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Review of Dire Straits' Self-Titled Album

© Nick Bendel

Dire Straits (1978) is the band's self-titled debut album. After initially being ignored by their own record company, the British band finally exploded around the world with the smash hit "Sultans of Swing." On the strength of this song, and the follow ups, the eventually released album achieved similar levels of success.

In all fairness to lead singer (and songwriter) Mark Knopfler and the rest of the band - rhythm guitarist David Knopfler, bassist John Illsley and drummer Pick Withers - the album was probably more successful then it deserved to be. Some of the songs are quite good, but none come close to matching the skilfully constructed and smooth "Sultans of Swing."

"Down to the Waterline" and "Water of Love" open Dire Straits. These two songs sound very similar to "Sultans of Swing" as do the catchy guitar licks, and that's probably why they are both rather enjoyable. They also share the same smooth feel. "Setting Me Up" is the first indication of the album's weakness, though it is followed by "Six Blade Knife" which is of the same standard as the first two tracks.

"Southbound Again" signals the downturn of the standard of Dire Straits. While it is followed by "Sultans of Swing," from there comes three equally poor songs: "In the Gallery," "Wild West End" and "Lions." So what started out as a pretty good album ends on a very poor note.

For the casual music fan this is probably not the album to take a chance on. Dire Straits fans, or people who really enjoy their style and sound, will obviously have a different opinion. Otherwise, though, Dire Straits does not live up to its lofty reputation.

RATING: 3/10