It’s always a challenge for a band to follow up a hugely successful and influential album. And they don’t come much more successful than Dire Straits’ fifth studio release, Brothers in Arms. Six years later, Dire Straits released their sixth studio album, On Every Street. It was eagerly awaited by many, myself very much included.
I had all the band's previous albums and loved how their sound and music had developed over the years. Their self-titled debut remains an absolute favorite classic rock album and a regular listen. I was in the queue at a local record store on release day for On Every Street, September 9, 1991.
It wasn’t one of those moments everyone knows where they were. But I do recall the excitement and anticipation that day as I waited to get hold of the CD and get it home to listen to. And I can recall feeling maybe a touch disappointed when I did.
Dire Straits’ final album deserves another listen
That’s a bit of a harsh assessment, and one that changed quickly. I doubt I was alone in my thinking. Let’s face it, after such a long break, some band lineup changes, and Mark Knopfler adapting his style of music somewhat, this was never going to be more of the same. Not only was it likely to reach an even higher level than their 1985 classic.
So maybe it did fall a bit flat. I also recall telling myself that it would grow on me as I became more familiar with the album and its songs. That was definitely the case here. The album grew on me fairly quickly. It also continued to develop and take on a different perspective over a longer period, too.
The album wasn’t blessed with a load of hit singles. It did have some great songs, though. And went on to sell in the millions. On Every Street is still a great listen, perhaps overlooked and under the radar at times alongside their other great work. It’s more understated in places. The title track with its quiet start and opening three verses, just backed by piano, is a delight.
“Calling Elvis” picks up the slight country vibe, or is it more of a Memphis and Nashville sound? Knopfler chats his way through and indulges in some classic guitar work. In contrast to those two, “Heavy Fuel” rocks away in a grand stylsary
Dire Straits album On Every Street 35th anniversary
There is plenty more to come across the rest of the album tracks. They have a distinctive Dire Straits sound, but increasingly there is that Knopfler trademark style. That’s developed further over the years; his film scores and fingerpicking have come even more to the fore here. As they would continue to do in his solo music career.
In many ways, this album feels like a big step towards that solo work. Sure, it’s a band; it’s got more rock songs than Knopfler leaned into afterwards. But all the signs of what’s to come are there.
It’s a great album to revisit. Enhanced by time, and perhaps that lack of big single hits from it means it’s a bit less familiar, or more underplayed, than most of the band’s other releases. With the 35th anniversary of release about to be clocked up, there is a fresh release of the music
Coming out in October, there’s a Super Deluxe Edition of On Every Street on Blu-ray featuring three mixes of the album. That’s a 2026 Dolby Atmos Mix, a 2026 Dolby Atmos Instrumental Mix, and the Original 1991 Stereo mix remastered this year. Quite a collection to catch up on the final Dire Straits album again.
Add us as a preferred source on Google