Reviews (page 10 of 15)
Sounds like 1982
not bad, i do not like the song rio, but i do enjoy the album overall
A dreamy synthy pop album, that mixes in some rock. Theres obviously some bigger hits on this album, but every track is terrific!
This is what i imagine everything in the 80s sounded like. Synths and hypermasculine action films. Favorite track was hold back the rain
Et ok 80'er-album.
McDonald’s of rock. Did not listen.
As someone who was only in the 80’s for 6 months, my sense of the 80’s is basically defined by pop culture. And Duran Duran is the soundtrack
Mis à part Hungry Like The Wolf, rien de bien exceptionnel sur cet album.
Very interesting album. Production is incredible, and dynamic range is very well managed.
On the whole, the album was fine. I thought the first five tracks were pretty similar in style and musical instruments which were typical of this group. It wasn't until "New Religion" that the songs seemed to start being different from the normal for this group. I was glad that the songs started to vary somewhat. The last song, "The Chauffeur" really reminded me of a song that could be played in a music box with its staccato and repetitive sounds.
Quintessential 80s New Wave synth-pop—nothing all that unexpected or interesting but perfectly serviceable (if samey) bops! "Hungry Like the Wolf" is a playlist staple, but hot take: "Rio" is only good because of the chorus and the rest of the song is meh. Best: "The Chauffeur" Worst: "Hold Back the Rain"
My hot take: It was a mistake to start Rio with the song Rio. The songs sounds very similar to one another with singer not having much variance, and the jittery instruments using similar chords throughout the album. It is absolutely a good song, but "Rio" (the song) feels blatantly like the best version of it. So I started off with the absolute bop of Rio, and then it only went downhill from there. It's not a bad sound, but if I ever wanted to listen to 1982 Duran Duran, I would only listen to the song Rio. 3/5
I would usually dismiss this kind of music as typical 80s nonsense - but in this particular case, Duran Duran proved me very wrong. This is synthpop done right : production is top-notch, and the synth sounds are not just a stupid gimmick, but an organic part of the music. The band doesn't shy away from various sonic experimentations ; it's a pity they didn't go far enough in that direction : they were clearly onto something, but kind of decided to stay on the beaten tracks of pop music. Still, it has aged surprisingly well for a 1982 album. Despite my dislike for the new wave style of bland, emotionless singing (unless it ventures into industrial territory like Depeche Mode), I still enjoyed the album as a whole. A couple of songs, like The Chauffeur, have truly bleak and unsettling instrumentation. Not something I'd listen to every day, but it's much better than similar bands of the same time period, and I'm willing to give their other albums a try. 6/10
Every time I have tried getting into Duran Duran, it was mostly because they seemed to have influenced so many different artists. But usually, after two or three songs, I had enough. Still, being part of this project means I actually have to put things in perspective and listen to the whole album, and honestly, after Frankie Goes to Hollywood and other similar nonsense, it’s clear these guys are playing in another league. At times I can hear a bit of The Smiths (Lonely in Your Nightmare), a touch of Queen (Hungry Like the Wolf), even some of that glossy FM rock that was just around the corner. A track like Rio feels way more ambitious than anything FGTH ever did, and pretty modern for 1982, to be fair. The synth-pop side still drives me nuts, though, so I won’t start worshipping Duran Duran anytime soon. But it’s a pleasant surprise, with good bass lines, and way more rock and interesting than I expected.
engaging 80s synthpop sound, some interesting effects, and at least one all time classic that'll be played until the death of radio. doesn't overstay its welcome; the middle tracks ran together for me. favorite song: i can't say anything other than Hungry Like a Wolf
Perfect first album for me! I’m currently re-watching Stranger Things to prepare for the final season and I’m loving the 80’s throwbacks. This fun dance album is the exact vibe I’m wanting.
Good. A real classic from my youth.
3.5/5 cool bass, cool synths, but im too dumb for the lyrics. songs feel a little long/they drag on for a bit. overall i like the funky beats but the vocals feel too (old (??)) liked the sax in rio beat in The Chauffeur is amazing
Some real bangers for the 80s.
Ever time I hear Rio I love it more
Nice pop.
