This is the first compact disc that I bought, way back in 1987 (£8.99 from Woolworths), Just after starting my first job and buying my first stereo system (at last, mine, all mine)
I originally bought the album because I loved ’Money for Nothing’ and ’Brothers in Arms’ (it went with the ’Why!’ anti war posters on my bedroom walls, remember those) but I was not prepared for how powerful the whole album would be. Here is a quick rundown of the tracks
1 - So Far Away - A story of love at a distance, begging to be together
2 - Money For Nothing - Upbeat rose tinted vision of pop stars lives, from the viewpoint of a couple of workmen
3 - Walk Of Life - Another upbeat track about Johnny the busker, playing to make ends meet
4 - Your Latest Trick - Moody, stylish song about the pain of love lost
5 - Why Worry - Almost a lullaby, moody music but upbeat lyrics
6 - Ride Across The River - Fun, Reggae beat, soldiers of fortune marching to war
7 - The Man’s Too Strong - A real ballad, powerful acoustic reflection on a mans life and sins
8 - One World - Rock Track, fun nonsense
9 - Brothers in Arms - Most emotional track on the album, which can still bring me to tears now, over thirteen years later. If you ever need a record to explain the futility of war, this is the one.
The album is an amazing mix of styles and moods, but produced without a fault all the way through. This was the showpiece album for this group of hard working musicians, and proved Mark Knopfler one of the worlds greatist guitarists.
If you do not already own this album, go out and find a copy now. Even if you are not whole hearted fans of Dire Straits, you will still appreciate the polish and quality of this album, best enjoyed with mood lighting and a bottle of red.