitar is evident from the first track 'Down To The Waterline'. But what really shines here is the drumming of Pick Withers. Never a dull moment! A really strong debut with highs - the funky 'In The Gallery' and 'Sultans of Swing' - and lows - the lyrically weak 'Wild West End'.

Quite the debut album! Knopfler (the not David one of them) is a laid back frontman when it comes to vocals, but on the guitar he’s a living legend. His picking style out of this world! There’s a few almost misses, but overall there’s nothing truly bad to find here. I completely forgot how fun it is listening to Pick Withers. Especially his work on the hi-hat and ride is intriguing while he still manages to stay well in the background just sitting tight in the pocket.

This is a fine debut album from some very fine musicians. The sound is sooo smooth and natural, the guitar tone sweet and clean clean clean. But its the mature songwriting that really makes it a classic album one that sounds as fresh today as it did when it was released. One nit I could pick is the strange production choice of mixing Knopflers voice almost hard left channel and the guitar in the right channel, almost like a Rudy Van Gelder jazz mix. It softens the approach a bit on Sultans of Swing but it does strike me as a weird production choice. Favorite songs; Down to the Waterline, Water of Love, Sultans of Swing and Wild West End. 4.5 stars

Nice guitar

Level set: Sultans of Swing is in my top 5 songs of all time. The guitar work is unbelievable! Album as a whole is nicely impressive

Great Debut from Mark Knopfler and Co. Loved "Sultans Of Swing" when it came out and still do. "Down the Waterline" "Setting Me Up" and "Wild West End" all favourites. A good call for this list.

solid rock sound.

Excellent album pour le mood que j'ai depuis quelques semaines. De la guit, des boys qui racontent des anecdotes. Particulièrement aimer la chanson Sultan of Swing (qui est un classique) J'aime la guitar, le picking, la vibe aussi un peu pluvieuse (parfaite avec la température de ce beau 18 août 2022)

4.1 - really enjoyed this album. Great bluesy, guitar-led coolness. The Six Blade Knife>Southbound Again>Sultans of Swing run in the middle of the album is absolutely fantastic.

I always forget how much I enjoy Dire Straits. Ironically, Sultans of Swing was one of my least favorite songs on this album.

Loved the overall vibe of this. Sultans of Swing is one of my most played songs of all time. And yet, there were not enough stand out songs for me to give this five stars. I think I'll be able to rate some of the later albums higher, if they are on the list.

Man, if I met the Devil and could sell my soul to play like anyone, it would be Mark Knopfler. Just amazing. The guitar playing on this gets five stars on it's own. It's not my favorite DS album. Not a huge fan of the songs (with exception of SoS). So overall it gets 4.

3.5/5 chill classic rock

Sultans of Swing is a classic, enjoyed most of the other songs

The popularity of the song, Sultans Of Swing from Dire Straits debut album, helped launch the very successful career of Dire Straits. The song remains a mainstay on radio (and my streaming algorithms) and sometimes the album gets overshadowed by the massive success of the single. The album charted high and sold crazily well, but how many people (at the time) listened to the whole record? I admit, I didn't it much love when it first came out, but over the years I've come to appreciate the whole album. Sure it has some filler, (what Dire Straits album doesn't have filler?) but over all it might be their most consistent record. The hugely popular, Brothers In Arms album may be the most accessible and commercially lauded album, but the debut highlighted the guitar wizardry and unique sound of Mark Knolfler and the band.

Really enjoyed expanding my knowledge of Dire Straits. The guitar work was great and my favorite song from the album was Down to the Waterline.

Great guitar, good listen

Dire Straits has such a cool, funky style! Great guitars, great vocals

TIL Dire Straits is from the 70s. Always thought they were 90s for some reason. Either way I really enjoyed this album. Sultans of Swing has always been a song I liked but the rest of the album had the same feel which I enjoyed.

I don’t feel cool enough to listen to this album. Sultans of Swing is incredible but I also enjoyed Down to the Waterline and Six Blade Knife. Very funky rock vibe that I think was ahead of it’s time.

