Released in 1985, Dire Straits’ Brothers In Arms was not only a defining moment in the band’s career, but it was a landmark release. With its blend of poignant songwriting, intricate guitar work, and state-of-the-art production, the album resonates as a timeless masterpiece with an equally compelling piece of cover art that blends perfectly with the music.

While the fanfare surrounding this record is absolutely justified, it’s an album that has long divided music lovers and audiophiles for there are so many different versions (masterings) that one needs to question if it is the sonic quality, or the music itself, that should be at the forefront when listening to Brothers In Arms.

Here at Subjective Sounds, you’ll get both perspectives, but I do lean towards the music rather than sonic prowess alone. Let’s start with the formats, and then discuss the music, shall we?

With over 500 versions of Brothers In Arms listed on Discogs, one would rightfully find selecting a definitive edition to be tricky, if not impossible. While I obviously can’t review every release, I’ll give you my thoughts based on the versions I’ve been fortunate to have listened to.

The releases include:

• The Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab 2015 release (MFSL 2-441)

• The 20th Anniversary Vertigo (9871498) Hybrid SACD edition

• The Apple Music 16-bit/44.1kHz ALAC lossless stream

What’s most interesting, however, is that the Hybrid SACD contains not only the CD version of the album but also the HDCD, SACD Stereo 2.0 mix, and the SACD 5.1 Surround Sound Mix. That single disc has so many different versions on it that it really showcases just how well the Hybrid SACD format could be utilised for a mass market release; a release that could appeal to all music lovers, rather than just audiophiles.

While multiple options are (usually) a good thing, sometimes there can be too much of a good thing and in this instance, less is more. Yes, dear reader, I drove myself to the point of insanity, listening to every version and the truth is that I couldn’t pick a winner for each exhibited their own uniqueness and none were what I would consider to be flawed. Certainly, I had my preferences, but I could never quite lock one in; until now.

So, which version did I prefer and why?

I chose to go with the lossless Apple Music stream. Blasphemy, I hear you say. The problem was I was listening for faults and minute elements rather than simply enjoying the music. Plus, when all else fails, sometimes good enough is…good enough.

Nevertheless, I’ll give a brief rundown on my experiences with the two physical versions, for those of you who may, or may not, wish to go through the torturous process of deciding which version you’d subjectively feel is better. And, yes, if you’ve put more money into your turntable setup than your SACD et al gear, that will be the one to go for, and vice versa.

Let’s start with the Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MOFI) edition; for it is magnificent. While I don’t condone MOFI’s deceit regarding the master tape sources they used, along with using a digital intermediary, the sonic reproduction, of this release, speaks for itself as you will be enveloped in the soundstage from the very first note to the last. Every musical element is positioned exactly where it should be and regardless of the volume you choose to play the album at, it’s going to sound incredible. While it isn’t necessarily affordable, although what is these days, if you’re after a record that will make your turntable sing, this is one you should certainly consider. You do have to deal with flipping the record over after two songs, however; a by-product of the album being pressed at 45rpm. Of course, original releases truncate some of the album’s greatest songs in order to have had it fit comfortably on a regular 33.3rpm release, so there will always be a tradeoff when it comes to vinyl editions.

As with all MOFI releases, the outer sleeve is thick, so much so that one would need to be determined to damage it before the sleeve would fall apart. It’s a lovely reproduction, even if the gatefold inner artwork is a little on the blander side.

Shifting our attention to the Hybrid SACD, the following summarises my thoughts on this all-inclusive release:

• 20th Anniversary CD is clean, perhaps a little too clean. By that, I mean that the bass response, while present, lacks a sense of emotive energy that is present in all other versions. It’s dynamic, yet a cohesion of musical elements is missing, thereby resulting in a lack of body and tonal warmth. Of course, many will point to the origins of the recording, being that it was one of the first albums to be recorded digitally, but it isn’t that; it simply lacks presence.

• 20th Anniversary HDCD sounds fantastic, especially compared to the CD version found on the Hybrid SACD; but it’s getting increasingly difficult to obtain players that can decode the HDCD layer. Nevertheless, the entire soundstage, bass elements, and treble range of the HDCD sparkles without being fatiguing and while it’s, arguably, not as smooth as the SACD Stereo Mix, it sounds right.

• 20th Anniversary SACD Stereo Mix is smoother than the HDCD version but arguably lacks detail as the treble range is rolled off considerably. While smoothness can also translate to warmth, the SACD Stereo Mix fails to impress me as much as the vinyl counterpart does as turning the volume up showcases its limitations in comparison to the aforementioned vinyl release. At higher volumes, it simply becomes less pleasurable to listen to. It’s my opinion that the 20th Anniversary SACD Stereo Mix is mastered a little too hot.

