Album Review — Communiqué (1979)
Following the runaway success of their 1978 debut Dire Straits, the British rock band Dire Straits returned less than a year later with their second studio album, Communiqué. Released on 15 June 1979, the record captured the band pursuing the same understated blend of blues, roots rock, and lyrical storytelling that had made them distinctive — albeit with less immediate critical adulation than the debut.
Recorded in late 1978 at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, the album was produced by Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett, veteran producers known for their work with American soul, R&B, and rock acts. Unlike many sophomore albums rushed to capitalize on early momentum, Communiqué feels like a natural extension of the band’s sound: mellow, melodic, measured, and rich in lyrical nuance.
Though not as immediately iconic as their debut, Communiqué reinforced Dire Straits’ identity as musicians focused on craft rather than flash. Many fans and collectors now regard it as an underrated classic in their catalog — a record that rewards repeated listening and reveals deeper layers over time.
Tracklist
All songs written by Mark Knopfler:
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Once Upon A Time In The West – 5:25
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News – 4:14
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Where Do You Think You're Going? – 3:49
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Communiqué – 5:49
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Lady Writer – 3:45
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Angel Of Mercy – 4:36
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Portobello Belle – 4:29
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Single‑Handed Sailor – 4:42
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Follow Me Home – 5:50
Clocking in at around 42 minutes, the album maintains a smooth flow between lyrical vignettes and instrumental interplay, reflecting Mark Knopfler’s rising confidence as a songwriter.
Album Credits
Artist: Dire Straits
Released: 15 June 1979
Recorded: 27 Nov 1978 – 10 Jan 1979
Studio: Compass Point Studios, Nassau, Bahamas
Producers: Jerry Wexler & Barry Beckett
Engineer: Jack Nuber
Mixed by: Gregg Hamm
Mastering: Bobby Hata
Art Direction: Alan Schmidt
Illustrations: Geoff Halpin
Band Line‑Up:
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Mark Knopfler – lead vocals, lead & rhythm guitars
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David Knopfler – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
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John Illsley – bass, backing vocals
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Pick Withers – drums, percussion
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Barry Beckett (B. Bear) – keyboards
This was David Knopfler’s final Dire Straits album before he left the band early in 1980 due to creative tensions during the next album’s sessions.
Musical Style & Themes
Musically, Communiqué treads similar ground to the debut: blues‑tinged roots rock, gentle grooves, and Mark Knopfler’s distinctive fingerpicked guitar lines. Tracks like Once Upon A Time In The West and Single‑Handed Sailor unfold like cinematic stories, combining evocative lyricism with spacious arrangements. Lady Writer — the album’s lead single — injects a bit more pop sensibility and became a concert staple.
Lyrically, the album explores introspection, relationships, and observation of everyday life, delivered with subtle wit and narrative precision rather than bombast. This reflective tone is part of the album’s enduring appeal: it doesn’t chase trends but invites the listener into its world one song at a time.
Commercial Performance & Grossing
Communiqué performed strongly worldwide, though it didn’t match the explosive breakthrough of the band’s debut:
Chart Success
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#1 in Germany, Spain, Sweden, and New Zealand
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#5 in the UK Albums Chart
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#11 in the US Billboard Albums Chart
Sales & Certifications
According to sales data, Communiqué has sold an estimated ~7 million copies worldwide. It achieved Gold status in the United States, Platinum in the UK, and Double Platinum in France, with significant sales in Germany and other European markets.
Though not as universally lauded as later albums like Brothers in Arms, these sales figures underscore the band’s global appeal during this early phase of their career.
Fun Facts & Trivia
🎸 Bahamas Recording Session: The band traveled to Compass Point Studios in Nassau — a sun‑soaked Caribbean setting that some fans feel influenced the album’s relaxed atmosphere.
🎤 Title Misinterpretation: In East Germany (GDR), Once Upon A Time In The West was reportedly frowned upon by authorities who thought the title suggested Western cultural domination.
🎶 Album Art Award: Some editions of the album’s cover and artwork were recognized for their design — reflective of the minimalist yet evocative aesthetic that matches the music itself.
🛳️ Touring Groundbreaker: The Communiqué Tour in 1979 included over 110 concerts across Europe and North America, solidifying Dire Straits’ reputation as a powerful live band early in their career.
Did You Know?
🔹 Communiqué debuted at #1 on the German charts, even while the band’s debut album Dire Straits was still charting high at #3 — a rare feat indicating their rapid rise in popularity.
🔹 Despite critical perceptions that the album was too similar to its predecessor, many fans appreciate its cohesive vibe and storytelling depth, arguing it rewards full‑album listening rather than hit‑single focus.
🔹 This is the last Dire Straits album featuring original rhythm guitarist David Knopfler before his departure.
Conclusion
Communiqué stands as a thoughtful and polished continuation of the sound Dire Straits introduced on their debut. With Mark Knopfler’s lyrical storytelling, seamless musicianship, and subtle emotional range, the album offers richness beyond its surface simplicity. While it may lack the immediate, smash‑hit identity of later records, its strong songwriting, global sales, and devoted fan appreciation make it a key chapter in the band’s early evolution.