With "Sultans" being one of my favorite songs, my hopes were very high. Unfortunately it didn't quite live up, but it was still good.

Good album, some songs sound a little too similar but Knopfler's guitar talent really shines. The obvious highlight is Sultans of Swing.

4/5 love the southern twang jazz fusion Standouts: Down the Waterline🔥 Setting me up 🔥 Six blade knife Southbound again Sultans of swing 🔥🔥

This is Dire Straits' debut album which was released in the fall of 1978 but took five months before "Sultans of Swing" and the album became big. The first thing I notice is the well-placed guitar lines and solos. There really isn't any excess, very economical. Also, each song has sort of a unique guitar approach; I really like the diversity of guitar sounds. You could put the music itself in the blues and/or country category. I hear elements of both. I also hear a lot of the guitar sounding like early to mid-70's Eric Clapton which is a good thing to me. Lyrically, the first half of the album is about some aspect of a relationship, in three cases, a woman doing him wrong. The second half songs are more stories or observations which was a good change. "Down to the Waterline" starts out "Dire Straits" with just great and well-placed rhythm and lead guitar parts. Nothing wasted. There are at least three songs with a heavy Eric Clapton influence, my favorite being "Southbound Again." And then you have "Sultans of Swing", another song with just a great guitar riff and solo; I also have always liked the drumming and who doesn't love a song about a rock band. Unbelievably, besides their very last album, this is only other album I haven't heard completely. And this is a very good album at that, really no missteps, and one I would put near the top of their catalogue.

Great to hear the whole album Some tunes sound very Bob dylan esc.

Catchy and cool, but the songs started to blur together as the album went on. Really enjoyable as background music though. 'Wild West End' and 'Sultans of Swing' were standout songs, however.

Solid, great musicianship

When I saw the cover I immediately grinned. It was a pleasure coming back to this debut album of Dire Straits. Incredibly relaxing 9 tunes, not to mention (cliche) Sultans of Swing - one of the best songs of all time. An old friend, worth every minute. Highlights: Water of Love, Wild West End

Knoppers fajnie na gitarce plumka, wolę jednak Brothers in Arms. Still jednak bardzo przyjemny album. Najlepsze Down To The Waterline i oczywiście Sultans Of Swing.

Nic do dodania, klasyczek. Jak wchodzi Sultans of Swing to każdy robi cat jam

This has got some of the best Dire Straits songs on it. They don't all kick ass, but the ones that do have some of my favorite guitar playing of all time.

I preferred Brothers In Arms but this is still great and has Sultans of Swing. Guitar playing is immaculate as always from Knopfler.

I forget how I found “Sultans of Swing”, but when I heard it, that turned Dire Straits into a band that I knew of to one I had to check out. There’s no topping their first album though, which is perfectly sexy and loaded with tight musicianship. I do have to knock some points off for the weaker tracks, but this is what AOR should sound like. A-

Muito bom.

o mark knopfler é um gênio. mas, dito isso, a sensação é que, nesse álbum, ele tentava se equilibrar em uma época em que o prog e o punk ditavam as regras. sem querer apelar e se refugiar no soft rock da época, mas, sim, de trabalhar o rock clássico, com um pé no pop e outro no country, o resultou final acabou sendo um álbum morno, que não conseguiu se firmar em nenhum dos caminhos que pensou em trilhar. Sultans of Swing é um destaque, o conjunto da obra é facilmente esquecível, mas, surpreendentemente, continua sendo um álbum gostoso de ouvir.

Good, but not amazing. Mark Knopfler is a great guitarist, and he makes that evident throughout the album. "Sultans of Swing" is obviously incredible, and I really liked the first song too, but for the most part? Nothing mind blowing. Side note, I highly recommend the Alchemy Live version of "Sultans of Swing". One of my favorite live performances of any song

One of the best debut album ever

Best Boomer music out there. Love it. And I don't know how "Sultans of Swing" still is so good after listening to it about a million times. 4

That is some sexy guitar

I may be a little bias being for their neck of the woods but this album is full of great guitars and Sultans of Swing is an all time classic! Doesn’t do enough to be a 5 however.

