All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Wall of Sound

Sailing to Philadelphia represents yet another high watermark in his impressive recording career.... If there's anything to quibble about here, it's that the CD's energy sags because it contains so many ballads and mood pieces.

Read Full Review >

Sonicnet

With Sailing to Philadelphia, however, Knopfler fully reclaims his near-unique position as an instrumentalist of purpose -- one whose every note seems to have a reason for being. That reason, of course, is in service of his beautifully written and masterfully arranged songs.

Read Full Review >

The Onion (A.V. Club)

Sailing To Philadelphia often sounds outright anachronistic, from the "Sultans Of Swing"-like "What It Is" to James Taylor's voice on the title track, yet it never comes across like another old English coot courting Baby Boomer record buyers. Knopfler's ability to keep his talents in check serves the music, which benefits from the simple structures and tiny (but significant) guitar flourishes.

Read Full Review >

Rolling Stone

With Sailing to Philadelphia, Knopfler has taken a break from the rootsy side projects and soundtrack work that have occupied him for the last seventeen years, and has evoked some of the grandeur of prime Dire Straits.

Read Full Review >

CDNow

Sailing to Philadelphia, the singer's guest-star-heavy sophomore outing, is a deliberate, grown-up record (in a season which has seen a pronounced lack of adult offerings) that feels -- heavily in places -- like Dire Straits: Five Years Later.

Read Full Review >

All Music Guide

True, Knopfler's basic approach remains the same - as a guitarist, he is still enamored of the minor-key finger-picking style of J.J. Cale, and as a singer/songwriter, he remains enthralled with Bob Dylan. But in one song after another on this album, you get the feeling that he started out playing some familiar song in a specific genre and eventually extrapolated upon it enough to call it an original.

Read Full Review >

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 9.0 (out of 10) based on 36 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Miguel D gave it a9:
Almost 7 years after its launch and I still enjoy it a lot (specially when driving my car on the highway). I looooooove it! It will remain there as a very good job from the centuries to the centuries, for sure!

Jacob L gave it a9:
A marvellous album. Standout solo on Speedway at Nazareth. Masterful guitar work.

Bea L gave it a10:
Great tunes on the whole cd

tam j gave it a10:
superb sound and wonderful history brought to the forefront...

Damo M gave it a10:
This ahd got to be Knopfler's best solo piece of work. All amateurs step aside, as a master shows how it's done!

Allen gave it a10:
I give it a 10. Great sound mix. James Taylor is excellent as ever. Love the music. Knopfler is the best.

Taural gave it a10:
Fantasic mix of tracks appealing to most tastes, with the sweet, soulful voice of James Taylor backing up the title track! A great CD to just relax to!

Music

Upcoming &Recent Releases

Sailing to Philadelphia

Album Info

Summary

Also On Metacritic

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

Upcoming &
Recent Releases