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THE REVIEW
A 9-song gem – blessed be the albums with 9 songs – derided by Knopfler as a “carbon copy of the previous one.” If we must use his metaphor, we can describe “Communiqué” as the polished copy of the previous one.
It is true “Lady Writer” doesn’t hold up to “Sultans of Swing” as a leading track, but it is equally true that the rest of “Dire Straits” is utterly defeated in comparison with this delicate reinterpretation and/or fusion of folk, blues, and jazz.
Two very pleasant standard pieces (“Communiqué” and “Angel of Mercy”) alongside a multifaceted sequence of sheer class: the aforementioned “Lady Writer”; the acoustic enchantment of “Portobello Belle” (which in “Alchemy Live” will be enriched by an evocative sax solo); the acoustic-electric charm of “Where Do You Think You Are Going?” (with its chilling doubled-time ending); the blues arpeggios of “News” and “Follow Me Home”; the superb blues-jazz guitar mix of “Once Upon a Time in the West” (polished copy of “Wild West End”); and the bluesy delight with jazzy accompaniment of “Single Handed Sailor” (with its unforgettable final solo).
Professor Knopfler (with his degree in literature) gives us not only magnificent music but also great lyrics: the prayer to the Virgin in “Once Upon a Time in the West”; the defiance of fate in “News”; the torn love of “Where Do You Think You Are Going?”; the female portrait in “Portobello Belle”; the yearning for love on a passionate night in “Angel of Mercy”; the romantic invitation to a woman in “Follow Me Home.”
If not the best, it is certainly the most complete work by Dire Straits, with at least two milestones (“Once Upon a Time in the West” and “Single Handed Sailor”).
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Summary by Bot
Dire Straits' 'Communiqué' is praised as a polished and complete work building on their previous album. Despite some comparisons, the album shines with its fusion of folk, blues, and jazz. Standout tracks like 'Once Upon a Time in the West' and 'Single Handed Sailor' showcase the band's musical and lyrical excellence. Knopfler's songwriting and guitar skills create a timeless classic.
Other reviews
By claudio carpentieri
"Where Do You Think You’re Going" is one of the group’s underrated masterpieces, featuring brilliant guitar solos at a climactic moment of Knopfler’s career.
"Lady Writer" moves over a seductive chord progression and a well-sustained rhythm that peeks into an unpredictable and slowed-down chorus.
By Rudy Basilico
An album fresh, I think more listenable than its older sibling, with a Mark Knopfler less pop and more Dylan.
While anyone approaching Dire Straits will be charmed by the big hits, over the years ears will start to prefer the rougher and more essential Knopfler.
By AJM
"News, in the second position, already creates a delicate atmosphere that was unknown in the first album; Knopfler’s fingers touch the strings gently and the voice sometimes seems afraid to let itself be heard too much."
"Mark Knopfler winks at JJ Cale for the technique and Bob Dylan for the lyrics and creates a style that remains unique for now."
By Knopfler76
"Even Pick Withers’ drumming is magical, clear, precise, a caress in the night."
"The guitar first saturates the colors, then expands their texture into a kaleidoscope of sensations that prick our skin, opening up its pores, never to close them again."
By Knopfler76
Is there anything more enticing than this album, on a winter evening, when 'News' starts?
The guitar first saturates the colors, then expands their texture into a kaleidoscope of sensations that prick our skin, revealing the pores, to never close them again.