Loved the guitar

I’ve herd of the name but nothing else… For an album labelled as pub rock down to the waterline seems too good if you know what I mean , the guitars are super cool,the vocals are nice and it’s not really got that annoying drunken repetitiveness that I would brand pub rock with. Water love is a nice contrast immediately showing the abilities of this band, it’s much slower but not slow enough to lose any energy. Apparently it was a single in the Netherlands and no where else so that’s cool. Then is setting me up a shorter song ( but not very short) it’s entertaining and a nice pop song but just not as good as the first two. It should’ve really been a single though. I wish six blade knife would have a bit where it explodes into a ball of energy and while it’s an okay song the instrumental bit is so repetitive. Now for the shortest track the end of side A, southbound again the guitar groove is so nice here the lyrics aren’t great and I’am not a huge fan of it’s place on the tracklist but it’s still nice. Side B starts with sultans of swing it’s a nice pop song, I recognise the guitar break but everything else completely new but like the rest of it I wouldn’t have called it pub rock. In the gallery takes on a nice funky sound, it’s the album’s longest song and is just really nice does drag a tad bit (not that I hate songs over 5 mins) but it’s just much harder to make those ones work really well. Then the penultimate song Wild West end, I must say I like that name it’s a nice acoustic song but not my favourite. Lions is a very fitting closer, fairly slow but not the slowest on the album there’s also some nice poppy backing vocals nice songs to end a nice album. Yeah it’s nice, I can’t give it top marks because with albums that have 10 or under songs, every song has to be good and while about 7/9 were there’s still some improvement to be made. I did like it though!

Didn’t get to listen to the whole album but it was classic rock and therefore very enjoyable. 4*

Enjoyable but underwhelming. Sultans is probably enough to make this a 4 though.

This was something different when it came out. Lots of blues and country influences with Knofler's guitar giving it so much colour. It still sounds good. Interestingly, their biggest album, Brothers in Arms, sounds way more dated.

Such as awesome sound. Always enjoy their music

Mark Knopfler, great guitarist. Dire Straits, great band.

Listened Before? N Wonderful record. Mellow but rocking at the same time. Lead guitar is an album-long face melter. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: Down to the Waterline, Sultans of Swing

What a glorious start to the first track! Lovely beats. Relaxing and nice flow.

Favorite song: Wild West End.

Pure groove and soul. Sultans of swing will go down in the history as one of the greatest song ever written.

I liked this album more than I thought I would. I associate Dire Straits more with the "Money for Nothing" overplayed radio era, but this was a much more listenable and groovy album that, in addition to the big hits, was really well rounded-out in terms of sound and concept.

3.5 if I could

4.25

Also pretty good. come back to it

Good classic rock/blues. Some really nice guitar work. Sultans of Swing is a great song, too!

То да не то

Good sound and has a chill vibe. Enjoyed it.

It's so easy to forget there's more to some of these bigtime artists than the stuff you hear all the time - this is a great album.

Great stuff, Sultans of Swing is an all-time classic but I enjoyed the whole album.

Good album, easy listening.

Really nice album, some amazing songs

Oni su mi prvo sjecanje glazbe, cak i prije vesne pisarovic!!! Ali i da nema te nostalgije rekla bi da je album jako dobar. Knopfler jednostavno zna znanje. Tekstovi i ta njegova suptilna gitara su bas uf

Parapaam 🎸

I mean it's dire straights, it's legendary for a reason. Knopfler's guitar is amazing. Album is very good but some songs just don't completely vibe with me. 4/5

Smooth, soothing rock with hidden layers of groove underneath. When it gets to you, it can get to you and you become more impressed as the album rolls on. Good stuff, don't underestimate it. Favorites: Setting Me Up, Six Blade Knife, Sultans of Swing, In the Gallery, Wild West End.

Classic

Perfect album for a Saturday morning putzing around the kitchen. The whole album is kind of one song, but it's a good song!

Consistently good

Solid Album. Little slower but great vibes

Otro nombre que merece más reconocimiento y fama de la que tiene actualmente: Mark Knopfler

Prima achtergrond muziek

Dire Straits never had a bad album, and this is one of the best. Mark Knopfler is a god. About time there's some "classic rock" on this that I actually like. I'd love to give this a full score but there is a hint of reggae at times. 4/5.

