Duran Duran is an English pop rock band that emerged in the early 1980s and became one of the most successful and iconic bands of the era. Known for their stylish image, catchy melodies, and a fusion of new wave, synth-pop, and dance elements, Duran Duran captivated audiences worldwide with their infectious music and innovative music videos.
Formed in Birmingham, England, in 1978, Duran Duran consisted of vocalist Simon Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, bassist John Taylor, drummer Roger Taylor (no relation to John Taylor), and guitarist Andy Taylor. They quickly gained attention for their suave and glamorous image, which helped them stand out in the post-punk and new wave scenes.
Duran Duran’s breakthrough came with their self-titled debut album in 1981, which included the hit singles “Girls on Film” and “Planet Earth.” Their sound, characterized by catchy hooks, atmospheric synths, and infectious rhythms, captured the spirit of the 1980s and resonated with a global audience. The band’s popularity skyrocketed with the release of their second album, “Rio,” in 1982, featuring hits like “Hungry Like the Wolf” and the title track “Rio.” Their innovative and visually stunning music videos, often set in exotic locations, further enhanced their appeal.
Throughout the 1980s, Duran Duran continued to dominate the charts with chart-topping singles like “The Reflex,” “A View to a Kill,” and “Notorious.” Their success extended beyond the music industry, as they became symbols of the New Romantic and MTV-driven era. The band’s distinctive style and fashion-forward image influenced countless musicians and set trends in both music and fashion.
Despite lineup changes over the years, Duran Duran has remained active and has consistently released new music. They have explored different genres and experimented with their sound, incorporating elements of rock, funk, and dance into their later works. Their longevity and ability to evolve have solidified their status as one of the most enduring and influential bands in pop music.
Duran Duran’s impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. They helped define the sound and style of the 1980s and left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their catchy songs, charismatic performances, and timeless appeal continue to captivate audiences, making them icons of the new wave era and beyond.
1. “New Moon On Monday” (from Seven And The Ragged Tiger, 1983)
This Duran Duran classic has made the list of '10 Best Duran Duran Songs of All Time'. The track 'New Moon On Monday' from the album 'Seven And The Ragged Tiger', released in 1983, is a testament to the band's ability to produce an infectious beat and a catchy chorus. This song captures the essence of their signature sound from this era.
The upbeat melody and Simon Le Bon's voice create an energizing atmosphere, which conveys its message as a love song with some poignant storytelling elements mixed in. The use of the lyrics "Shake up the picture, the lizard mixture" shows how creative, as well as peculiar, these artists can be.
The musical arrangements are intricate, and it provides each member with an exclusive opportunity to shine. The keyboards provide a distinctive presence throughout while the guitars add their signature flavor to bring everything together. Nick Rhodes’ sublime keyboard skills coupled with Le Bon’s vocals make this track one of their most memorable performances yet.
Pro Tip: Listen to New Moon On Monday during late-night parties or road trips with friends for an unforgettable experience.
Get ready to feel like you're starring in your own music video with Girls On Film, the hit song that will have you voguing like Madonna in no time.
2. “Girls On Film” (from Duran Duran, 1981)
This hit song from Duran Duran's eponymous debut album in 1981, has captivated music fans and critics alike with its catchy beat and funky sound. "Girls On Film" showcases the band's unique fusion of rock, funk, and pop influences. The groovy bassline and memorable guitar riffs are complemented by Simon Le Bon's sensual vocals, which tell a story about the glitz and glamor of the fashion industry.
The song was accompanied by a controversial music video that featured scantily clad models and hinted at raunchy behavior behind the scenes. Despite the controversy, the video helped propel "Girls On Film" to success on MTV and other music channels.
What makes this song stand out is its ability to capture the essence of the early '80s pop scene while remaining timeless in its appeal. It remains a fan favorite today and is often cited as one of Duran Duran's signature hits.
One interesting detail about "Girls On Film" is that it was originally intended as a B-side track but ended up stealing the show when it was released as a single. This serves as a testament to the band's creative genius and their ability to surprise fans with unexpected hits.
Whether you were rocking out to this track when it first came out or discovering it for the first time, there is no denying its place among Duran Duran's greatest hits.
Listening to “Rio” is like stepping into a time machine and being transported to the coolest party of the 80s.
3. “Rio” (from Rio, 1982)
One of Duran Duran's biggest hits is a track referred to as “Rio.” This song was released as part of their album also titled Rio, which was released in the year 1982. The song can be described as an upbeat and cheerful track that features the band's signature sound, especially with its use of electronic instruments. It has become one of the band's most recognized songs due to its catchy chorus and memorable lyrics.
