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Rating:
THE REVIEW
Second solo album for Mark Knopfler, former leader of Dire Straits, and in my opinion, it is also his best work. Knopfler is undoubtedly one of the best guitarists on the world stage, but in this album, he proves to be a complete, eclectic musician, hard to categorize.
Traces of Dire Straits can be found in the track that opens the album "what is this", but it's an exception. In fact, he moves away from the typical sound of the historic band, effortlessly spanning from one genre to another, from blues to folk, from rock to country, and the result is exhilarating. In "sailing to Philadelphia", he duets with James Taylor, in "the last laugh" with Van Morrison. The songs flow one after the other, and you realize you're listening to a masterpiece, "who's your baby now", "silvertown blues", "junkie doll", all the tracks on this album are remarkable, flawless, crafted by an increasingly refined master.
The album closes with "one more matinee", one of the best pieces of the entire album, where Knopfler's voice becomes even warmer and softer, gently settling on the music. Another strong point of this album is the evocative atmospheres and, as could only be expected, Knopfler's expressive guitar.
An album you absolutely must have. Unmissable.
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Summary by Bot
Mark Knopfler’s second solo album, Sailing To Philadelphia, showcases his versatility beyond Dire Straits’ sound. The album skillfully spans genres like blues, folk, rock, and country with expressive guitar work and collaborations with James Taylor and Van Morrison. Each track is praised as remarkable and flawlessly crafted, culminating in a warm, evocative closing. This album is considered a must-have masterpiece.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Mark Knopfler
Scottish guitarist, singer-songwriter and composer; founder and leader of Dire Straits and later a solo artist and soundtrack composer.31 Reviews
Other reviews
By Dune Buggy
Many times I have heard people/important experts criticize Mark Knopfler for not updating his sound and guitar style, claiming he’s been releasing the same album for twenty years.
I find the production particularly commendable, careful and very clean, and I don’t want to exaggerate by saying that lovers of the warmest and purest country-folk might hold some of these very clear ballads in their hearts.
By claudio carpentieri
Sailing To Philadelphia is a very refined album where sophistication and stylistic perfection converge.
Mark Knopfler does not present himself as an absolute guitarist, but more as a songwriter with ample professional experience, aiming at exemplifying compositional excellence.
