Dire Straits' Mark Knopfler announces new album: Listen to nostalgic single 'Ahead Of The Game'

25 January 2024, 14:07

Mark Knopfler will release a new album this year.

His first solo album since 2018, the former Dire Straits' main man and guitar icon will release One Deep River on 12th April 2024.

Produced by Mark Knopfler himself alongside long-time collaborator Guy Fletcher, the album was recorded at British Grove Studios in London.

Ahead of the album's release, Knopfler has shared the lead single 'Ahead Of The Game', a laid-back dreamy number which showcases his folk, rock, and blues influences.

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A nostalgia-tinged song about a singer and songwriter struggling to make it in the music industry, it features a trademark, jangly Knopfler guitar riff.

Released on his own British Grove label via Blue Note/EMI, you can listen to 'Ahead Of The Game' below:

Ahead Of The Game

The album's title and artwork draw upon Knopfler's deep-lying affection for and memories of the River Tyne which runs through his hometown of Newcastle.

"Crossing the Tyne is always on your mind," he said in a statement accompanying the announcement of One Deep River.

"It's what you were doing when you were leaving as a youngster and that feeling is always the same every time you do it."

"You're heading out or you’re coming back, and it just connects with your childhood. The power of it doesn’t go away."

There's a host of accomplished musicians that joined Mark Knopfler's band for One Deep River, which features himself on vocals and guitars of course, with all songs written by the Dire Straits legend.

Alongside Jim Cox and Guy Fletcher on keyboards, there is bassist Glenn Worf, drummer Ian Thomas, percussionist Danny Cummings, guitarist Richard Bennett and newcomer Greg Leisz on pedal and lap steel.

On whilst and uilleann pipes is Mike McGoldrick, John McCusker on fiddle, while sisters Emma and Tamsin Topolski add backing vocals.

For the full tracklist for One Deep River, see below:

1. 'Two Pairs Of Hands'

2. 'Ahead Of The Game'

3. 'Smart Money'

4. 'Scavengers Yard'

5. 'Black Tie Jobs'

6. 'Tunnel 13'

7. 'Janine'

8. 'Watch Me Gone'

9. 'Sweeter Than The Rain'

10. 'Before My Train Comes'

11. 'This One’s Not Going To End Well'

12. 'One Deep River'