Anyway, Mark Knopfler's latest solo release is a beautiful, sedate album that sits well with repeated listenings. This is nothing like his Dire Straits work, and I am glad for it. There is nothing worse than an artist going solo and merely recreating what he did in the band. I have heard one other solo album from Knopfler, 2004's Shangri-La. It has been awhile since I have given it a listen, but I remember liking it as well, noting the differences from Dire Straits.
Get Lucky sounds like a deeply personal album. There is something about these songs that cut through any sense of pretense and has its focus in the right place. Each song has a different feel, each song adds its own personal feel to the work as a whole. Mark Knopfler displays some wonderful songwriting skills and has a great guitar sound.
The album feels full and robust while simultaneously feeling sparse and stripped down. It is hard to describe. There are layers of electric and acoustic guitars, some wind instruments, a steady pulse of drums, all backing Knopfler's relaxed and distinctive voice.
As I listen to this, I want to put it in a similar category as Warren Zevon's The Wind or Bob Dylan's Modern Times. I do not think this is as good as either of those albums, but there is a distinct similarity to the folk-rock stylings, laid back feel, and distinctive voices between them. Plus, it works as a better comparison than trying to shoehorn this into the Dire Straits discography.
Songs to focus on: "Hard Shoulder," "Cleaning My Gun," "Get Lucky," and "Remembrance Day."
Bottomline. If you want some nicely written and executed laid back tunes on the folk-rock tip, this is going to be one you want. There is some strong guitar work and you cannot find anyone who sounds quite like Mark Knopfler.
Recommended.
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