Straits is a band that gained popularity in the 1980s with their hit song “Money for Nothing.” The song was released in 1985 as part of their album “Brothers in Arms” and quickly became a chart-topping hit around the world.
The lyrics of “Money for Nothing” tell the story of a blue-collar worker who is watching music videos and criticizing the musicians he sees on television. The chorus repeats the phrase “money for nothing and chicks for free,” which became a catchy and memorable hook that helped propel the song to success.
One of the most distinctive elements of “Money for Nothing” is the iconic guitar riff that opens the song. Mark Knopfler, the lead guitarist of Straits, is known for his unique fingerpicking style and his ability to create melodic and memorable guitar parts. The riff in “Money for Nothing” is instantly recognizable and has become one of the most famous guitar riffs in rock music history.
The song’s music video also played a significant role in its success. The video featured groundbreaking computer-generated animation that was cutting-edge for its time. The video was nominated for several awards and helped to further establish Straits as a pioneering band in the world of music videos.
“Money for Nothing” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and winning a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The song’s success helped to solidify Straits as one of the most popular bands of the 1980s and cemented their legacy in the world of rock music.
Despite its catchy chorus and memorable guitar riff, “Money for Nothing” also faced criticism for its lyrics, which were seen as sexist and homophobic. In response to these criticisms, Straits issued a statement explaining that the song was meant to be a satire and a commentary on the excesses of the music industry.
Overall, “Money for Nothing” remains one of Straits’ most well-known and beloved songs. Its catchy chorus, iconic guitar riff, and groundbreaking music video all contributed to its success and solidified Straits as a band that pushed boundaries and broke new ground in the world of rock music.