Missing...Presumed Having a Good Time
Mark Knopfler · 1990
40 min · 11 tracks · blues
A blend of rootsy Americana and introspective narratives wrapped in Knopfler's signature guitar work and warm vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Your Own Sweet Way — This track stands out with its lush instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, encapsulating the album's theme of personal reflection and yearning.
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Blues Stay Away From Me — A poignant cover that highlights Knopfler's ability to merge classic blues elements with his own storytelling style, showcasing deep emotional resonance.
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Feel Like Going Home — The closing track evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, featuring an evocative narrative that reflects on the nature of home.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Knopfler's first solo effort blends personal narratives with strong guitar work, showcasing his evolution as an artist.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a rhythmic acoustic guitar pattern that sets a laid-back tone, which is maintained throughout most tracks.
- Several songs feature extended instrumental sections, allowing Knopfler's guitar work to take center stage without vocals.
- The lyrics often reflect personal and introspective themes, with storytelling elements that unfold gradually over the course of each song.
- The final track features a slow build-up, culminating in a gentle fade-out that leaves a lingering sense of reflection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- steady mid-tempo reflective journey
- thoughtful storytelling through music
- for quiet evenings
- gentle background for conversations
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy listening sessions
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on March 6, 1990, 'Missing...Presumed Having a Good Time' is Mark Knopfler's first solo album after the breakup of Dire Straits. The record signifies a shift in his career as he explores more personal themes and acoustic sounds, marking a departure from the stadium rock style that defined his previous band's later years.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dire Straits· James Taylor· Lyle Lovett
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Railroad Worksong 5:28
- 2 Bewildered 2:37
- 3 Your Own Sweet Way 4:32
- 4 Run Me Down 2:25
- 5 One Way Gal 3:10
- 6 Blues Stay Away From Me 3:51
- 7 Will You Miss Me 3:52
- 8 Please Baby 3:50
- 9 Weapon of Prayer 3:10
- 10 That's Where I Belong 2:51
- 11 Feel Like Going Home 4:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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