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Brothers In Arms

Dire Straits

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Album Review

Brothers in Arms brought the atmospheric, jazz-rock inclinations of Love Over Gold into a pop setting, resulting in a surprise international best-seller. Of course, the success of Brothers in Arms was helped considerably by the clever computer-animated video for "Money for Nothing," a sardonic attack on MTV. But what kept the record selling was Mark Knopfler's increased sense of pop songcraft — "Money for Nothing" had an indelible guitar riff, "Walk of Life" is a catchy up-tempo boogie variation on "Sultans of Swing," and the melodies of the bluesy "So Far Away" and the down-tempo, Everly Brothers-style "Why Worry" were wistful and lovely. Dire Straits had never been so concise or pop-oriented, and it wore well on them. Though they couldn't maintain that consistency through the rest of the album — only the jazzy "Your Latest Trick" and the flinty "Ride Across the River" make an impact — Brothers in Arms remains one of their most focused and accomplished albums, and in its succinct pop sense, it's distinctive within their catalog. [In 2005 Mercury released a 20th anniversary limited edition version of Brothers in Arms in the Hybrid/SACD format.]

Customer Reviews

More than just Money for Nothing

I did not live through the 80's (thank God) but I know from listening to my dad's CD's that not all of the music that came out of that period deserves to be remembered, or in fact ever played again. However, Dire Straits' Brothers In Arms is a major exception. Most people take one look at this album, buy "Money for Nothing" (and maybe "So Far Away" or "Walk of Life") and leave. They don't know what they're missing. Yes, "Money for Nothing" 's instantly appealing guitar riff is irresistable, but there's also the suave and intelligent jazz of "Your Latest Trick," the mystically atmospheric "Ride Across the River," and the appetizing blend of folk and rock in "The Man's Too Strong." "One World" is perhaps the most underrated song in the mix - it rocks almost as hard as "Money for Nothing." Except for the overly lengthy and rather boring "Why Worry," every song here is great. However, the best track on the album comes at the end. Words can barely describe this one. Mark Knopfler's guitar sings a profound song of war, loss, and redemption in one of the most beautiful, triumphant, yet tragic songs ever crafted. If only for "Brothers In Arms," you should buy this album.

Ignore the official iTunes review above

This is one of the most consistent albums from start to finish in the rock catalogue! I am shocked that that the title cut was not highlighted by the reviewer as being a masterpiece...it is still on my iPod's power rotation 25 years after release. The Man's Too Strong is another classic track. Knopfler demonstrates his genius as both a composer and instrumentalist on this must-have recording.

Subtle and Magnificent

Ignore the pop songs, dig deeper into the album. Truly thoughtful. Listened to this as a teenager in the 80's. Went to war in the 2000's. What I heard as a kid rings true as an adult.

Biography

Formed: 1977 in London, England

Genre: Rock

Years Active: '70s, '80s, '90s

Dire Straits emerged during the post-punk era of the late '70s, and while their sound was minimalistic and stripped down, they owed little to punk. If anything, the band was a direct outgrowth of the roots revivalism of pub rock, but where pub rock celebrated good times, Dire Straits were melancholy. Led by guitarist/vocalist Mark Knopfler, the group built their sound upon the laid-back blues-rock of J.J. Cale, but they also had jazz and country inflections, occasionally dipping into the epic song...
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