The Walk (1985)

The mid-to-late 80s is definitely my favorite period of music. Most iconic albums from the 1980s were released in the second half of the decade. Almost halfway into 1985, one of my favorite albums was released—Brothers In Arms. While I never get tired of listening to heavily distorted guitars and screeching vocals, it is nice to listen to a calmer version of rock 'n' roll. As silly as it sounds, I first discovered Dire Straits from a Burger King commercial seven or eight years ago. Ever since, I have explored their whole discography and continue to find more material.

Dire Straits, a major rock 'n' roll band, was not defined as a typical hard rock band of the 80s. Instead, they were more known for a calmer, roots/bluesy approach to rock. This different approach did not stop them from releasing commercial hits and soaring high up on popular music charts. Brothers In Arms, the band's best record, would spawn seven singles consisting of "Money for Nothing," "Walk of Life," and "So Far Away."

Starting off slow with the roots rock sound, "So Far Away" properly introduces the record. Listening to this single puts me in a peaceful and calm place. Mark Knopfler, the band's leader and guitarist, contributes to the soothing track with an iconic slide guitar riff and melodic arpeggiated notes throughout. Hearing Knopfler's guitar track during this track is so satisfying.

The "heaviest" song on the album is second in-line. "Money for Nothing," an eight-and-a-half minute track, begins with an almost ominous introduction with Sting chanting "I want my MTV." The introduction slowly builds up tension with pounding drums and synth. To break that everlasting tension, Knopfler crashes in with that iconic, right-in-your-face guitar track we all love. The guitar part of this song is pretty tricky to play, but overall is incredibly fun! Sting's background vocals also accompany the song quite nicely.

Ending on a high note with "Money for Nothing," we are quickly introduced to "Walk of Life." As embarrassing as it may be, this is the track I heard on that Burger King commercial. Because of that, this track is my favorite off the LP. Right away, the synthesizer has a very uplifting tone that makes you feel cheerful. As if that is not enough, Mark quickly jumps in with a very pleasant rock 'n' roll rhythm with a handful of chord changes. This very pop-based song is destined to turn anybody's negative mood around.

Following "Walk of Life," the album slows down with its tracks. Instrumental is mainly heard throughout the rest of these tracks and occasional vocals from Mark. While these tracks may not be as important as the singles, they really highlight the band's talented musicianship.

Of the last few tracks on Brothers In Arms, "Ride Across the River" is very interesting. This track is nothing like the band's other tracks. The song almost sounds like something from Latin-America with its percussion and guitar riffs. The lyrics are also very intriguing as they depict guerrilla warfare.

To conclude such an iconic album of the 1980s, the band took a more memorable, slower approach. Out of respect for the Falklands War that occurred that year, the band paid its respects to those affected by the conflict. Ending such a great album with dedication is just so powerful. I respect Dire Straits significantly for taking this approach. Like the other tracks, this song highlights the band's excellent musicianship (especially heard from Knopfler's beautiful solos).

After the release of Brothers In Arms, Dire Straits would rise to fame. However, while they still were popular around the world, their significance in music would slowly fade into late-80s-early-90s. I had always wished Mark Knopfler and the band would reunite and tour, but unfortunately, Mark clearly stated he will never reunite. That is no big deal though as us fans have plenty of material to play in legacy of this great band.