Duran Duran is an English new wave and synth-pop band formed in Birmingham in 1978. The band achieved widespread popularity in the 1980s and was part of the Second British Invasion of the United States.
The original members of Duran Duran were Simon Le Bon (vocals), Nick Rhodes (keyboards), John Taylor (bass guitar), Roger Taylor (drums), and Andy Taylor (guitar). Their music combined elements of glam rock, electronic music, and dance rhythms, creating a sound that was both innovative and highly accessible.
Duran Duran gained international fame with their debut self-titled album, released in 1981, which featured the hit singles “Planet Earth” and “Girls on Film.” They followed this with a string of successful albums throughout the 1980s, including “Rio” (1982), “Seven and the Ragged Tiger” (1983), and “Notorious” (1986).
Some of Duran Duran’s most famous songs include “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Save a Prayer,” “The Reflex,” “A View to a Kill,” and “Ordinary World.” Their music videos, often featuring exotic locations and cinematic storytelling, helped establish them as pioneers in the MTV era.
Over the years, Duran Duran has undergone various lineup changes, with Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes remaining as the core members. Despite these changes, the band has continued to release new music and tour extensively, maintaining a dedicated fan base around the world.
Duran Duran’s influence on popular music and culture is significant, as they helped define the sound and style of the 1980s. They have sold over 100 million records worldwide and have received numerous awards and accolades throughout their career.
1. Hungry Like the Wolf
“Hungry Like the Wolf” is a song by Duran Duran, released in 1982 as the lead single from their album “Rio.” It was written by the band’s members: Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Andy Taylor (no relation between the Taylors).
“Hungry Like the Wolf” is one of Duran Duran’s most iconic and enduring songs, known for its catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and distinctive guitar riff. The lyrics describe a sense of primal desire and pursuit, likening the protagonist’s hunger to that of a predator hunting its prey.
The song’s music video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, is also highly memorable and contributed to its success. Filmed in Sri Lanka, the video features a cinematic storyline with scenes of exotic landscapes, tribal rituals, and encounters with mysterious women, adding to the song’s sense of adventure and intrigue.
Upon its release, “Hungry Like the Wolf” was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It helped propel Duran Duran to international stardom and remains one of their most beloved and recognizable songs.
“Hungry Like the Wolf” has been covered and sampled by numerous artists over the years and has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials. Its infectious energy and timeless appeal have solidified its status as a classic in the realm of 1980s pop music.
2. Rio
“Rio” is a song by Duran Duran, released in 1982 as the third single from their album of the same name, “Rio.” The song was written by the band’s members: Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Andy Taylor (no relation between the Taylors).
“Rio” is known for its infectious melody, catchy chorus, and upbeat rhythm, blending elements of new wave, pop, and dance music. The lyrics evoke images of a glamorous and exotic paradise, as the protagonist longs for an escape to the sun-drenched beaches and vibrant nightlife of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The song’s music video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, further captured the essence of the song’s lyrics with its colorful and surreal imagery. Filmed on location in Antigua, the video features the band members aboard a yacht, interspersed with scenes of beautiful women, carnival festivities, and breathtaking landscapes.
Upon its release, “Rio” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It became one of Duran Duran’s signature songs and remains a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances.
“Rio” has been covered and sampled by various artists over the years, and its infectious melody and carefree vibe have cemented its status as a classic in the realm of 1980s pop music.
3. Save a Prayer
“Save a Prayer” is a song by the British rock band Duran Duran, released in 1982 as the third single from their second studio album, “Rio.” The song was written by the band’s members, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Andy Taylor.
“Save a Prayer” is characterized by its atmospheric synthesizers, smooth guitar riffs, and dreamy vocals. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and romance, with the narrator expressing a desire to cherish a special moment with a loved one and make it last forever.
The song features a memorable chorus and a distinctive melody that contributed to its commercial success. “Save a Prayer” reached the top ten in several countries and became one of Duran Duran’s most beloved songs.
Over the years, “Save a Prayer” has remained a staple of Duran Duran’s live performances and has been covered by various artists. Its nostalgic appeal and timeless sound continue to resonate with audiences, making it a classic in the synth-pop genre.
4. Girls on Film
“Girls on Film” is a song by the British new wave band Duran Duran, released in 1981 as their third single. The song was written by the band’s members Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Andy Taylor, and Roger Taylor, and it appeared on their self-titled debut album, “Duran Duran.”
“Girls on Film” is known for its catchy bassline, funky guitar riffs, and pulsating rhythm. The lyrics describe the hedonistic world of fashion photography and the exploitation of models, touching on themes of voyeurism and sexuality.
The song’s music video, directed by Godley & Creme, caused controversy due to its provocative content, featuring scantily clad models engaging in suggestive poses. Despite its initial ban by the BBC, the controversy helped propel “Girls on Film” to commercial success.
“Girls on Film” became one of Duran Duran’s breakthrough hits, reaching the top five on the UK Singles Chart and gaining popularity internationally. It remains one of the band’s most iconic songs and a staple of their live performances, showcasing their signature blend of new wave, pop, and dance-rock influences.
5. The Reflex
“The Reflex” is a song by the British new wave band Duran Duran, released in 1984 as the lead single from their third studio album, “Seven and the Ragged Tiger.” The song was written by the band’s members, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Andy Taylor.
“The Reflex” is known for its infectious melody, catchy chorus, and innovative production. The song features a distinctive bassline, atmospheric synthesizers, and layered vocal harmonies, creating a dynamic and danceable sound.
