Dire Straits had difficulty surpassing it throughout their career...

It's a bid sad when a band comes along, puts out something momentous, and then struggles to maintain that level, going forward. Dire Straights was certainly that kind of band. I was in my 20's, as well, and I can put myself in that moment. There was so much going on in music in those days...

To their credit, several of their hits from that album have remained relevant to today. That is perhaps the strongest testament to the quality or innovative nature of a piece of music. It's ability to transcend the test of time.

Glad to see you back posting, @mammasitta!