The song is said to be influenced by vocalist Simon Le Bon's love for carnival and dance music. The title itself refers to the city of Rio De Janeiro in Brazil, which is known for its vibrant culture and carnival celebrations. In terms of composition, “Rio” features a combination of bassline from John Taylor, synthesizers from Nick Rhodes, guitar work from Andy Taylor, and drums by Roger Taylor that work together seamlessly.
“Rio” showcases Duran Duran’s ability to combine rock with pop sensibilities that make it attractive to listeners across various age groups. The song has been used extensively in popular culture, including in movies like TV show American Dad!; this further cements its legacy as one of the band’s most famous tracks.
For fans nostalgic about the era of new wave and synth-pop music revolutionizing mainstream music in the early 1980s – “Rio” remains a timeless classic.
The only thing ordinary about this song is how it consistently makes me cry into my vodka tonic.
4. “Ordinary World” (from Duran Duran – The Wedding Album, 1993)
With its heartfelt lyrics and emotive melodies, "Ordinary World" from Duran Duran's 1993 album 'The Wedding Album' remains a timeless classic. Simon Le Bon's vocals blend seamlessly with the soaring strings and delicate piano to create a poignant reflection on loss and survival in an unpredictable world. As one of the band's most successful singles, this track showcases Duran Duran's innate ability to create music that speaks directly to the listener's heart.
Building upon their impressive discography, "Ordinary World" is a standout track that showcases the depth and versatility of Duran Duran's sound. From its evocative opening notes to its soaring chorus, this song resonates with fans across generations. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the band's ability to craft moving compositions that stand the test of time.
Despite being released nearly three decades ago, "Ordinary World" continues to captivate audiences around the world. Its universal themes of love, loss, and hope are as relevant today as they were when it was first recorded. The song has become a staple in countless movies, TV shows, and advertisements, solidifying its place in pop culture history.
Legend has it that John Taylor suggested changing the original title – "Save A Prayer" – to "Ordinary World". The new name added weight to Simon Le Bon’s already compelling lyrics about finding redemption after experiencing tragedy. It was a wise decision; "Ordinary World" went on to become one of Duran Duran’s biggest hits and established them as iconic musicians who stand the test of time.
Who knew stalking could sound so catchy? Duran Duran's 'Hungry Like The Wolf' will have you singing along to a song about hunting down prey.
5. “Hungry Like The Wolf” (from Rio, 1982)
This hit single from Duran Duran's Rio album in 1982 demonstrated the band's signature synth-pop sound and has remained a staple of their live performances. The upbeat tempo, catchy chorus, and Simon Le Bon's powerful vocals have resulted in "Hungry Like The Wolf" being recognized as one of the best examples of new wave music. Its success earned the band mainstream attention in the United States, thanks to iconic music videos that featured exotic locations and adventurous storylines.
Along with its commercial success, "Hungry Like The Wolf" also showcases Duran Duran's musical depth with a fusion of different genres like disco, rock, punk, and funk. This aspect is highlighted by Nick Rhodes's futuristic keyboard work and John Taylor's propulsive basslines. It was recorded at George Martin's AIR Studios in London with producer Colin Thurston. Additionally, the drumming on this track is from Roger Taylor with heavy use of Simmons electronic drums.
Interestingly enough, despite its massive popularity on US radio stations, "Hungry Like The Wolf" didn't chart as high in the UK sales charts until its re-release in 1993 for a charity event supporting War Child.
As one of Duran Duran's most recognizable songs to date it helped them establish their style which made them stand out from other New Romantic bands around at that time. On the song’s enduring success, Simon Le Bon said: “It was the song that took us around America… We owe ‘Hungry Like The Wolf’ everything.”
Is There Something I Should Know? Well, besides the fact that Duran Duran is still slaying after all these years.
6. “Is There Something I Should Know?” (From Duran Duran, 1981)
This hit song from Duran Duran's self-titled debut album showcases the band's signature New Wave sound. With catchy hooks and an infectious chorus, “Is There Something I Should Know?” quickly climbed the charts and became a fan favorite. Simon Le Bon's distinctive vocal delivery and the band's tight instrumentation make this track a standout in their discography. Its success helped establish Duran Duran as one of the premier acts of the 80s.
