The List of Dire Straits Albums in Order of Release Date

All Dire Straits Albums Available on:  Apple Music 

Also See: Pink Floyd Albums in Order

How many albums does Dire Straits have?

The discography of Dire Straits consists of six studio albums, three live albums, three compilation albums, two extended plays and 31 singles.

The List of  Dire Straits Albums in Order of Release Date

Here is the list of Dire Straits Album in Order of Release Date:

1. Dire Straits — 9 June 1978
2. Communiqué — 15 June 1979
3. Making Movies — 17 October 1980
4. Love over Gold — 20 September 1982
5. Brothers in Arms — 17 May 1985
6. On Every Street — 9 September 1991

All Dire Straits Albums List in Order

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1. Dire Straits (1978)

Tracks:

1. Down to the Waterline
2. Water of Love
3. Setting Me Up
4. Six Blade Knife
5. Southbound Again
6. Sultans of Swing
7. In the Gallery
8. Wild West End
9. Lions

Released on June 9, 1978, Dire Straits marked the powerful entry of the British rock band into the music world. Featuring the iconic single “Sultans of Swing,” which climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, the album brought international acclaim. Recorded at London’s Basing Street Studios with Mark Knopfler’s masterful guitar work, the album blends rock, folk, and country elements with introspective lyrics. Produced by Muff Winwood, the album peaked at No. 2 in the U.S., No. 5 in the UK, and topped charts in Germany, Australia, and France. It was later certified double platinum, cementing its legacy.

2. Communiqué (1979)

Tracks:

1. Once Upon a Time in the West
2. News
3. Where Do You Think You’re Going?
4. Communiqué
5. Handed Sailor
6. Follow Me Home

Communiqué is Dire Straits’ second studio album, released on June 5, 1979, through Vertigo Records internationally, and Warner Bros. Records in the U.S. The album solidified the band’s growing reputation with its polished production by Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett at Compass Point Studios in Nassau. Featuring tracks like “Lady Writer,” which charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart, the album achieved notable commercial success, reaching number one in Germany, Spain, New Zealand, and Sweden. It marked the final appearance of rhythm guitarist David Knopfler. Certified gold in the U.S. and double platinum in France, Communiqué remains a landmark in Dire Straits’ discography.

3. Making Movies (1980)

Tracks:

1. Tunnel of Love
2. Romeo and Juliet
3. Skateaway
4. Expresso Love
5. Hand in Hand
6. Solid Rock
7. Les Boys

Making Movies is the third studio album by British rock band Dire Straits, released on October 17, 1980. A landmark in their discography, the album blends intricate storytelling and sophisticated musicianship. It features iconic tracks like “Romeo and Juliet,” a UK Top 10 hit, and “Tunnel of Love,” later showcased in the film An Officer and a Gentleman. Produced by Mark Knopfler and Jimmy Iovine, it incorporates Roy Bittan’s rich keyboard textures. Recorded at New York’s Power Station, the album reached No. 1 in Italy and Norway and was certified double platinum in the UK. Making Movies remains a critical and commercial triumph.

4. Love over Gold (1982)

Tracks:

1. Telegraph Road
2. Private Investigations
3. Industrial Disease
4. Love over Gold
5. It Never Rains

Love Over Gold is the fourth studio album by British rock band Dire Straits, released on September 24, 1982, through Vertigo Records internationally and Warner Bros. in the U.S. The album showcases Mark Knopfler’s lyrical storytelling and intricate guitar work, featuring hits like “Private Investigations,” which peaked at #2 in the UK, and “Industrial Disease,” a U.S. chart success. Renowned for its progressive rock elements, the record includes the epic “Telegraph Road” and the atmospheric title track. Chart-topping worldwide, it was certified multi-platinum in Canada and the UK. Notably, it marked drummer Pick Withers’ last collaboration with the band.

5. Brothers in Arms (1985)

Tracks:

1. So Far Away
2. Money for Nothing
3. Walk of Life
4. Your Latest Trick
5. Why Worry
6. Ride Across the River
7. The Man’s Too Strong
8. One World
9. Brothers in Arms

“Brothers in Arms,” Dire Straits’ fifth studio album, released on May 17, 1985, is a landmark in music history. It was the first album to surpass one million sales in the CD format, showcasing the shift towards digital media. Dominating charts worldwide, it spent 14 weeks atop the UK Albums Chart, nine weeks on the Billboard 200, and a staggering 34 weeks in Australia. Certified nine-times platinum in the U.S. and ten-times platinum in the UK, it remains one of the best-selling albums globally, with over 30 million copies sold. Its Grammy-winning engineering, iconic tracks like “Money for Nothing,” and cultural impact solidify its legendary status.

6. On Every Street (1991)

Tracks:

1. Calling Elvis
2. On Every Street
3. When It Comes to You
4. Fade to Black
5. The Bug
6. You and Your Friend
7. Heavy Fuel
8. Iron Hand
9. Ticket to Heaven
10. My Parties
11. Planet of New Orleans
12. How Long

On Every Street stands as Dire Straits’ sixth and final studio album, released on September 9, 1991, by Vertigo Records internationally and Warner Bros. Records in the U.S. Following the immense success of Brothers in Arms, this album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and achieved Platinum status in the United States. Produced by Mark Knopfler and the band, it features a rich lineup, including session musicians like Jeff Porcaro and Paul Franklin. Promoted through a 14-month world tour spanning 216 shows, it marked the band’s swan song before disbanding in 1995, with Knopfler pursuing a solo career.

Conclusion:

The discography of Dire Straits is a testament to their profound influence on rock music, blending country, folk, blues, and jazz into a unique sound that set them apart. Exploring Dire Straits Albums in Order reveals the evolution of a band that defined the late 20th-century music scene. From their self-titled debut featuring the iconic “Sultans of Swing” to the groundbreaking Brothers in Arms, each album captures their artistry and innovation. Despite disbanding in 1995, their legacy endures, cemented by over 100 million album sales, Grammy and Brit Awards, and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2018.

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