Duran Duran, one of the most iconic bands of the 1980s, is celebrated for their infectious synthpop anthems that defined the MTV Generation. Here, we delve into their top 10 greatest songs ever, perfect for any Duran Duran beginner’s playlist.
“The Wild Boys” stands out as a unique track, being the only studio song on their live album “Arena.” The idea for the song originated from video director Russell Mulcahy, who envisioned a full-length film based on William S. Burroughs’ surreal novel “The Wild Boys: A Book of the Dead.” Mulcahy suggested that Duran Duran create a modern soundtrack for the film, similar to Queen’s work on “Highlander.”
“A View To A Kill” is another masterpiece, written for Roger Moore’s final James Bond film. This track gave Duran Duran a number one single in the United States. The band was chosen to perform the song after bassist John Taylor, a lifelong Bond fan, approached producer Cubby Broccoli at a party and cheekily asked, “When are you going to get someone decent to do one of your theme songs?”
“Girls on Film” was initially written and demoed in 1979 by an early lineup of the band featuring singer Andy Wickett. The song was later re-written and re-recorded in 1981. Co-writer Wickett mentioned that the song was inspired by the dark side of glitz and glamour. Its stylish and raunchy video, directed by Godley & Creme from 10cc, was filmed just weeks before MTV launched in the US, making it a significant part of music video history.
“Planet Earth” was Duran Duran’s debut single, placing them at the forefront of the synthpop and New Romantic revolution. The song is notable for being the first to explicitly acknowledge the New Romantic fashion scene with the line, “Like some New Romantic looking for the TV sound.”
“Is There Something I Should Know?” was a non-album track that finally gave Duran Duran their first UK number one single in 1983. This pop anthem remains a fan favorite and a significant milestone in their career.
“Hungry Like the Wolf” is a top-five hit in the UK, written and recorded in a single day in the spring of 1982. John Taylor has admitted that he doesn’t really know what the lyrics mean, but the song is likely about “meeting girls” and/or “wanting to have sex with someone.”
“Rio” is famous for its yacht-heavy music video. The song started as an idea by John Taylor about Rio de Janeiro, symbolizing the exotic and never-ending party. Simon Le Bon wrote the lyrics about a girl named Rio, and the saxophone solo was performed by Andy Hamilton, who has also worked with George Michael and Elton John.
“The Reflex” gave Duran Duran their second and last number one single in the UK. The band recorded it over a couple of bottles of wine, with Simon Le Bon admitting that he has no clue what the song means.
“Ordinary World” provided a much-needed boost of popularity in 1993 after their success had waned by the end of the ’80s. This power ballad is the last song of a trilogy written about the death of Simon Le Bon’s friend David Miles in 1986, following “Do You Believe In Shame” and “Out of My Mind.”
“Save a Prayer,” released in 1982, is a mellow pop classic that reached number two in the UK. The song began with Andy Taylor and Nick Rhodes picking out chords together, and Simon Le Bon wrote the lyrics about a chance meeting that turns into a one-night stand. Le Bon described it as “realistic, and not romantic.”
Duran Duran’s journey began in 1978 in Birmingham, England, formed by guitarist John Taylor and keyboardist Nick Rhodes. The band went through several lineup changes before solidifying with Roger Taylor on drums, Andy Taylor on guitar, and Simon Le Bon on vocals by May 1980. Influenced by artists like David Bowie, The Beatles, Sex Pistols, and Chic, they rode the wave of the New Romantic movement in the UK.
Their self-titled debut album did well in the UK, but they remained relatively unknown in America until MTV’s debut in 1981. Duran Duran’s innovative music videos, filmed in exotic locations like Sri Lanka and Antigua, captivated MTV audiences and created a huge demand for their music. The band’s innovative ideas extended to their live performances, where they were among the first to use video screens above the stage.
Despite their rapid success and overwhelming attention, the band members eventually opted to split temporarily. John and Andy formed Power Station, while Le Bon, Rhodes, and Roger formed Arcadia. Although they reunited to produce the theme song for the James Bond film “A View to a Kill,” their performances at Live Aid in July 1985 marked the last time the original five members performed together for almost two decades.
Duran Duran proved their resilience with comebacks in the late ’80s and early ’90s, producing hits like “Notorious,” “Ordinary World,” and “Come Undone.” They have had various guitarists and drummers over the years, with Warren Cuccurullo being their longest-running member from 1986 to 2001. The original five members reunited from 2001 to 2006, finding success with their album “Astronaut.” Although Andy Taylor left again, the remaining members continued to release new material, including their 15th studio album “Future Past” in October 2021.
Duran Duran’s legacy is undeniable, and their influence on 1980s music and MTV is significant. Their innovative techniques and catchy, poetic lyrics have found appreciative audiences throughout the decades. Congratulations to the original “Fab Five” and longtime band member Cuccurullo on their well-earned induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Source: Various
