Duran Duran is an English new wave and synth-pop band that formed in Birmingham in 1978. The band’s early sound was heavily influenced by the new romantic movement, and their music blended elements of pop, rock, and dance.
Duran Duran’s hits include “Girls on Film,” “Rio,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” and “The Reflex,” and their music helped to establish them as one of the most popular and successful bands of the 1980s. Their glamorous image and stylish music videos helped to make them icons of the decade, and their influence on fashion and popular culture cannot be overstated.
Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, Duran Duran has continued to tour and record music, releasing over 14 studio albums to date. Their legacy as one of the most important and influential bands of the new wave era is secure, and their music continues to inspire new generations of fans and musicians.
Duran Duran’s music is known for its catchy melodies, danceable rhythms, and stylish flair, and their live performances are still considered some of the most electrifying in the industry. Their influence on popular music and culture cannot be overstated, cementing their place as one of the most beloved and respected bands in rock history.
1. “Girls On Film” (from Duran Duran, 1981)
This track from Duran Duran's debut album showcases their signature sound of new wave and synth-pop. "Girls On Film" was released in 1981 and became an instant hit with its catchy beats, guitars, and provocative lyrics about media objectification. The song's music video also gained attention for its controversial footage featuring models simulating sexual acts. The band's intricate use of layered instrumentals adds an energetic element to the lyrics that explore themes of voyeurism. It's no surprise that this classic ranks as one of Duran Duran's best songs.
New Moon On Monday proves that Duran Duran not only ruled the 80s, but also have a way with celestial bodies and catchy choruses.
2. “New Moon On Monday” (from Seven And The Ragged Tiger, 1983)
This Duran Duran classic, released in 1983, titled “New Moon On Monday” from the album Seven and The Ragged Tiger, finds a fitting place in our list of top 10 best Duran Duran songs. This track features an infectious chorus and a mesmerizing keyboard melody that will stick to your head for days.
The song was written by all five band members with lead vocalist Simon Le Bon contributing most of the lyrics. The music video was directed by Brian Grant and depicted the band as rebels fighting against an oppressive government regime.
Interestingly, the title of the song is derived from what band members thought was a mistranslation of “New Moon On Mondays” on their Japanese calendar. However, it’s been confirmed that some calendars in Japan do indeed use this phrase to describe the start of a new week.
Fans have praised this song for its memorable hook and catchy chorus which helped propel it to chart success across multiple countries. If you’re looking for something nostalgic or just want to indulge in 80s synth-pop goodness, “New Moon On Monday” won’t disappoint.
For those who haven't listened to this classic hit before or those wanting to revisit it with fresh ears, we suggest turning up the volume and paying attention to how every instrument on this track blends together so well – from the guitar riffs to Nick Rhodes’ captivating synth work. Trust us; it’ll be worth it!
Listening to 'Rio' makes me feel like I'm dancing on a yacht with Simon Le Bon while sipping champagne and plotting world domination.
3. “Rio” (from Rio, 1982)
One of the most iconic Duran Duran songs is from their 1982 album of the same name, 'Rio'. The song is an upbeat blend of new wave and synth-pop that captures the band's essence. It features John Taylor's bassline, Andy Taylor's guitar riffs and Nick Rhodes' synth hooks. Along with Simon Le Bon's memorable vocals, this song brought Duran Duran to new heights of worldwide fame. Its video shot in Antigua, signifies the epitome of 80s glamour and fashion and remains a cult favourite today.
Even in an ordinary world, Duran Duran manages to create an extraordinary sound.
4. “Ordinary World” (from Duran Duran – The Wedding Album, 1993)
With its melancholic lyrics and haunting melody, one of Duran Duran's most memorable hits is the timeless classic “Ordinary World”. Featured on the band's seventh studio album, The Wedding Album, released in 1993, this song showcases Simon Le Bon’s signature vocals and is loved for its emotional depth. Its music video won multiple awards and featured iconic imagery of the Statue of Liberty submerged in water. With over 100 million streams on Spotify alone, it has become a staple of 90s pop rock.
This song always makes me feel like I'm tracking prey in the Amazon… but with a killer saxophone solo.
5. “Hungry Like The Wolf” (from Rio, 1982)
This Duran Duran classic, released in 1982 on their album "Rio", makes it to number five on our list. With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, "Hungry Like The Wolf" is an iconic '80s song that has stood the test of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a hunter pursuing his prey and the music video showcases the band's trademark style and glamour. It's no wonder that this track became one of their biggest hits.
In addition to its popularity, "Hungry Like The Wolf" showcases some of the band's key strengths, including Simon Le Bon's distinctive vocals and John Taylor's energizing bassline. Moreover, it helped solidify Duran Duran's status as a leading band in the New Romantic movement.
Fans of the band may be interested to know that the title for the song was inspired by an encounter between lead singer Simon Le Bon and a woman at a bar who ended their conversation by saying she was hungry like a wolf. Le Bon thought it would make a great song title and shared it with his bandmates, who loved it too.
Is There Something I Should Know? Well, besides the fact that this song is pure synth-pop perfection, probably not.
6. “Is There Something I Should Know?” (From Duran Duran, 1981)
This timeless 1981 release “Is There Something I Should Know?” by Duran Duran is undoubtedly one of their best songs to date. With hauntingly alluring vocals from lead vocalist Simon Le Bon and an eerie, yet enthralling instrumental background, this song’s allure has transcended time. Its complex but catchy lyrics punctuate the melancholic energy it evokes. The song was written with more than romance in mind but also touches upon reflections made during periods of emotional turmoil – a sentiment that listeners can identify with even decades later.