• 20th Anniversary SACD 5.1 Surround Sound Mix is a different beast entirely and if you’ve been listening to the stereo mix of Brothers In Arms for decades, the surround mix can take a little getting used to. While I appreciate the spectacle of it, with discrete sounds moving about my listening space, I still found myself preferring the stereo mix. It’s important to note, however, that I’m not a surround sound enthusiast, so I would recommend that you check out Mike’s Life In Surround YouTube channel and QuadraphonicQuad where the general consensus is highly positive.

If you’ve got this far I applaud your dedication as the testing and comparing, then writing and/or reading about it, can be about as interesting as watching grass grow. Nevertheless, as it pertains to the lossless Apple Music stream, derived from the 1996 CD remaster, I find myself at ease with its flexibility and convenience. Yes, I went there. Convenience is a must and if you have to flip a record too often, or find yourself constantly trying to decide which of the many versions on the SACD to listen to, then just like me you’ll find a breath of fresh air as it relates to the streamed edition. While it is not as resonant as the vinyl counterpart, nor as feature-rich as the Hybrid SACD, it is the simplicity that I appreciate.

As I mentioned earlier, sometimes less is more and, truthfully, I don’t feel as if I’m missing out on much, compared to the physical releases. The Apple Music stream is thoroughly enjoyable, and not at all fatiguing, ensuring that the core musical experience is maintained. Look, it won’t be for everyone, but as I subscribe to John Darko’s music-first audiophile mantra, it’s more than enough and listening to it, anywhere and everywhere, gives me immense joy without the constant nagging that comes along with comparing multiple editions.   

Hence, with all that in mind, let’s take a look at the music that makes up this legendary release.

So Far Away opens the album with a clean and steady rhythm that is largely unassuming but equally compelling. Setting the tone for the music to come, So Far Away is not only an enduring classic but its relaxed groove will appeal to just about any music lover as it sounds deceptively simple, yet its melodic sophistication ensures that it’s timeless.

Money For Nothing is, without a doubt, the most iconic track from the album with one of the most recognisable guitar riffs in rock history. This is pop-rock at its finest and despite being released in the mid-80s, no element pigeonholes it to that era. Much could be said about this landmark tune, including the often criticised controversial lyrics, but it’s in the listening that will determine one’s interest in Money For Nothing. So, take a listen and rock out for Dire Straits doesn’t get much better than this.

Walk Of Life lifts the tone of the album with its upbeat organ tuning and the song’s infectious rhythm. Providing a lighter, more playful counterpoint to much of the album’s introspective tone, Walk Of Life is a joyous track that has long been a fan favourite and a staple in Dire Straits’ live performances.

Your Latest Trick immediately sets itself apart from Walk Of Life, yet it doesn’t sound out-of-place in the album’s linear structure. Your Latest Trick is very much jazz meets soft rock, with lush instrumental arrangements and an intricate interplay between all musical elements. While it may not have set the charts on fire, when released as the final single from the album, it’s amongst Dire Straits’ greatest recordings and harkens back to their earlier releases, just with a tad more production and layered musicality.

Why Worry? is tender, meditative, and despite clocking in at eight minutes, I never tire of it and could listen to this song on repeat indefinitely. The soothing melody, combined with Knopfler’s gentle guitar work and delicate arrangement, makes this beautiful song a hidden gem.

Ride Across The River paints a vivid sonic landscape, one built on a foundation of Latin-inspired percussion and atmospheric synthesisers. The song is so immersive that it creates a cinematic listening experience and, despite being an album-only tune, is a core reason why Brothers In Arms is so respected.

The Man's Too Strong has a stark acoustic arrangement before delving into a more dramatic dynamic that will draw you in instantly. As it pertains to the various editions of this album, it’s songs such as this that can either make or break the record as the crescendo tends to be ear-piercing and shrill. In fairness, the Apple Music stream doesn’t deliver the low-end boldness that is heard on the vinyl release, but at the very least it doesn’t grind my senses.

One World injects a funky upbeat groove into the album. Its lively tempo and rhythmic interplay make it a refreshing change of pace; one that will find you toe-tapping and head-bopping along to this incredible tune.

Brothers In Arms is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that features one of Knopfler’s most emotive guitar performances and serves as a poignant closer to one of the greatest albums ever recorded.

Ultimately, Brothers In Arms is more than just a collection of songs, it’s an artistic statement that has stood the test of time; one that has sold more than 30 million copies worldwide. With its seamless blend of rock, jazz, and blues influences, there’s little doubt as to why this landmark release was not only so well received, but is amongst the greatest albums released in 1985.