Dire Straits, is the eponymous debut studio album by the British rock band Dire Straits released on 7 October 1978 by Vertigo Records internationally and by Warner Bros. Records in the United States. The album produced the hit single “Sultans of Swing”, which reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. The album reached #1 on album charts in Germany, Australia and France, #2 in the United States and #5 in the United Kingdom. Dire Straits was later certified double-platinum in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

Released: 7 October 1978

Recorded: 13 February – 5 March 1978 at Basing Street Studios, London

Genre: Pub rock, Roots rock

Length: 41:34

Label: Vertigo Warner Bros.

Producer: Muff Winwood

Singles released from the Album:

“Sultans of Swing” Released in May 1978

“Down to the Waterline / Water of Love” Released in June 1978