Cool

Liked a lot

WE ARE THE SULTANS😈

Good, but not amazing. Mark Knopfler is a great guitarist, and he makes that evident throughout the album. "Sultans of Swing" is obviously incredible, and I really liked the first song too, but for the most part? Nothing mind blowing. Side note, I highly recommend the Alchemy Live version of "Sultans of Swing". One of my favorite live performances of any song.

It's not bad. I can never tell if I like the lead aibgers voice or not. I think I like it most of the time, then sometimes it just sounds super old and cheesey. But like, maybe this is what made the cheese? And can you fault it for that? I don't really think so, sultan of swing is a fucking banger for the ages. Overall, it's good.

Sultans of swing

Chill. No other song quite hits the mark as 'Sultans of Swing' does but an entirely pleasant listening experience. 'Lions Den' is probably my personal favourite after and rounds of the end of the album nicely.

Only heard greatest hits before. Very much enjoyed, though struggling to put my finger on it!

Nice and relaxed, easy to listen to

Nice guitar riffs, but they are getting used to as the album goes.

Dire Straits - Self Titled Classic 80s sound. Decent listen, but was not life changing.

Good but not my style

Haven't heard this for a long time. Back then it was one of those albums that had a few good tracks but as a whole was a little boring. Was a favourite of my parents but didn't see the appeal. So it was good to get a new perspective of Dire Straits. I forgot how good the guitars was here, Mark Knopfler's solos were fantastic and the jamming just makes me want to be a part of it. The songs have a nice chilled vibes drenched in blues and rock. It's still not a favourite but have gained respect for it and will be saved for the mornings. Favourite tracks are Sultans of Swing and In The Gallery.

Very chill blues rock - gotta love 'Sultans of Swing'. And man, Knopfler can play!

Great Dad rock👴🤘. A more consistent album than Brothers in Arms and a total surprise.

Lovely stuff from start to finish, country and Americana tinged throughout with great guitar, bolstered by what I think is their best song - Sultans of Swing

Great music. Classic Dire Straits sound which is timeless. Very listenable.

Sultans of Swings. Plus others.

Solid album. Like the instrumentals and the melodies.

This album is mostly known for sultans of swing, and for good reason, but the album as a whole was pretty good. The chill guitars on each song were really nice and knopflers voice is relaxing. A nice chilled out rock album. Fav songs: sultans of swing, most of the other ones

What a solid debut album

I've always liked Dire Straits, I wish I had a chance to see them perform when they came out in the early 90s. Their first album is not my favorite, but it definitely has some great stuff here, and not just "Sultans Of Swing." Listening to this album made me go listen to their other stuff, which is really what an album wants you to do: make you hunger for more. I want to hear more of the guitar, but there's a lot of it talking in spurts, more soloing please. It's more apparent in my favorite album "Love Over Gold." Still, I'd give it a 3.6, which does round up to a 4. But it's a weak 4, at best.

I've always known that Mark Knopfler was a good guitarist from the radio songs but MAN is he good. The fact that he doesn't use a pick impresses me as well. There aren't a lot of famous guitarists that finger-pick everything. This is just a great blues/rock album from start to finish. Right from the beginning we hear his impressive style on Down to the Waterline. Water of Love has a good groove and some great dobro playing. The solo on Sultans of Swing is actually one of my favorite guitar solos too.

This is a pretty good album. Always enjoyed Sultans of Swing and hadn't really listened to these other tracks. There's a bit of "sameness" to a lot of tracks, but the band is great and Mark Knopfler's guitar playing and singing was excellent from the start. "Setting Me Up" really stood out for some excellent playing. Solid 4.

Obviously got a banger on in sultans of swing, otherwise a good album

Pretty good bluesy classic rock. 7-8/10

Brings up latent childhood memories. I think one or both of my parents liked Dire Straights, so I remember it being on in the background. Didn't love it but it had a soothing quality.

