Dire Straits – Communiqué

Dire Straits – Communiqué

Originally released in 1979, Communiqué is the second studio album from Dire Straits, following their hugely successful self-titled debut. Recorded at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, in December 1978, the album finds Mark Knopfler and the band developing the understated, blues-influenced rock sound that had made Sultans Of Swing such a breakthrough.

At the heart of Communiqué is Mark Knopfler's distinctive guitar playing and understated vocal style, supported by David Knopfler on rhythm guitar, John Illsley on bass and Pick Withers on drums. The music combines elements of blues, rock'n'roll and roots rock with Knopfler's characteristically economical guitar work, creating a relaxed and spacious sound rather than the heavier approach associated with much late-1970s rock. All nine songs were written by Knopfler.

The album opens with the atmospheric “Once Upon A Time In The West”, followed by “News” and the reflective “Where Do You Think You're Going?”. The title track, “Communiqué”, is another extended example of Knopfler's laid-back songwriting, while “Lady Writer” provides the album's most immediate rock single and became a UK Top 10 hit. The song's fluid guitar work and driving rhythm make it one of the most recognisable tracks from Dire Straits' early period.

The second side continues with “Angel Of Mercy”, the bluesy “Portobello Belle”, “Single-Handed Sailor” and the atmospheric closing track “Follow Me Home”. Together they demonstrate the band's ability to move between blues-rock, gentle narrative songwriting and more spacious instrumental passages without losing their distinctive identity. The album's nine-track sequence is concise but gives Knopfler plenty of room for his expressive guitar playing and detailed storytelling.

Although Communiqué arrived less than a year after the debut, it established Dire Straits as a major international rock act and paved the way for the more ambitious albums that followed, including Making Movies, Love Over Gold and the enormous worldwide success of Brothers In Arms. For collectors of Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler, classic rock, blues-rock and late-1970s British guitar music, Communiqué remains an essential part of the band's original catalogue.

Side A

1. Once Upon A Time In The West
2. News
3. Where Do You Think You're Going?
4. Communiqué

Side B

1. Lady Writer
2. Angel Of Mercy
3. Portobello Belle
4. Single-Handed Sailor
5. Follow Me Home