Only Duran Duran album in the book. Might have given it 4 stars if I liked the non hits that I haven't heard before. I guess Duran Duran is not a great album artist, but rather someone whose greatest hits would be the best way to listen.
Interesting. Not well versed in Duran Duran, and I liked this. Wouldn't say its a new favorite, but I could listen to this.
The worst of the 80s’ sound?
I've never thought that the songs on Rio were as good as on their first album.
This is a fine album. Not an 80s pop fan really so hard for me to judge it well. I didn't hate it I didn't love it. 3 stars.
This is a decent album. Duran Duran was huge in my youth. The music video for "Reflex" and "A View to a Kill" made a big impression back then.
Another 80s synth pop band that was the antithesis of what I was into growing up but these days, I quite enjoy. I can give Courtney Love some credit here as I'd heard and enjoyed Hole's Unplugged version of _Hungry Like the Wolf_ a number of times before I knew where it came from. The album as a whole isn't as consistent as their singles output, they really need the big hooks to make this formula work but they deliver that more often than not.
Weirdest album cover yet? Two bangers and 80s upon 80s of other stuff
Rio and Hungry like the wolf are classics, rest is nice background work music.
A nice safe middle of the road ease back in to album listening. 2.5
Bass lines go crazy on this album, big fan.
inoffensive
QuinteSynthtially 80s. Fast synth. Slow synth. Lovable vocals with just the right amount of British accent. What’s not to like? I didn’t get this album when it was originally released, but I’m pretty sure I had a couple of singles. I’m not sure what the logic was back then but that’s just how it went.
A true classic, from cover to music to videos. "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "Rio" are some of my first memories of having MTV. I never owned any Duran Duran albums as a kid because you really didn't NEED to own them - they were already everywhere on the radio and MTV anyway. The two biggest hits would get five stars from me, but the rest of the album doesn't do a lot for me (including "Save a Prayer," never really liked that one.)
3/5
One of the best pop albums of the era....but it's so damned glossy. Duran Duran were definitely one of the best New Romantic bands of the time, and Rio captured the spirit of the time. Glossy, highly produced, catchy and pleasing on the eye. Perfect pop material. But, very vapid and lacking substance. Enjoyable, but...
I don’t like Duran Duran as much as I thought I did. They are very much of their time.
Favourite track: Hungry like the Wolf
I went in knowing the name Duran Duran but couldn't have named a song of theirs. It sounds exactly as I expected. Surprisingly enough I stuck around until the last song, which I actually liked. The rest I was very neutral on. Very sterile and dramatic, not for me.
The highs are high, the lows are not that low. It is pretty solid but not spectacular. 3.5/5
I've never seen this movie.
Overall a solid album. Nothing really ground breaking from what I could hear. Still, the album doesn't have much filler.
I don't love '80s music, and feeling pretty okay about one of the greatest albums from that era pretty much confirms that. This one definitely had some bangers, but the rest of it just felt pretty homogeneous. It's a good album and I totally get why it's on this list but it's not really for me.
2,9/5
7.4
I always liked Duran Duran. Fun album all around. Great music!
You can’t really argue with songs like Rio and hungry like the wolf as prime eighties cuts. Unfortunately the rest except for Save a Prayer and the Chauffeur, just feel plodding middle of the road eighties music and may as well be rejected demos of the singles. Even Save A Prayer feels overlong. I was surprised by the Chauffeur though as i’m not aware of knowing that before and musically it at least offers something different in its slightly jaunty staggered approach.
Classic 80s. The singles are all great, though I do have a particular fondness for Hungry Like The Wolf due to the Reel Big Fish ska cover version on a Duran Duran tribute album (which starts with a spoken word intro that includes the phrase "little bit of hot nookie, yeah?" and ends with "was that too much? I never know..."). Of the non-singles, I particularly enjoyed Last Chance on the Stairway and The Chauffeur. This is getting a very solid 3/5 and I'm now going to listen to the Goldfinger cover of Rio (which is also an excellent Duran Duran ska-punk cover). 3/5
Hmmm I thought I'd be more into this but it's really just okay! A pretty decent sound, had a fun time, but not really something that'll stick in my mind.