This album has established for me what "classic rock" truly is! (and, more informally, "dad rock"... which is what I will likely affectionally refer to it as in casual conversation). I instantly associated it with social outdoor activities, such as riding on a boat or hanging on a patio with family. I would comfortably play this out loud for them. I also cannot wait to "click" with a classic rock album so I can channel more power into my new Justin cowboy hat when I wear it in public while listening to my MP3 player. This specific album: seems heavy on story, which I need time to digest for any album, ever - and I cannot wait to bond with it further. I noticed elements/splashes of folk/country and prog rock in this album as well. Sultans of Swing onwards piqued my interest the most.

Muy buen disco

Really neat, and way more country than I expected! Great acoustic/electric blend and songwriting. Big fan of some of these tracks.

Just a fine album not a bad song on it. My favourite Dire Straits album. Guitar work is just gorgeous. Almost a 5 but not quite 4 🌟

Very weird to listen to an album with an absolute classic mid way through but have no idea who the artist was until that point.

I think Sultan of Swing's popularity has hidden the other high points of the album. Very nice, smooth rock.

Solid album overall I found the first half to be a little samey but track 5 onward is just consistent quality.

Just a really easy listen and everything comes together so well. The vocalist is incredibly soothing, and the instruments are vibing along. No wonder you hear these tracks in movies all the time.

About what I was expecting

8/10 bom mas pouco variado

A classic

Fantastic. A completely new guitar sound - Sultans of swing is absolutely the best single ever and the backdrop to my friday nights for a decade or so. Down to the waterline and Water of love are also still on my running playlist.

Didn't expect to enjoy this, good throughout - I'd always written off Dire Straits as a MOR 80s group but this is kinda interesting. Nice surprise!

Loved it

I really enjoyed this album. Mark Knolfler is a beast on guitar. All songs are enjoyable with Sultans a standout. If I could I would give this a 4.5. But a 4. This was the first time I have heard this album, will listen to it again…..and agin. It deserves to be in the 1001 list.

Really fun! I'd never heard them before.

Iets trager dan ik had verwacht, maar het gitaarspel is feilloos, en 'Sultans of Swing' blijft een topplaat

“Down the Waterline” is awesome… and almost a carbon copy of “Sultan’s of Swing.” I’ve always loved “Sultan’s of Swing” and the MTV song and the synthier hit but otherwise never listened to dire straits in depth. This album was surprising, very Texas Roadhouse Rick/country with a dire straits twist. I always imagined dire straits to be more of a Prague Rock band, but this is Almost what I’d imagine ZZ Top should sound like. These guys are great musicians and okay lyricists, that’s the only thing holding this album back. Really enjoyed this album, all the songs were good but not great, B+.

Dire Straits has never been more than Sultans of Swing for me, was a great listen to hear the full album, pretty surprised with how much I enjoyed it

I didn't really have that strong of thoughts on the album. It was pretty good but not one of my favorites. Sultans of Swing is great and definetely my favorite song on the album but there were some other good ones too Favorite Songs: Water of Love, Southbound Again, Sultans of Swing, Lions Least Favorite Song: Six Blade Knife Strong 7/10

swingin all weekend. Love the Dire Straits sound. Not quite a 5-star album but after the first 6 tracks I was feeling tempted

Mark Knopfler is on the list of guitar gods. Rather hear him play than sing, but his voice is integral to the Dire Straits sound

Such an statement in the year of punk!! XD

Muy personal. Inconfundible voz, bajo y ritmos.

