Duran Duran is an English new wave and synth-pop band formed in Birmingham in 1978. The band is composed of singer Simon Le Bon, keyboardist Nick Rhodes, bassist John Taylor, drummer Roger Taylor, and guitarist Andy Taylor (no relation). They rose to fame in the early 1980s with hits such as “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Rio,” and “Girls on Film,” becoming icons of the era’s pop culture.
With a sound that combined pop hooks, dance beats, and an avant-garde aesthetic, Duran Duran was at the forefront of the new wave movement and helped shape the sound of 1980s pop music. Their music videos, featuring glamorous and stylish visuals, helped establish the music video as an art form in its own right.
Over the course of their career, Duran Duran has sold over 100 million records worldwide and won numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards and two Brit Awards. They continue to perform and record music, with their latest album, “Future Past,” set for release in 2021.
With their innovative sound and iconic style, Duran Duran remains a beloved and influential band in the history of pop music, inspiring generations of artists and fans alike.
10. “What Are The Chances?” (from Paper Gods, 2015)
“What Are the Chances?” is a single from Duran Duran’s 2015 album, “Paper Gods.” The song features a melodic piano-driven melody and poignant vocals, with lyrics that express a sense of longing and the hope for a second chance at love. The track’s introspective tone and emotive delivery have made it a fan favorite, and it showcases Duran Duran’s ability to create emotionally resonant pop music that speaks to the human experience. With “What Are the Chances?,” Duran Duran explores the power of love and the possibilities of second chances, promoting a message of hope and perseverance.
9. “The Reflex” Remix (7″ single, 1984)
“The Reflex” is a classic new wave and dance-pop track by British band Duran Duran. Released in 1984, the song features the band’s signature synthesized sound, catchy guitar riffs, and infectious drum beats. The lyrics are somewhat cryptic and abstract, with lines like “The reflex is an only child, he’s waiting in the park,” and “The reflex is in charge of finding treasure in the dark.” The chorus is a memorable and upbeat refrain, with lead singer Simon Le Bon singing, “The reflex is an only guide, it’s the reflex that you find, it’ll take you on a ride.” Overall, “The Reflex” is an iconic and highly danceable song that captures the spirit of the 1980s.
8. “Electric Barbarella” (from Medazzaland, 1997)
“Electric Barbarella” by Duran Duran is a synth-heavy pop song that reflects the band’s signature 80s sound. The song features Simon Le Bon’s distinctive vocals, pulsing electronic beats, and futuristic sound effects that create a sense of otherworldly energy. The lyrics are a playful and provocative tribute to a robotic lover named Barbarella, with Le Bon singing about the pleasures of virtual romance and the freedom of synthetic love. The chorus is a catchy hook that emphasizes the song’s message, with Le Bon repeating “Electric Barbarella, your face is just like a Barbie doll.” Overall, “Electric Barbarella” is a fun and whimsical song that captures the spirit of Duran Duran’s classic synthpop era.
7. “Save A Prayer” (from Rio, 1982)
“Save a Prayer” is a single from Duran Duran’s 1982 album, “Rio.” The song features a dreamy synth-pop melody and evocative vocals, with lyrics that express a sense of romantic yearning and the desire for connection. The track’s memorable chorus and atmospheric production have made it a fan favorite, and it showcases Duran Duran’s ability to create emotive and imaginative pop music. With “Save a Prayer,” Duran Duran celebrates the transformative power of love and the magic of connection, promoting a message of hope and romance that continues to resonate with fans decades after its release.
6. “Is There Something I Should Know?” (From Duran Duran, 1981)
“Is There Something I Should Know?” is a new wave and synth-pop track by British band Duran Duran. Released in 1983, the song features the band’s signature synth sound, driving bassline, and catchy guitar riffs. The lyrics are a mix of introspection and romantic yearning, with lines like “And fiery demons all dance when you walk through that door, don’t say you’re easy on me, you’re about as easy as a nuclear war.” The chorus is an anthemic and memorable refrain, with lead singer Simon Le Bon asking, “Is there something I should know?” Overall, “Is There Something I Should Know?” is a classic and timeless song that captures the sound and feel of 1980s new wave and pop.
5. “Hungry Like The Wolf” (from Rio, 1982)
“Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran is a classic 80s new wave and synthpop hit that exemplifies the band’s unique sound. The song features a memorable melody, a driving beat, and a distinctive combination of rock and electronic instrumentation. The lyrics are a playful and seductive tale of a man pursuing a woman through a jungle, with lead singer Simon Le Bon singing about the thrill of the chase and the excitement of being “hungry like the wolf.” The chorus is a catchy hook that emphasizes the song’s message, with Le Bon repeating “I’m on the hunt, I’m after you.” Overall, “Hungry Like the Wolf” is a fun and energetic song that has become a staple of 80s pop culture.
4. “Ordinary World” (from Duran Duran – The Wedding Album, 1993)
“Ordinary World” is a single from Duran Duran’s 1992 self-titled album, also known as “The Wedding Album.” The song features a stripped-down acoustic melody and emotive vocals, with lyrics that express a sense of loss and the longing for a return to a simpler time. The track’s introspective tone and vulnerable delivery have made it one of Duran Duran’s most beloved songs, and it showcases the band’s ability to create emotionally resonant pop music that speaks to the human experience. With “Ordinary World,” Duran Duran explores the challenges of life and the desire for peace and simplicity, promoting a message of hope and perseverance.
3. “Rio” (from Rio, 1982)
“Rio” is a timeless new wave and synth-pop classic by British band Duran Duran. Released in 1982, the song features the band’s signature synth sound, funky bassline, and infectious guitar riffs. The lyrics speak of the exotic and alluring city of Rio de Janeiro, with lines like “Moving on the floor now, babe, you’re a bird of paradise, cherry ice-cream smile, I suppose it’s very nice.” The chorus is a memorable and anthemic refrain, with lead singer Simon Le Bon singing, “Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand, just like that river twisting through a dusty land.” Overall, “Rio” is a highly danceable and evocative song that captures the essence of 1980s new wave and pop.
2. “Girls On Film” (from Duran Duran, 1981)
“Girls on Film” by Duran Duran is a quintessential 80s new wave and dance-pop track that is known for its provocative music video. The song features a driving beat, catchy guitar riffs, and electronic flourishes that create a sense of energy and excitement. The lyrics are a playful and provocative tribute to the glamour of fashion and the allure of celebrity, with lead singer Simon Le Bon singing about the power of beauty and the seduction of the camera. The chorus is a catchy hook that emphasizes the song’s message, with Le Bon repeating “Girls on film, two minutes later.” Overall, “Girls on Film” is a catchy and provocative song that captures the hedonistic spirit of the 80s.
1. “New Moon On Monday” (from Seven And The Ragged Tiger, 1983)
“New Moon on Monday” is a single from Duran Duran’s 1983 album, “Seven and the Ragged Tiger.” The song features a catchy synth-pop melody and energetic vocals, with lyrics that express a sense of adventure and the desire to break free from the mundane. The track’s memorable chorus and upbeat production have made it a fan favorite, and it showcases Duran Duran’s ability to create infectious and fun pop music. With “New Moon on Monday,” Duran Duran celebrates the power of youth and the possibilities of life, promoting a message of optimism and rebellion that continues to resonate with fans decades after its release.
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.
