Brothers in Arms

With this 1985 album, Dire Straits frontman/producer Mark Knopfler created an enduring rock manifesto. It’s smooth, well-crafted, and filled with sharp wit and social commentary: The super-catchy “Money for Nothing” skewers the idea of pop stardom while simultaneously embracing it, the moody title song tackles the ridiculousness of war, and the poppy “Walk of Life” uses a street busker’s story to make a bigger statement. It’s diverse, too—“Ride Across the River” blends blues, Latin, and Caribbean music while “Your Latest Trick” touches on jazz.