So undeniably 80s. Everything was pretty good. I knew Hungry Like the Wolf and that’s about it, but some other gems as well. The bass also FUCKS
Pretty cool that they sound so 80s but in their own unique style. I was excited to hear more stuff on the level of Hungry Like The Wolf, but I guess nothing really blew me away like that. The Chauffeur was pretty damn fun though! Standouts: Hungry Like The Wolf • New Religion • The Chauffeur
Beaucoup d'énergie pour pas grand chose.
I've never listened to this album (34). Pretty slick, really well made. A bit redundant.
HUNGRY LIKE A FUCKING WOLF. Pretty Groovy album.
Really deserves a 3.5 stars
Sounds crisp and well made. I recognize the big hits. Can't say the rest is really doing much for me but I can imagine being alive at the time thinking hell yeah this is sick. Something about those 80s snare drums or high toms are just hard for me to take seriously. And the overdrive guitar slams like whoa you guys are so rock n roll
It's ok. Nö banger that will stick in my head
No. 317/1001 Rio 3/5 My Own Way 3/5 Lonely in Your Nightmare 3/5 Hungry Like The Wolf 3/5 Hold Back the Rain 3/5 New Religion 2/5 Last Chance on the Stairway 3/5 Save a Prayer 3/5 The Chauffeur 3/5 Average: 2,89 Just not my genre.
7/10 Favs: The Chauffeur; Save a Prayer; Rio
Solid 80s new wave pop rock sound that brings back memories of my early listening days.
Can't go wrong with some Duran Duran if you want some classic, upbeat, 80s tunes.
As the 70's changed to the 80's, New Wave seemed to change overnight. Was it Gary Numan's fault? I dunno, maybe. Regardless, I kind of think Rio sums up the state of New Wave in the '80s quite nicely, even if I'm not really into a lot of records with the "80's" sound. Although, honestly, this has managed to age pretty well, and I think it's because the production here serves to reinforce the very specific tone and sound that Duran Duran is very intentionally creating. And dialing "this tone" in through the medium of pop songs may be what this album is best at. This is basically a list of potent, immediate pop songs. They may not all be my thing, but I can't argue against them being successful. Like, this album very much achieves its goal. The best here are largely your singles like Rio, Hungry Like The Wolf, and Save A Prayer. Although, this album has one big curve ball. After 8 crisp pop tunes, Duran Duran gives us The Chauffeur, and frankly, at this point of the album, I didn't think they had something like The Chauffeur in the tank. No other song on the album can match its tone. It's this like sensual, ominous song slow burn that almost reads as a goth song. It just came out of no where and completely enraptured me. There's even an ocarina solo that (miraculously) works in the context of the song. Capping the album off with this thing solidifies the 3, Rio is not a personal favorite, but with one fantastic song, and a bunch of other catchy, effective tunes, it pulls it's weight.
Plutôt mid, j'ai rien retenu
Ambiance sympa mais peu mémorable
Pas adoré pas détesté en soit j'ai passé un bon moment
5 hit singles or was it 6? 3 of them massive. I liked them but was never a true fan. The best track for me is 'The Chauffeur'. Never a hit but darker, more mysterious.
I’ve never really been interested in Duran Duran; I guess I had them pigeonholed as slightly naff 80s pop (as did the contemporary critics, it seems). There’s no doubt a bit of truthful fire to my presumptive, somewhat snobbish smoke, but this album ain’t half bad! The closing duo of Save a Prayer and The Chauffeur was particularly enjoyable.
Rio is a stylish blend of new wave and pop, full of glossy production and infectious hooks. While tracks like the title song and “Hungry Like the Wolf” shine as undeniable anthems, the album as a whole can feel uneven, with some filler beneath the polish. It’s a fun snapshot of the ‘80s, but not consistently great.
80s distilled. Love.
Great!
3.5 / 5 Great album for the time, some classics that I love (chauffeur, save a prayer), but as an album I don't see myself coming back to it. It was inventive and boundary pushing when it was released, but unlike other albums from the era, there's not enough here for me to come back to - it's too poppy, not complex enough for me
Rio: banger. Bassist is on fire. Obviously familiar with Hungry Like the Wolf. None of this made me “feel” anything. In general, lyrics do nothing for me. If I wanted to enjoy poetry I’d just read it. When I’m listening to music I want something that is interesting musically (be it instrumentally or rhythmically or melodically) or makes me feel something. This album does neither, aside from tapping my foot and appreciating the bass work. There’s no journey, no emotional build-ups, just straightforward, driving, and consistent. Both stars are for John Taylor, who I just found out I share a birthday with. It’s fate that I became a bass player.
