Originally recorded in 2017. Edited and re-released for 2025.
Welcome back to New Wave Beat. I'm your host, Jason D'Orazio. I want to go over Duran Duran. But first, let me start by giving a little background on them. After its members being in a couple of short-lived bands, Duran Duran formed in 1978, comprised of vocalist Steve Duffy, bassist John Taylor, and keyboardist Nick Rhodes. Duran Duran named themselves after the villain in the 1968 cult sci-fi film Barbarella. Duran Duran owe a large part of their visuals and fashion to David Bowie, who wore eye-catching outfits to say the least.
Sonically, Roxy Music was a large influence, as they had a prominent keyboard section. Also, the disco and R&B stylings of Chic would be heard in various degrees in Duran Duran's albums. Indeed, it's no coincidence that Nile Rodgers of Chic and Duran Duran would work together on and off throughout their careers. Of course, I also need to mention synth and dance pioneers Kraftwerk, whose moody instrumentals are sometimes echoed in some of Nick Rhodes' synths on Duran Duran songs. Finally, there’s the pop-leanings of Blondie. As far as similar bands are concerned, A-ha and Alphaville comes to mind, although they had their first albums when Duran Duran were already mega stars. Spandau Ballet are also in Duran Duran's new romantic style, though I find Duran Duran to be a little more energetic. Later in their career, Duran Duran would also incorporate some elements of Britpop, adult contemporary, and even a little bit of hip-hop.
When I was a young child in the '80s, I heard some Duran Duran on the radio and found it pretty catchy, along with other new wave tunes. However, it was not until I started college in 1997 that I had a new wave renaissance, finding the music better than most of what the '90s had to offer. Around that time, I really got into Duran Duran, buying their entire catalog in my freshman and sophomore years of college. First up was their greatest hits album Decade, and finishing with lesser known albums like Liberty. I've seen them regularly on tour from 1999 to the present day. I will be talking about their releases in the coming weeks. You will get a taste of the atmosphere musically and specific to Duran Duran around the time of each album, along with a review of the tracks and some personal notes relevant to these songs. Enjoy.