“Dire Straits” by Dire Straits (1978) I’m not sure why I missed this growing up. Eclectic blues and jazz rock, with a little reggae thrown in. Definitely for listening to in the evening when alone, with an adult beverage, on a good home hi fi setup. I hear Dylanesque composition and arranging, without aping, laid down in ever-changing grooves, and tremendous dynamic sensitivity. Lyrically, it’s a collection of referential and thought-provoking word pictures, effectively giving voice to the musical settings. But they lack movement and resolution, so a serious listener might be disappointed—if lyrics were the focus of this work. But they’re not. The most striking thing on this album is the lead guitar lines played by Mark Knopfler—silky and spare, with inventive fills and exquisite slides and bends. He knows how to pull the listener in on the quiet parts. His solo work on “Sultans of Swing” and “In the Gallery” is superlative. Great percussion by Pick Withers, who is never monotonous, always seeming to find color appropriate to the mood. Lead vocals are gravelly and lacking power, but I was almost relieved that they didn’t provide a high-quality distraction from the two guitars, bass, and drums. These guys produce a lot of music with only four instruments and minimal dubbing. And the person who mixed this album is a genius. A nice listen. Rock doesn’t have to be hard to be good. And this is very good. 4/5

Daora o album, tem a sultans of swing. Todas as músicas tem o jeitão direstreit, mas é gostoso pra deixar de fundo, tocando suave.

Mark Knopfler is a very talented guitarist, but the song writing on this album leaves something to be desired. Despite that, Sultans of Swing is a special song.

Enjoyed this very much

good one, many hits in there

great classic rock

So chill

Love me some Dire Straits.

Love the dire straits. Great guitar playing, but sultans of swing is really the only great song

Felt like a unique indie album

Have always loved Sultans of Swing, but never really listened to a lot of DS. Love the guitar work here, it's really great and relaxing to listen to.

Classicly good. Some of the best guitar solos ever!

Está muy cabrón. Es to lo que pue decir. Por un par de rolitas que desentonan no lo pongo en 5.

Smooooth

So great to hear more of Dire Straits, after only really ever listening to Brothers in Arms, or Sultans of Swing. I think this album is better as a whole, even though BiA has some more hits. Highlights: -Down to the Waterline -Setting Me Up -Sultans of Swing -Wild West End

A whole album worth of sultans of swing

Dire Straits is a great band. Mark is a great song writer and player.

Great album. Really really enjoyed it. Just what I expected a dire straits album to sound like. // 4.5

I definitely need to get more into Dire Staits. Only readily summoned touchstones are Sultans of Swing and of course the much later Money for Nothing, that video icon of my pre-cable existence when my only access to music videos was Friday Night Videos.

no lo había escuchado completo y está muy bueno, me gusta ese rock de gangsters de los 70´s

La guitarra de Mark Knopfler hace que el disco valga la pena. Dire Straits tiene su muy marcado sello y de pronto todo el disco suena igual, así que me gusta más la experiencia de escuchar las canciones por separado que el disco completo de jalón.

Well this was one of the many albums I had recorded on a cassette tape. I like the Dire Straits a lot. Loved to listen to this full album again.

Not as good as some of their later albums but still love that sound that's unique to mark knofler

Not bad. Chill, roadtrip rock vibes.

Endlich mal wieder Musik. Sehr gute 4 Sterne.

Tan tan tan taaan

Very unique dire straits sound. Solid album.

Really accomplished for a debut album. Great skill and style on show but no stand out tracks for me other than sultans of swing

Laid back, excellent guitar, nice vocals and lyrics. A greatly composed album. Very enjoyable listen, 7/8. Like Sultans of Swing a lot.

Sultans of Swing is obviously the most notable song on the album and is a classic known to many. This debut album is an impressive showcase of blues rock mastery.

An album that defined a new sound for rock music. Mellow, artful guitars with complex framework within the full band. Sultans of Swing comes late into the album after the band already states their style and unique mix of rock, blues, jazz, and country. Mix all of this with Knopfler's vocals that reflect the gritty tones of Dylan and you have a recipe for a great record. Stand-outs: Down to the Waterline, Sultans of Swing

A perfect album for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Really solid blues rock. Best track: Wild West End

I liked the cool guitar sounds. Easygoing sound, yet somewhat melancholy.