Ok 80s
Some rather nice sounding synth sounds in this record, however it just doesn't quite do it for me. Sure, the sound in the album was very uncommon for the time it was released, but there were other albums before it doing arguably more. Not a bad album, per se, just not one that really revolutionised its sound. 7.5/10
Duran Duran is such an anomaly to me, I’m much more familiar with their name than their own music. Before going into this, I knew Rio was absolutely their biggest release, but aside from Hungry Like The Wolf, which is an absolute bop, I didn’t know any other song on this album. Now listening to the group, I can’t say this album is the one that’ll convert me into a super fan. Rio and Save a Prayer both absolute standouts in this album, the former being far more energetic and poppy than the rest of the album, while the latter is more like a fusion of a ballad and synth pop. The Chauffeur may be a bit of an underrated pick too, the intro sounds like absolutely nothing from this time period. It drops the ball roughly halfway through though, not developing the song enough for my liking, but it’s still absolutely jaw dropping what they have here. The rest of the album, while still great on its own, feels like filler to these songs however. They’re solidly good songs there’s no doubt about that, but I don’t think much of it is anything I’ve found myself craving for after listening to this album. Ultimately this is the album’s greatest downfall, lack of replayability, and it’s what really brings the score down in my books.
Did not like the title song at all. Some good songs, but some not very good.
Now that I have experienced the wealth of Britpop on this list (ugh!) I can appreciate Duran Duran for making that music interesting and listenable. This is highly produced pop for the masses, but it’s more enjoyable than other Britpop (which i generally despise). I won’t spin this, but it was influential in the pop-songs-must-be-videos movement. I won’t mind as much as I once would have if someone else plays it. A 3.
The most 80's sounding album possible
Yes I am driving my car it is the titles music to someone’s day. Generally quite mid 80s stuff with some bangers thrown in. The guitar tones are fun and the bassist is on his own level 3.0/5.0 Best Song: Call Me Deacon Blue
Its a kind of music that does nothing for me if i am honest, but saying that if you are after an 80s synthpop album you could do a lot worse than this one. Best song is Rio obviously. 3.8/5
You either love them or you hate them. I happen to sit in the middle, so that is why my rating does too.
Dance/Pop/New Wave - kind of hitting all these genres. There’s a lot of synthesizers chirping in the background of these songs - sometimes it’s additive, sometimes subtractive. Rio, Hungry Like The Wolf, Save A Prayer are hits off this album. Other notables include My Own Way, Last Chance on the Stairway.
I've never understood Duran Duran. Their music to me is unadveturous, unexciting, and rather bland. Given so many better options from the same musical era and genre, I've always taken a pass on Duran Duran. This album changes nothing for me. I give Rio three stars because it doesn't completely suck and because the blended mix of drums, bass, guitar, and synth is actually pretty good.
it was alright. it’s the kind of music that is fun in the moment but i wouldn’t want to listen to ever again. not bad though
Very fun, but a little too pop for me to go to very often
Decent fun
It's new wave, it's fine, I don't love it, I don't really understand the hype about synthesizers, they're cool I guess. Duran Duran just doesn't do anything for me. Also "Hungry Like the Wolf" really annoys me for some reason. If you like New Wave you probably love this, I don't so it's just kinda meh for me.
they were never known for lyrics, but had some good hooks & bass lines. remember their videos well.
Better than the last new wave album I was allocated as this one actually has backing music. It was still not my thing though.
Aside from Rio and Hungry like the Wolf there isn't really anything here that'll keep me coming back.
Fine.
I like that “Hungry Like the Wolf” song.
3/5
The chauffeur is such a great song.
1982 Strong high school reminiscence, although at the time I wasn't really into DD. The hits are very obvious, with the remaining album tracks coming across very weak. Some of the bass work is good though. Heard before ❌️ only the hits Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ❌️ Monsters of Pop★★★☆☆ (5/10)
It was alright, I kinda like Duran Duran but also don’t?
