Mark Knopfler

Sailing To Philadelphia

Future Classic

Review Score:

(10/10)
I still remember the first time I heard `Sultans of Swing' on the radio back in 1978. Wow! Mark Knopfler's unique guitar style - folksy blues with a British twist - struck a powerful chord, so to speak, not only with me, but with the entire post-disco music scene which was desperate for something fresh and intelligent. Knopfler delivered then, and unlike many of his contemporaries, has continued to deliver for the past 2+ decades. And unlike many other rock greats whose music tends to wane as they grow older, Knopfler's music only seems to get better. `Sailing to Philadelphia' is perhaps his best work ever.

Continuing his apparent love affair (or is it veiled derision) for everything American, Knopfler has written 13 powerful songs that cover the musical gamut both in style and lyric. From the melodious and lyrical title song about American frontiersmen James Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, to the haunting and poignant closing songs `Silvertown Blues' and `Sands of Nevada', Knopfler has outdone himself in range, mood and feeling covered by this landmark release.

This CD is destined to become a classic.

More Reviews: