While the self-titled Dire Straits debut is a must-own for any music collection, their second album, Communiqué, is less edgy with a smoother all-over presentation that sees the band evolve from their origins; even though Communiqué was released several months post their 1978 debut. Those dismissing Communiqué as a clone of their first album suggest so because it is fashionable. I’d argue that while they are complementary they are entirely different beasts and should be appreciated in that manner.  

Visually, Communiqué is stunning. The album artwork pops due to its simplicity and use of white space while also permitting a sense of curiosity. It’s, in my opinion, the greatest album artwork ever released on any Dire Straits release. 

Sonically, the lossless Apple Music stream remaster of Communiqué is simply stunning. The entire recording was done so well that I dare suggest there isn’t a sonically compromised version available. It’s dynamic with no audible compression and while different masterings and subsequent releases exist, the Apple Music stream is, in my mind at least, perfect! 

Once Upon A Time In The West opens with Mark Knopfler’s magnificent guitar work that sets the tone for the entire album, but it is the depth of the overall mix and Pick Withers’ drum track that lights up Once Upon A Time In The West with a laid back vibe and sonic wonder that will cause you to raise your head in pure admiration. A magnificent opening track. 

News flows perfectly from the opening song, reducing the tempo, but not diluting the magnificence. Aside from Knopfler’s guitar work, David’s (on Rhythm Guitar) as well, John Illsley’s bass tracking provides the perfect emphasis that holds the sum of its parts together. Withers, again, knocks it out of the park with some of the best drumming you’ll ever hear.  

Where Do You Think You’re Going? continues the laid-back style of Communiqué and it is with this delicate nature that you can begin to thoroughly appreciate Dire Straits’ musical prowess for it isn’t always about the boldest presentation but the fluidity and how music makes us feel. In this case, Where Do You Think You’re Going? reminds me of why I love music.

Communiqué has a slight tempo boost with a little more twang. It’s Dire Straits 101, but as much as I enjoy Communiqué in the linear album format, it’s one song from the album that I generally don’t seek out on its own. As the title song, however, it’s perfectly suited, but I think the one aspect that has always bothered me with Communiqué is Knopfler’s vocal is too forward in the mix. Some may like that approach, and it isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but Dire Straits is as much a musical outfit as it is a vocal storytelling one and subsequently I appreciate their output for the musicality far more than I do the literal intent. 

Lady Writer may well have a Sultans Of Swing feel to it, and there’s no doubt in my mind that Sultans Of Swing is superior to Lady Writer, but just as much of AC/DC’s catalogue sounds the same to everything they’ve ever recorded, I consider Lady Writer to share the same similarity; arguably a positive aspect for fans of Sultans Of Swing. Plus, that guitar work throughout the second half of the song is exquisite in its own right.

The music video is naturally dated, but it isn’t bad for a faux live recording as it’s been edited in such a way that you get a sense of the energy the band had at the time. The audio, however, is atrocious. Granted, the existing videotapes probably aren’t in the best condition, but it would be great to see the record label rework the audio before distributing the video. 

Angel Of Mercy is toe-tapping gold and could almost be considered a country tune with the drawl and twang present throughout. There’s also a little Caribbean influence to be heard and while Angel Of Mercy isn’t necessarily a standout, it’s a solid B-side.

Portobello Belle has a Bob Dylan feel to it, as several other songs on the album do, and it is little wonder that Dylan employed the services of Mark Knopfler and Pick Withers for his magnificent 1979 release, Slow Train Coming. That, dear reader, is a much better correlation to make regarding a carbon copy of music than suggesting Communiqué lacks originality when compared to Dire Straits’ debut. 

Single Handed Sailor has some gorgeous guitar licks throughout but that closing solo is undoubtedly the highlight; stunning!  

Follow Me Home has an incredibly immersive soundstage with atmospheric elements that transport you to another location. It’s without a doubt one of the most relaxing tunes that Dire Straits ever recorded and is the perfect way to close this exceptional album as it encourages you to play the record again or sit in quiet contemplation and marvel at the audible wonder that is Communiqué.

While there are many killer tunes to be heard on Communiqué, there is little doubt in my mind that this is Dire Straits’ most cohesive album and therefore I implore you to listen to it linearly; I promise you won’t regret it! Of course, it’s also one of those special releases that will appeal to every occasion and situation but don’t listen to the detractors. It’s better than their debut and I’d even go as far as suggesting that it is their very best album and one of the greatest albums released in 1979..