Save your prayers for after listening to this song, because Duran Duran just took you to church with their perfect blend of synth-pop and melancholic lyrics.
7. “Save A Prayer” (from Rio, 1982)
This hit song from Duran Duran's album Rio in 1982 is a classic, belting out a romantic message backed by a syncopated synth rhythm. The melody soothes the senses with seductive vocals and an ethereal chorus that hits all the right notes. "Save A Prayer" is known to transport listeners to another place with its melodic charm and cinematic scope. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, cementing its status as one of the band's most iconic tracks.
The lyrics paint vivid imagery of love, loss, and yearning amid whimsical instrumentation and intense percussions. The breathtaking music video adds to the allure of this track, highlighting the band's visuals prowess. This song represents Duran Duran at their artistic zenith, seamlessly blending pop hooks with evocative themes.
As one of their most acclaimed songs, "Save A Prayer" has inspired many fans around the world to follow Duran Duran's journey through music history. Its impact on popular culture cannot be overstated making it one of the top tracks on their musical legacy.
Pro Tip: Check out this live performance from 2005 for an electrifying version that will leave you awestruck.
Medazzaland may not have been their most successful album, but 'Electric Barbarella' proves that even Duran Duran's B-sides are better than most bands' hits.
8. “Electric Barbarella” (from Medazzaland, 1997)
This upbeat track, released in 1997, is a worthy addition to our list of Duran Duran's best songs. "Electric Barbarella" from the album Medazzaland showcases the band's versatility in experimenting with techno-pop sounds without losing their trademark style. The lyrics describe an idealized and seemingly robotic female companion, blending seamlessly with the futuristic instrumentals. The song's music video, featuring a lifelike doll that shifts into a human form, adds to its allure. "Electric Barbarella" proves that even after almost two decades of creating hits, Duran Duran continues to innovate and captivate their audience with fresh sounds.
Notably, this song was initially sold on a limited edition CD format within several VHS copies of the band's documentary film 'Three To Get Ready', becoming an instant collector's item among fans. Its electronic and upbeat sound perfectly complements Simon Le Bon's vocals, resulting in a piece that remains enthralling even after many listens.
Overall, "Electric Barbarella" represents Duran Duran's ingenuity as they continue to evolve musically. This track is definitely one worth remembering among their extensive discography and should be celebrated by fans old and new alike. Even Duran Duran knows that reflexes are important, especially when hitting that replay button on this classic remix.
9. “The Reflex” Remix (7″ single, 1984)
"The Reflex" was a hit Duran Duran remix released in 1984 as a 7-inch single. It is known for its unique sound and catchy tune that continues to be celebrated by fans to this day.
Below is a table breaking down the essential details of "The Reflex" Remix (7" single, 1984), including the musicians behind it, and its chart performance:
| Detail | Information | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 7-inch single | |
| Year of Release | 1984 | |
| Musicians | Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor | |
| Chart Performance | UK – #1 / US – #1 |
A unique feature of this remix is that it reimagines the original version's chorus with an extended instrumentation and new lyrics. This outstanding update brings a fresh energy to the song and shows the band's willingness to push boundaries in their music.
It is interesting to note that "The Reflex" was initially thought to be too long for radio play but managed to top the charts in both the UK and US. This success is a testament to Duran Duran's skillful songwriting and their ability to create timeless music that transcends time and genre.
In fact, after making waves with its release in 1984, "The Reflex" remains one of Duran Duran's most well-known hits today. This reminds us why they are considered one of the most influential acts of all time with their success over decades.
Even Duran Duran wouldn't have bet on a song called 'What Are The Chances?' making it on their top 10 list.
10. “What Are The Chances?” (from Paper Gods, 2015)
This track off their 2015 album 'Paper Gods', holds the 10th position on our list. "What Are The Chances?" is a reflective and nostalgic piece that showcases Simon Le Bon's emotive vocals, which is accentuated with some alluring synth work by Nick Rhodes. Holding a melodic sway and a steady rhythmic flow, it’s the perfect balance of new flare and vintage emotions.
Its ability to captivate the listener makes it an essential addition to any fan's playlist, both old and new alike. Interestingly, the song has an alternative version with lyrics in French called "Les Cinq Sens," featured on the deluxe edition.
According to sources, this track was inspired from Le Bon’s near-death experience on board Drum during 1985 Trans-Atlantic Yacht Race. With sentimental overtones, airy tones give this pop ballad more character as it moves smoothly between past memoirs and present experiences.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
