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ALBUM REVIEW: Dire Straits - Dire Straits

Introduction: 

This debut album was released in October of 1978 and the world hasn’t been the same since. The two brothers, Mark and David Knopfler, delivered this nine-song masterpiece after signing a record deal on the back of the success of Sultans of Swing, easily their most iconic tune. 

The Highlights: Down to the Waterline, Sultans of Swing. 

Down to the Waterline opens the album, was a mysterious like silence broken by what sounds like an initially lonely guitar, only to catch the listener off guard when the band jumps in. The song recounts a fiery relationship between two young lovers, a man and a woman who would “run and hide” down to the docks and make-out. Each line of lyrics is almost countered by a lead guitar, almost representing a voice that isn’t there, maybe one of the lovers themselves. However, what we presume to be years later, the woman can “Still hear him whisper” and remembers the memories they shared down by the docks. We don’t know what happened, but we can assume they are no longer together. The song ends on a Bm9, and the note hangs in the air as if there could be more to the tale than we know. This song sets the tone for the album, the themes being love and relationships between two people and the psychological side of love. 

  Sultans of Swing is arguably one of the greatest songs ever written. The 149 beats per minute tempo and the way the song starts immediately throws the listener into a groovy and active environment. The song recounts members of an amateur swing band, all of who have their own lives and backstories. One of my favourite parts of the song is the change in beat between verses, it’s so subtle but really moves the song along. Swing is characterised as simple, with a strong beat and with clear melodies all of which is employed by the Dire Straits. However, what really makes this song so memorable is the guitar that winds the song down, right after the declaration of the band who we learn are the Sultans of Swings. The ensuing guitar solo is one of the most memorable is in history, quickly picking up in pace, till we reach almost a fever pitch with an juggling of notes which quickly fades after a few squeals, returning back to the usual chord progression seen throughout the song. 

Hidden Gem: Wild West End

This song, as seen through Mark Knopfler’s eyes, is a narrative of walking down London’s West End, an area known for its cafés, markets but more notably their world-class theatre. Compared to Down to the Waterline, this song is incredibly descriptive and more orientated around the lyrics than the complexity usually seen in their songs. The song celebrates London for all that it is, a diverse and seemingly incredible place to live (Lions, the final track in the album also follows this idea). Knopfler’s descriptions of Chinatown, the beautiful stranger he encounters and even the gogo dancers make the listener feel as if they are truly walking the streets with him, taking in all that he sees. I personally have always loved this song, because it follows the more brash and sophisticated In the Gallery, providing a nice contrast to begin to close the album. 

Conclusion: 

This was one of the first albums that I ever owned on vinyl when I was 15, and my limited rotation meant I truly did spend absolutely hours listening to this. Alongside this, my father also bought this album at the same age, so there is admittedly some sentimentality in that sense. 

Although I don’t adore all the tracks inside and out, I can still tell you all the words and what they all mean to me. This album is important to listen to and to know, simply listening to Sultans of Swing is not enough because this band is so so much more than that. 

My verdict for this album is 7.5/10.