The lyrics of “The Reflex” are abstract and enigmatic, with phrases that evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue. The song’s title refers to the reflex actions of the subconscious mind, adding to its cryptic atmosphere.
“The Reflex” became one of Duran Duran’s biggest hits, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Its success helped propel “Seven and the Ragged Tiger” to multi-platinum status and solidified Duran Duran’s status as one of the leading bands of the 1980s.
The song’s distinctive sound and memorable hook have made it a classic of the new wave genre and a favorite among fans of Duran Duran.
6. Is There Something I Should Know?
“Is There Something I Should Know?” is a song by Duran Duran, released in 1983 as a standalone single. It later appeared on the reissue of their debut album, “Duran Duran” (1981).
The song was written by the band’s members: Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Andy Taylor (no relation between the Taylors). “Is There Something I Should Know?” features Duran Duran’s characteristic new wave sound, with catchy synthesizer hooks, a driving rhythm, and Simon Le Bon’s distinctive vocals.
Lyrically, the song addresses themes of uncertainty and self-doubt in a relationship, with the narrator questioning their partner’s behavior and searching for answers. The chorus features the memorable line, “Is there something I should know?”, expressing the narrator’s desire for clarity and understanding.
Upon its release, “Is There Something I Should Know?” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United Kingdom. It became Duran Duran’s first number-one single in the UK and solidified their status as one of the most successful bands of the 1980s.
The song’s popularity was further boosted by its music video, which featured a collage of footage from previous Duran Duran videos, as well as new material filmed specifically for the song. The video’s innovative editing and visual effects contributed to its appeal and helped increase the song’s visibility.
“Is There Something I Should Know?” remains one of Duran Duran’s most recognizable and beloved songs, capturing the essence of their early 1980s sound and style.
7. A View to a Kill
“A View to a Kill” is a song by the British new wave band Duran Duran, released in 1985 as the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name. The song was written by the band’s members Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Andy Taylor, and it was produced by Nile Rodgers.
“A View to a Kill” is characterized by its energetic synth-driven sound, catchy melody, and dynamic rhythm. The lyrics reflect the action-packed and romantic themes of the James Bond franchise, with references to espionage, danger, and intrigue.
The song’s music video, directed by Godley & Creme, features footage from the film intercut with scenes of the band performing. It became one of Duran Duran’s most iconic videos and received heavy rotation on music television channels.
“A View to a Kill” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It remains one of Duran Duran’s most popular and enduring songs, and it is often regarded as one of the best Bond theme songs.
8. Union of the Snake
“Union of the Snake” is a song by Duran Duran, released in 1983 as the lead single from their third studio album, “Seven and the Ragged Tiger.” The song was written by the band’s members: Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Andy Taylor (no relation between the Taylors).
“Union of the Snake” is characterized by its driving beat, catchy synthesizer hooks, and atmospheric production. Lyrically, the song explores themes of mystery, temptation, and the allure of the unknown. The “union of the snake” is metaphorically used to represent an enigmatic force or entity that draws people in and leads them on a journey of discovery.
The song’s music video, directed by Simon Milne, features surreal and symbolic imagery, including desert landscapes, tribal dancers, and mysterious rituals. The video adds to the song’s sense of intrigue and adventure, enhancing its appeal to audiences.
Upon its release, “Union of the Snake” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. It became one of Duran Duran’s signature songs and remains a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances.
“Union of the Snake” showcases Duran Duran’s ability to create infectious pop songs with a hint of mystique and sophistication. Its catchy melody, memorable chorus, and atmospheric production have solidified its status as a classic in the realm of 1980s pop music.
9. New Moon on Monday
“New Moon on Monday” is a song by the British new wave band Duran Duran, released in 1984 as the second single from their third studio album, “Seven and the Ragged Tiger.” The song was written by the band’s members Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Andy Taylor.
“New Moon on Monday” features a catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and atmospheric synthesizers, characteristic of Duran Duran’s sound during the 1980s. The lyrics depict a sense of longing and anticipation, with the narrator expressing a desire for escape and adventure under the light of the new moon.
The song’s music video, directed by Brian Grant, features the band members participating in a rebellion against a totalitarian regime in a fictional European country. It received heavy rotation on music television channels and contributed to the song’s commercial success.
“New Moon on Monday” reached the top ten on music charts in several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. It remains one of Duran Duran’s most popular songs and a fan favorite, often performed live during their concerts.
10. Come Undone
“Come Undone” is a song by Duran Duran, released in 1993 as the second single from their self-titled album, commonly known as “The Wedding Album.” The song was written by the band’s members: Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, and Warren Cuccurullo.
“Come Undone” is characterized by its moody atmosphere, lush instrumentation, and introspective lyrics. The song features a hypnotic melody, with layers of keyboards, guitars, and strings creating a dreamy and melancholic sound.
Lyrically, “Come Undone” explores themes of desire, vulnerability, and emotional turmoil. The narrator reflects on a tumultuous relationship and the intense emotions that come with it, expressing a sense of longing and uncertainty.
The song’s music video, directed by Julien Temple, features surreal and artistic imagery, including scenes of underwater footage, surreal landscapes, and abstract visuals. The video’s dreamlike aesthetic complements the song’s atmospheric mood and adds depth to its emotional impact.
Upon its release, “Come Undone” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It became one of Duran Duran’s most successful singles of the 1990s and remains a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances.
“Come Undone” showcases Duran Duran’s evolution as artists, with its sophisticated production and introspective lyrics. Its haunting melody and emotional resonance have solidified its status as a classic in the band’s discography.
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.