Pretty okay. Fun and vibey at times

Brings about nostalgia, as it is one of the bands my dad would listen to when I was a kid. But it also is not music that appeals to me. Individual songs, one at a time I can appreciate, however, I would not choose to engage with a full album. They sound a bit too repetitive to me and in the end, the sound is much more country than I like.

un par de temazos, otros no me enganchan tanto. producción impecable, limpia y moderna

Didn't connect with me on first or first and a half listen

I was really excited for this one but it really felt like they put everything into sultans of swing and then just kinda threw together 8 other songs. Nothing felt quite as close or as grand. Would be a 2 if not for sultans.

lo escuché en cd, sultans of swing temarramen

"Sultan's of Swing" is of course spectacular but outside of that specific track it's nothing really special

Kuuntelin oikeen pariin kertaan että eikö tässä nyt oo mitään muuta hyvää biisiä ku sulttaanit, mutta ei sieltä vaan löytynyt. Ihan lepposaa rämpyttelyä ne loputkin on, eipä siinä, mutta ois se ollut kiva kun ois löytynyt jokin muukin kiva uusi tuttavuus.

Vaikka Sultans of Swing kääntyykin suoraan suomenettuna panon mestareiks, niin tää eka levy ei oikein lähe kyseistä biisiä lukuunottamatta. Ihan jees värittelyä ja yks ool taim kreit. Kyl sillä kolmosen tilaa.

Not poppy shite rock like I expected

A very chill album. Will be good to have on in the background. Might need to listen again and post more attention to pick up on the guitar work.

The whole album was kind of boring to me. Some cool guitar parts, specifically in Sultans of Swing. 2.5/5

Favorite songs: Down to the Waterline, Water of Love, Southbound Again, Sultans of Swing, Wild West End 3.5

it was kinda boringgg to me i think i just dont know this kind of music that well

Sultans of Swing is a great song, all the other songs on this album sound like Sultans of Swing to me. Not a great thing but they all sound decent. I'd say it's a middle of the road album for me. Didn't hate it but only one song really stood out for me.

Je m'attendais à mieux

Classique mais répétitif en fait

3.5

The type of album a friend would put on while you're driving to the beach and you would realize your dad used to have it on CD. Great album for a specific mood, wouldnt listen to it all the time. 6.5/10

Some good songs, but overall as an album it is kinda boring

Notable Textzeile: Your six blade knife do anything for you Anything you wanna do One blade breaking my heart One blade tearing me apart Your six blade knife do anything for you Selbst in meiner recht kurzen Dire Straits Phase mit 16 und danach fand ich dieses Album immer am langweiligsten. Und ich meine – das ist ja aus ihrer Sicht fast eine Qualität – langweilig, ruhig, vor sich hin spielend zu sein. Aber hier ist es völlig übertrieben. Ich mag zwar wie ein unverkennbarer Gesamtsound erschaffen wird, in dem die Instrumente sehr gefällig ineinander fließen, aber bis auf „Sultans of Swing“ ist es einfach ein Brei. Dazu kommt das es wirklich bessere Singles gibt, in denen eine interessantere Geschichte erzählt wird und bessere Alben von DS die als Ganzes stärker sind, melodiöser, lyrischer. Das hier ist 2,5 at best. 
Bin gespannt ob noch andere kommen, ansonsten ist es wie so oft: Debüt wird genommen, weil es zu der Zeit evtl. besonders neu war, aber es wird übersehen was das Meisterwerk der jeweiligen Musiker*innen ist.

Not too big on classic rocks. Liked the first song and it was a snooze fest from there. Like I literally fell asleep to this. It’s not bad, I personally just wouldn’t reach for it.

This is a solid album. I like the sound more than the actual tracks, but the tracks are good too. Obviously the centerpiece is Sultans of Swing.

Enjoyed it a bit, but it’s pretty just usual rock besides the classic Sultans. Not worth giving a 4

Funny, I didn’t really like “Sultans of Swing” but the rest of the album is okay.

Sultans of swing is a great song. The rest of the album felt like them trying to figure that song out

Sultans of Swing is a great tune, but everything else felt like a precursor or response to it. Finger picked electric guitar is an unusual enough sound that it gets monotonous over the course of this album, and the rest of what's going on isn't interesting enough to be an antidote.

Great

Clean Strat: The Album

A fine album. It reminded me of latter period Dylan, which was weird.

