Brothers in Arms Songs Ranked
Brothers in Arms is the fifth studio album by British rock band Dire Straits, released on 13 May 1985 through Vertigo Records internationally and through Warner Bros. Records in the US. It spent a total of 14 non-consecutive weeks at number one on the UK Albums Chart (including ten consecutive weeks between 18 January and 22 March 1986), nine weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 in the US and 34 weeks at number one on the Australian Albums Chart. Brothers in Arms was the first album certified ten-times platinum in the UK and is the eighth-best-selling album in UK chart history. It is certified nine-times platinum in the US and is one of the world’s best-selling albums, having sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. The album won a Grammy Award in 1986 for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical and Best British Album at the 1987 Brit Awards; the 20th Anniversary Edition won another Grammy in 2006 for Best Surround Sound Album. Q magazine placed the album at number 51 in its list of the 100 Greatest British Albums Ever. It was also among ten albums nominated for the best British album of the previous 30 years by the Brit Awards in 2010, ultimately losing to (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? by Oasis. Here are all of Brothers in Arms songs ranked.
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99. One World
“This is a Bluesy track with a touch of Country. Nice guitar work by Knopfler and nice Bass work by Illsley. One World also has a cool part where the harpsichord (I think) comes in for a quick melody with the vocals.
8. The Man’s Too Strong
“In ‘The Man’s too strong’ Mark used his guitar to create a sound that is quite acoustic but not fully. Different. It deals with confession of a criminal. This is a song where Dire Straits show some of the Folk Music influence. Knopfler’s guitar work is again outstanding.”
7. Why Worry
“Knopfler’s guitar work is outstanding – you can almost pick it out note by note. This is the album’s longest track – and well worth the 8+ minutes of music – particularly the instrumental to close this song. This is really good stuff.”
See more: Dire Straits Albums Ranked
6. Ride Across the River
“This is a very underrated song. The song opens with a cross of an African and Latin sound. Knopfler’s guitar takes on almost a “Carlos Santana” feel in this song. There are also some clever use of horns in this song.”
5. Your Latest Trick
“This has become a legendary song by Dire Straits. Knopfler’s guitar won’t be the star here. The horn work is going to really distinguish this song – combined with Knopfler’s vocals of course. It has an R&B feel to open the song. This is also a well written song as well.”
4. So Far Away
“When this song was played on the radio, it didn’t blow me away. Listening to this remastered version gives me a new appreciation. Here is a song where Knopfler is not the star – John Islley provides some terrific Bass work (especially the opener) while Guy Fletcher and Alan Clark provide some terrific Keyboard work.”
See more: Dire Straits Songs Ranked
3. Walk of Life
“This is the one “pop” song on the album. Many criticize this song because of the use of the electric organ, but I think it blends well with Knopfler’s guitar chords. While it isn’t the best track on the collection, it does provide a bit of a retro sound and show Dire Straits’ versatility.”
2. Money for Nothing
“his is the legendary song co-written and co-performed by Sting. This is the full version of the song – not the badly butchered radio-edit that was heard on radio (and unfortunately was included on the Dire Straits compilation “Sultans of Swing: The Very Best of Dire Straits”). Several factors are going to highlight this very complete song: The unique blend of vocals between Knopfler and Sting; the legendary guitar work by Knopfler; some outstanding drum work (particularly right before Knopfler’s legendary guitar solo), and of course, the humorous lyrics from the standpoint of two blue-collar workers making fun of Rock Stars (this song seems to have stood the test of time).”
1. Brothers In Arms
“At first I asked myself how this song ever became the title track for such a great album – I felt it was too “soft”. However, the more I listen to it – the more I liked it. Once again, Knopfler’s guitar almost has a “Carlos Santana” feel to it. The song has a bit of a dark side to it when you compare it to the upbeat “Money for Nothing” and “Walk of Life”
