Brothers In Arms (1985)

The U.K.'s Dire Straits became one of the world's most popular rock bands the old-fashioned way, through songwriting and musicianship. When "Sultans of Swing" broke through on both sides of the Atlantic in 1979, the sound suggested Bob Dylan backed by J.J. Cale. It sure didn't sound like anything else on the radio. Mark Knopfler's gruff singing and exquisite guitar playing were critical to the group's sound. The next two records cemented Dire Straits' reputation and bolstered its popularity. 1985's BROTHERS IN ARMS became one of the biggest sellers of the decade. After the band dissolved, Knopfler (who had already done some well regarded soundtrack work) embarked on a solo career, opting for a more low-key approach.

Artist Influences
Bob Dylan | Brinsley Schwarz (Group) | Bruce Springsteen | Chet Atkins | Ducks Deluxe | Eric Clapton | Flamin' Groovies | J.J. Cale | Randy Newman | Richard Thompson | Robert Johnson | Stealers Wheel | The Band | The Kinks | Van Morrison

Artist Contemporaries
Aztec Camera | Bonnie Raitt | Bruce Hornsby | Bruce Springsteen | Chris Rea | Eric Clapton | Fleetwood Mac | George Harrison | Graham Parker | J. Geils Band | John Hiatt | Peter Gabriel | Phil Collins | Randy Newman | Robbie Robertson | Robert Palmer | Rod Stewart | Sheryl Crow | Steely Dan | Steve Winwood | Sting | Supertramp | T-Bone Burnett | The Boomtown Rats | The Police | The Traveling Wilburys | Tom Petty | ZZ Top

Artist Followers
Alejandro Escovedo | Counting Crows | Dave Matthews | Doves | Enrique Iglesias | Kaiser Chiefs | Little Village | Marc Cohn | Medwyn Goodall | Sheryl Crow | The Charlatans UK | The Hold Steady | The Verve | The Wallflowers | Vibro Champs