Lyrics:

In his review for AllMusic, William Ruhlmann gave the album four and a half out of five stars, noting that Knopfler's 'intricate, introspective finger-picked guitar stylings make a perfect musical complement to the wistful tone of Bill Forsyth's comedy film.'[1] Ruhlmann continued, 'The low-key music picks up traces of Scottish music, but most of it just sounds like Dire Straits doing instrumentals, especially the recurring theme, one of Knopfler's more memorable melodies.'[1]

Rolling Stone magazine called Knopfler's film music debut an 'insinuating LP of charming, cosmopolitan soundtrack music—a record that can make movies in your mind.'[6]

For his Local Hero soundtrack, Knopfler received a BAFTA award nomination for Best Score for a Film

Track Listing

1. 'The Rocks and the Water' 3:30
2. 'Wild Theme' 3:38
3. 'Freeway Flyer' 1:47
4. 'Boomtown (variation Louis' Favourite)' 4:06
5. 'The Way It Always Starts' (Featuring Gerry Rafferty) 4:00
6. 'The Rocks and the Thunder' 0:45
7. 'The Ceilidh and the Northern Lights' 3:57
8. 'The Mist Covered Mountains' (Traditional, arrangement by Mark Knopfler) 5:13
9. 'The Ceilidh: Louis' Favourite, Billy's Tune' 3:57
10. 'Whistle Theme' 0:51
11. 'Smooching' 4:58
12. 'Stargazer' 1:31
13. 'The Rocks and the Thunder' 0:40
14. 'Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero' 4:55

Total length:
43:48