What makes Altamira by Mark Knopfler notable?

The album is notable for its unique role as a film soundtrack, which distinguishes it from Knopfler's previous works. It received positive reviews for its evocative compositions, contributing to the film's narrative and emotional depth, thereby reinforcing Knopfler's reputation as a versatile musician in both rock and cinematic music. By 2016, Mark Knopfler was transitioning into a more introspective phase of his career, having released several solo albums since the disbandment of Dire Straits. 'Altamira' serves as a soundtrack to the film of the same name and follows his 2015 album 'Tracker', showcasing his continued evolution as a storyteller and composer.

Altamira works well if you're into reflective storytelling through melodies, short bursts of emotional depth and delicate instrumentals for quiet moments.

How many songs are on Altamira?

Altamira has 10 tracks, running approximately 26 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Altamira

Mark Knopfler · 2016

26 min · 10 tracks · blues

A cinematic blend of folk melodies and reflective storytelling, capturing the essence of a prehistoric journey through sound.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Altamira — The title track sets the tone for the album, weaving together haunting melodies and lyrical imagery that evoke the spirit of ancient art and history.
→
Maria — This track features poignant guitar work paired with an emotionally resonant narrative, highlighting Knopfler's skill in character-driven songwriting.
→
Dream of the Bison — With its vivid descriptions and atmospheric instrumentation, this track encapsulates the album's themes of nature and history while showcasing Knopfler’s storytelling prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends cinematic elements with folk influences, showcasing strong craftsmanship and cohesive storytelling.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a slow build, layering strings and acoustic guitar to create a cinematic atmosphere.
Several tracks incorporate ambient sounds and field recordings, enhancing the storytelling aspect and connecting to the film's themes.
The instrumentation varies throughout, with some tracks featuring prominent piano melodies while others rely on guitar-driven arrangements.
The final track revisits motifs from earlier songs, creating a sense of closure and thematic unity.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

reflective storytelling through melodies
short bursts of emotional depth
delicate instrumentals for quiet moments
narrative arc in brief form

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, sprawling albums
seek high-energy, upbeat tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Serves as a film soundtrack, marking a departure from Knopfler's typical solo work.
Career context: By 2016, Mark Knopfler was transitioning into a more introspective phase of his career, having released several solo albums since the disbandment of Dire Straits. 'Altamira' serves as a soundtrack to the film of the same name and follows his 2015 album 'Tracker', showcasing his continued evolution as a storyteller and composer.
Stylistic neighbors: Dire Straits· James Taylor· Lyle Lovett