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The Ragpicker's Dream
by
The Ragpicker's Dream Image
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the third (non-soundtrack) solo album for the Dire Straits leader, and finds him in a somewhat acoustic, American roots style.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. Launch.com
    80
    About as far removed from Dire Straits as it can be.
  2. Mojo
    70
    Without ostentation, The Ragpicker's Dream draws his major sources together: R&B, country, North-East folk. [Oct 2002, p.106]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. PopMatters
    70
    Upon repeated listens, there are plenty of musical nuances to enjoy.
  4. AllMusic
    60
    The Ragpicker’s Dream is a restrained success, at least on its own terms. It may not please some of Knopfler’s old “Money For Nothing” fans, but at this stage, he’s obviously not trying to.
  5. Rolling Stone
    60
    An album that can express itself only through understatement.
  6. Q Magazine
    60
    Dig deeper, and you'll find rich arrangements more reminiscent of Knopfler's soundtrack work. [Oct 2002, p.110]
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  7. Uncut
    40
    A decent album of roots-tinged songs that showcases his terse guitar style and detached vocals to solid if unspectacular effect. [Nov 2002, p.122]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 8 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. linseyd
    Dec 20, 2006
    10
    great folksy album.
  2. OliverD
    Dec 17, 2002
    10
    This album is like an excellent bottle of wine. The first taste isn't the best, but the longer you have the better you like it. It is This album is like an excellent bottle of wine. The first taste isn't the best, but the longer you have the better you like it. It is Mark's best work so far, putting different music styles together. What a great musician! I simply love his music.… Expand
  4. EMILION
    May 24, 2006
    10
    Just another fabulous album from Knopfler. Hill farmer's blus ist simply wonderful
  5. MattR
    Oct 16, 2002
    8
    The first time you hear this album, it may really disappoint you, especially if you are looking for guitar solos or anything MK has done The first time you hear this album, it may really disappoint you, especially if you are looking for guitar solos or anything MK has done before. It grows on you, though, and while I prefer Goldenheart by a mile, it's worth a listen.… Collapse
  6. lowrykun
    Dec 14, 2005
    6
    This is a good, mello album. There is nothing too dynamic or catchy here, but not a bad album. It's quite a bit more folksy than some of This is a good, mello album. There is nothing too dynamic or catchy here, but not a bad album. It's quite a bit more folksy than some of the previous albums. Additionally, I think that his voice doesn't have the range or control that it once had (which isn't saying much because he has a pretty limited range).… Expand

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Most Shared Album of 2002