Relaxing, but apart from Sultans of swing no big standouts 6.5/10

é a banda das guitarras, né? mas sultans of swing realmente ofusca todo o resto do álbum que parece uma extensão dela

Lovely guitar work throughout, and the production is grounded and real, but the songs lack hooks in spots and are somewhat samey

хороший простой рок с красивой гитарой есть хит, есть еще пара песен которые зашли в целом для меня средненько хотелось бы динамики или вокала поярче просто ознакомился с классикой

Vaca come back

Clearly a classic band, on a classic album, with a classic hit (Sultans of Swing). They're popular, they're skilled, they're well regarded. I'm not sure if it is a failing on their part or mine, but the connection has never been solid between us.

Ça sonne bien. Quelques classiques mais trop lent.

it's not brothers in arms ... but waterline and sultans are such classics ... i remember this being a regular spin when i was a little kid, it came out when i was 6 or 7 ... def a little more twang to this than i remember ...

Hørbart, men gubbete.

Before Brothers in Arms, I think "Sultans of Swing" was the only Dire Straits song I knew — and I loved that. I remember reading the Douglas Adams quote about the distinctiveness of Mark Knopfler's guitar and paying attention to his playing after that: "Mark Knopfler has an extraordinary ability to make a Schechter Custom Stratocaster hoot and sing like the angels on a Saturday night, exhausted from being good all week and needing a stiff drink." (from So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish) I even bought and really enjoyed The Notting Hillbillies' album. I think I'll listen to that next. "Feel Like Going Home" is just beautiful.

Catchy funky tunes. Unusually cool guitar riffs.

Nice rhythm, a bit slow for my liking

ok

too country oriented to deserve more

A guitarra de Knopfler é a protagonista do início ao fim. Quem gosta do estilo, não tem como desgostar das músicas, do disco como um todo. É o meu caso. Mas há outros melhores da banda, então, na comparação, este fica um pouco atrás.

They are all good tracks, but the noodling does get old

3.5 decent album , got some good moments. “Wild West End” was the stand out moment

All the great guitar and drums in the world doesn't make good songs. This is a long way away from Brothers In Arms, yet it started so well. Two good opening tracks plus Brothers In Arms, then the rest is an assortment of embarrassing dad rock and...stuff that is just okay.

Classic i gues

Pleasant enough, maybe slightly boring, don't think I'd put on by choice but wouldn't object to someone else putting it on

JL : 3, Down To The Waterline

I spent so much years liking Sultans of swing so much without even really acknowledging who played it that for sure I had never listened to the full album. And well, it's definitely not a surprise that's good.

Fine, chill, very skilled but not very interesting

Wouldn’t know they were British - easy listening lol

Nothing remarkable. The voice sounds like Pink Floyd. May be good as a background music, but isn't worth it to hear actively. After finishing the album I can't remember any melody or words. Although the sound is boring, all songs form a whole, consistent album. The only situation, I can imagine liking this album, is sipping a cold whiskey, while watching a sunset on a terrace

Sultans of swing is an all timer, the skipping melodic guitar playing almost a perfect foil to Mark Knopflers Geordie dylanisms. Nothing else on the album is anywhere as good but its atmospheric and knopflers guitar playing is subtle and gorgeous throughout.

Good, but I felt like it never really quite got to where it could have gone. A bit low energy and lifeless.

Far from Dire Straits best album, but I love the rhythmic, bluesy sound that most of their tracks have. Sultans of Swing is one of my all time favorite Dire Straits songs so this album automatically gets bonus points. A really good listen, despite having a number of leaser known songs on it.

Such a great groove. A definitive sound with great instrumentals and vivid lyrics. Enjoyable all the way through.

Chill rock. Mark Knopfler's guitar really shines, beautiful tone and great playing. Very enjoyable album start to finish.

good vibes

Album legal, mas nada muito além disso. Músicas parecidas. A guitarra é o que dá um brilho no album. Bom, mas não escutaria outras vezes. 6/10.

fav songs: water of love sultans of swing blues-y, polished, repetitive 50/100

Sultans is obvi the highlight. The rest I found alright. At least rumor is we have at least one more Dire Straits album with hopefully some of their other great songs I like.