Released in 1979, Communiqué is Dire Straits’ second studio album, a smooth and refined follow-up to their self-titled debut. With Mark Knopfler’s signature fingerstyle guitar work and narrative lyricism at the forefront, the album leans into a more laid-back, blues-infused sound while maintaining the band’s sharp storytelling edge.

Tracks like “Once Upon a Time in the West” and “Lady Writer” showcase Knopfler’s gift for painting vivid scenes through music, while “Portobello Belle” and “Follow Me Home” add a warm, almost cinematic quality to the record. The production, handled by Jerry Wexler and Barry Beckett, gives the album a polished feel without losing the raw authenticity of the band’s early work.

Communiqué may not chase the charts, but its subtle confidence and atmospheric charm have earned it a lasting place in the Dire Straits discography. It's a thoughtful, travel-worn collection that captures the sound of a band growing more comfortable in their identity, one carefully crafted track at a time.

Tracklist:

Side A:
A1 Once Upon A Time In The West
A2 News
A3 Where Do You Think You're Going?
A4 Communiqué

Side B:
B1 Lady Writer
B2 Angel Of Mercy
B3 Portobello Belle
B4 Single-handed Sailor
B5 Follow Me Home