In “Is There Something I Should Know?”, Duran Duran makes exceptional use of their instrumentation and synths to create a feeling that's both hypnotic and mysterious at the same time. The song's producer gives crucial attention to its every detail – particularly evident throughout this track – with a tight, polished finish that applies to all their tracks thanks to co-producer Malcolm Garrett who helped give each instrument space and resonance.
What defines this record as one of the best is its unique rhythm layering where sharp guitars battle against smooth basslines while echoing drums vibrantly echo through the audio backdrop. Interestingly enough, these elements taken in isolation do not hold as much weight but when together they offer an unforgettable upbeat crescendo sure to please any listener – which makes sense since this song was meant as a standalone single following their self-titled debut album.
Even though “Is There Something I Should Know?” was released years ago, it still endures today because it integrates punk-rock influences into new wave norms in ways few tracks ever could. Le Bon's performance runs non-stop alongside the solid melody creating a stunningly beautiful auditory assault that stands out among numerous memorable releases from this iconic band.
Listening to “Save A Prayer” is like taking a journey through the coolest part of the '80s, all while wishing you could pull off Simon Le Bon's hair.
7. “Save A Prayer” (from Rio, 1982)
This Duran Duran classic from their 1982 album "Rio" has remained a fan favorite over the years. "Save A Prayer" showcases the band's ability to create epic ballads, which became a hallmark of their sound. The track features lush synths, dreamy lyrics and a soaring chorus that won over listeners worldwide.
Listeners were drawn in by Simon Le Bon's vocals, which dripped with urgency and conveyed the song’s message of hope in troubled times. Musically, the song is marked by its innovative use of rhythm and synthesizer programming, which gave it an air of mystery and grandeur.
The song's lyrics are open to interpretation, but they touch on themes of love and loss, spirituality and survival. Overall, “Save A Prayer” is a masterclass in atmospheric pop music that has kept fans humming along for more than three decades now.
Interestingly, despite being released as a single several times over the years and garnering critical acclaim, "Save A Prayer" only achieved modest chart success upon its initial release. Nevertheless, it remains one of Duran Duran's most beloved tracks to this day.
Move over, Barbie, there's a new electrifying beauty in town – and her name is 'Electric Barbarella'.
8. “Electric Barbarella” (from Medazzaland, 1997)
This hit from the 1997 album 'Medazzaland' seizes a spot on this list with its upbeat tempo, skilful instrumentals and captivating lyrics. The song embodies Duran Duran's innovation with synthesizers, both sound-altering and vocoder effects. A mesmerizing composition that effortlessly integrates the band's trademark new wave sound with modern-day dance beats, which later became an inspiration for numerous electronic musicians.
The lyrics of “Electric Barbarella” narrate a futuristic story about a sexually charged robot who engages in a stimulating tryst with Simon Le Bon. A visually spectacular music video features various CGI trickery to exemplify the transformation of Barbarella’s programming code as she evolves into a more human-like entity.
In addition to acquiring number two position atop Billboard’s Dance Charts, “Electric Barbarella” also won significant fan appraisals for Duran Duran’s reluctance to conform to typical pop productions.
Pro Tip: Try not to miss out on that wicked keyboard solo by Nick Rhodes in verse two.
The Reflex remix – for when you want to dance like it’s 1984, but with a modern twist. No time machine required.
9. “The Reflex” Remix (7" single, 1984)
A standout hit of Duran Duran's earlier days, the 7" single remix of their chart-topping classic "The Reflex" from 1984 remains a fan favorite to this day. The song's catchy melody and pulsing beat are perfectly executed in this version, making it an essential addition to any playlist or music collection.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| Song | 7" Single |
| Record Type | 1984 |
This remix showcases the band's innovative style and ability to constantly reinvent their sound. With its unique blend of synth-pop and rock elements, it solidifies the group's place in music history as pioneers of the new wave movement.
One interesting fact about this particular remix is that it actually features three different versions of the song, all expertly mixed together for maximum impact. As noted by Ultimate Classic Rock, legendary producer Nile Rodgers was responsible for crafting this iconic mix that still resonates with fans worldwide today.
"Paper Gods" may have been their fourteenth album, but "What Are The Chances?" proves Duran Duran are still making hits – or at least, hits for people who graduated high school in the 80s.
10. “What Are The Chances?” (from Paper Gods, 2015)
The song from Paper Gods in 2015 – 'What Are The Chances?' is one of the 10 Best Duran Duran songs of all time. The track features an amalgamation of different genre sounds, including electronica, funk, and guitars. It's upbeat with a positive message that urges people to take chances even when the situation seems hopeless. Simon Le Bon's passionate vocals build towards an almost anthemic chorus. This song stands out as a testament to Duran Duran's ability to adapt their sound and stay relevant throughout their illustrious career.
Interestingly, the band has collaborated with some heavy-hitting producers on this album, such as Mark Ronson and Nile Rodgers which undoubtedly helped create this energetic masterpiece.
Duran Duran has been making music for over four decades now, and it is their musical diversity that has kept them at the forefront of their genre for so long.
Fun fact: Simon Le Bon started his singing career in 1979 before joining Duran Duran with the punk rock band Dog Days.
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.
