Mark Knopfler - best solo albums: list, titles, tracks and clips, facts, full review

Mark Knopfler - legendary British rock musician. Or rather - not just a musician, but a singer, guitarist, songwriter, co-founder and leader of the iconic band Dire Straitsas well as a successful solo star! The collection of his best songs is beautiful and large - there is a reason why he is such a popular icon on the world stage. And he is also one of those guitarists whose signature is instantly recognisable. And, of course, let's not forget about his phenomenal way of performing - not quite recitative, but not quite singing in the classical sense of the word. In general - he is definitely an outstanding and talented man whose music is characterised by an incredible intimacy…

Knopfler began his solo career in the mid-90s. Since then he has released a lot of quality music, and managed to work with such world stars as Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Sting, Emmylou Harris and many others. But here's the strange thing: despite all his merits, Mark is remembered by many people inexcusably rare! And he doesn't even play with a plectrum, has produced many artists' records and was once a major star of the 80's with his legendary famous tennis headband! However, the only reason he's not the kind of star that people talk about all day long is because he seems to like to overshadow.

But even though his fans love him and call him jokingly. "modest."there is no one who doesn't know about Mark Knopfler! Even the modern generation finds his music appealing. And what to speak about music lovers with a long history? Today we decided to remember the most successful and favourite solo albums of this idol, and to be honest - this selection was not easy for us, because with each new record Mark became only better (at least in lyrical terms).

"Golden Heart" (1996)

"Heart of Gold." was Knopfler's first solo album, and it was a "direct hit in the bull's-eye", as they say. The record literally flew into the top 30 in a number of countries, giving fans unprecedented hits such as "Cannibals, Darling Pretty. and others. Notably, the latter composition was included in the soundtrack of the film "Smerch".

Soon after its release, critics and public alike noticed a curious fact: the song's "Cannibals."released as a second single, is very reminiscent of "Walk of Life." However, this did not prevent it from gaining recognition and love of the listeners. In general, the record was warmly received, except for some reviewers who found the sound of "Golden Heart" too predictable and banal. To taste and colour, as they say.

"Sailing to Philadelphia" (2000)

One of the favourite albums amongst Knopfler fans, "Sailing to Philadelphia." was a worthy discovery of the new millennium! It was a perfect continuation of Mark's solo journey, which, this time too, began to be compared with his work in Dire Straits. In general, it's a very interesting topic: if a musician breaks away from his cult band, that's it! You will be identified only with it all the time. Many stars have gone through this, including legendary ex-Beatles.

Criticism is criticism, but the fans were left absolutely delighted! The record is filled with amazing trackswhich with their enchanting sound will really take you on a little musical journey....

"The Ragpicker's Dream" (2002).

"A junk dealer's dream." - It is already clear from the title that this is a very dreamy work. And the delicate black-and-white cover only increases the listener's anticipation... Remarkably, this photo was later used as the cover for two novels at once!

This time the critics were more favourable: in their reviews they particularly emphasised the atmosphericity compositions, and beautiful motifs that "remind you of something pleasant."

"Shangri-La" (2004).

The 2004 album, on the other hand, had a more colourful and promising title. Shangri-La - that was the name given to the fictional country by science fiction writer James Hilton in his novel "Lost Horizon.". According to the writer's idea, it is a very beautiful, harmonious place, but at the same time filled with mysticism.

The album is notable for the fact that many tracks on it are inspired by the biographies and personalities of real famous people: in the "Boom, Like That." is one of the original owners of the McDonald's restaurant chain. Ray Kroc, в "Song for Sonny Liston" - boxer Sonny Liston. And so on.

"Down the Road Wherever" (2018).

And to round off the list, we've decided to end with a delightful - comparatively. "young". A record that saw the light of day in 2018.

In our opinion. "Down the Road Wherever" it's just an amazing and unreal atmospheric album! There is something in it that tugs at the heartstrings... Something warm, nostalgic, moderately lyrical. In general - if you want to relax and not think about anything, this is what you need. The very case when you can listen to the whole track-list from the beginning to the end.