New Wave Album Analysis

Explore this Synth & Swagger album analysis

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.