David Knopfler - Release (1983)

Review by Ali Sinclair
This early solo album from David Knopfler has a strong Dire Straits flavor, particularly "Madonna's Daughter," and where Mark Knopfler contributes his unmistakable rhythm guitar. However, David Knopfler's strong, sandpaper vocals and the gentle orchestral feel of some of the tracks make this album distinctly his own: "Sideshow" has a rocky, dance-almost-disco rhythm, there's some interestingly-dirty sax work on "Come to Me," and the recording closes with a memorable, late-night love song "The Great Divide."