Synth & Swagger
New wave and '80s music authority
Album Analyses
Duran Duran Debut Album Analysis
A track-by-track deep dive into Duran Duran’s self-titled 1981 debut: how their blend of synth, dance rhythms, and new wave style on tracks like Sound of Thunder and Girls on Film helped define their early sound.
Duran Duran Rio Album Analysis
A track-by-track deep dive into "Rio": explore how Duran Duran’s 1982 album avoided the sophomore slump, sparked MTV fame, and blended new romantic energy with artful songwriting and iconic videos.
Duran Duran Seven and the Ragged Tiger Analysis
A track-by-track deep dive into 1983's "Seven and the Ragged Tiger": explore how Duran Duran’s third album balanced new wave ambition with world-spanning sessions, chart-topping hits, and internal tensions.
Arcadia, Wild Boys & View to a Kill Analysis
A track-by-track deep dive into 1985's "So Red the Rose" by Arcadia: the Duran Duran side project that traded pop immediacy for atmosphere, and bold experimentation. Explore how LeBon, Rhodes & Roger Taylor made their sound darker & more cinematic - and why this new wave album still fascinates.
Duran Duran Notorious Analysis
Sleek, funky, and quietly defiant, 1986's "Notorious" reinvented Duran Duran. This track-by-track deep dive explores the band’s stripped-down lineup, Nile Rodgers’ influence, and the sharper, more mature new wave sound that still feels overlooked today.
2 Big Things Are Better Than 1: Duran Duran
Discover a track-by-track album analysis of Duran Duran's new wave album Big Thing. It brings up musical influences, themes, and the band's bold 1988 evolution.
Article Sections
New Wavers Embracing the 2000s Revival - Featuring (Reach Up For The) SunrisePost-Punk vs New Wave: Shadows and Shimmers - Featuring Save A Prayer
Halloween Songs - Featuring Night Boat
Songs About Other Musicians - Featuring First Impression
Duran Duran Debut Album Analysis - Featuring Girls on Film
Best Covers of New Wave Songs - Featuring The Chauffeur
Duran Duran Rio Album Analysis - Featuring Hungry Like the Wolf
Duran Duran Seven and the Ragged Tiger Analysis - Featuring The Reflex
Most Misunderstood New Wave Songs - Featuring Duran Duran
Duran Duran Notorious Analysis - Featuring Notorious
2 Big Things Are Better Than 1: Duran Duran - Featuring I Don't Want Your Love