Despite any and all evidence to the contrary, my brain refuses to believe this group of male models make their own music. I've thought that since 1984, and I just can't let go of it. The album is fine. Most of it just sounds like the song Rio, with a couple of exceptions.
Super poppy and super fun. Some incredible songs. Suffers the problem a lot of 80s records have which is that every song is 1.5 minutes too long. But some awesome stuff. 7/10
Mid except title track and hungry
Enjoyed the hits I already knew, rest were decent
"Rio" ++ "Save a Prayer" ++ "Hungry like the Wolf" + "The Chauffeur" +
Super fun synth pop album. Got a couple all time classic on it, Rio and hungry like the wolf. Rest of the album isn't nearly as strong but doesn't make me wanna turn it off either
There are a few 80's bangers on this album. The songs that aren't are pretty bad. 3/5
My memory of this album was that it was full of bangers. That is not the case - there are exactly 2 of those. ‘Rio’ and ‘Hungry Like The Wolf’. The rest of it is fine.
buena musica pero solo una me gusta
Solid as ever. Breezy and fun.
Great song repetitive album
Duran Duran is like Saran Wrap: they cling, they're useful, they're for the purposes of storage, they're better in the unanalyzed background. Rio is a straight-up pop record, for good and for bad. While no track stands out - not even 'Hungry Like the Wolf' or 'Save a Prayer' - that also means that no track is particularly weak or abrasive. The 80s synths and backbeats have an authentic charm, Simon Le Bon is a serviceable lead, the lyrics aren't inspired but rather innocent + resourceful: 'Because you're lonely in your nightmare / Let me in / And it's barren in your garden / Let me in.' I don't like that four of the eleven songs are over five mins long, but I come away from this w/ a refreshingly clean take: superior to Squeeze, it'll do. It'll do!
Not interesting other than the hits.
Good album
Among all the Pet Shop Boys/Simply Red/Soft Cell/The The/etc new-wave synth-pop, I knew we'd eventually have to get Duran Duran, and here we are (but thankfully only one album from them). I'm positive I've never heard this album in its entirety, and yet every song is exactly what I thought it would sound like. I'm not sure exactly why they were so much bigger than so many other identical-sounding bands in the 80s, but I'm pretty sure it's not on their songwriting or music-making chops, and most likely on their ability to ride the MTV wave to stardom through inane videos. But interesting to learn that the album was remixed to be more radio-oriented before it got any traction in the US.
Slows down too much by the end.
Surprisingly good for what I detested in it's time. I understand this one way better than then. Still not my goto style, but solid songwriting combined with a decent taste in synths and a top bass player. The arrangements are not bad either. So sonically this gets me, and if it wasn't for the singing, I would have given a four star. Definitely up from the one star I would have given it back in the days
Highlights: Rio Hungry Like A Wolf Save a Prayer
Hungry Like the Wolf is a secret pleasure of mine.
If you found a can on a shelf labeled “1980s,” Duran Duran would probably be on of the first five ingredients. Unfortunately, I never liked the sound of the 80s. That said, listening to this now, I enjoy it much more relative to the music being made these days, so I appreciate what I had more than I did then. Still not my style, but I don’t mind it as much.
2 classics. Some decent stuff
If you've heard 'Girls On Film' before, you instantly recognize the sound on this record. Hasn't listened to Duran Duran much before but they have a quite distinct sound that is easy to recognize, and this album sounds like that. I didn't quite find any song where I felt "I need to hear this again!". But overall it was alright, perhaps not my cup of tea exactly. I can definitely see this being someones jam though!
Enjoyable - Rio is catchy as hell and just a great pop hit.
They have a killer sound like no other. Their major hits from this record are a little overplayed imo. This has me wanting to listen to more of their catalog though.
If it's from the 80s, say no more - love Duran Duran and love Rio. It does start to get a bit samey-samey, but all in all a good album
Oh dear, what a Duran Duran album. Suffers from Duran Duranness: just too fatiguing and whiney to listen to straight through. Okay singles, not something I'd listen to as an album. I'm tired of it by the third song. Normally the hits would make this a 4, but I'm so very not feeling the rest of the album that this is a 3.
This was an entertaining album. Very 80s and fun. Good instrumentation with synths and interesting lyrics.
3,5
Duran Duran are the best at what they do, but what they do isn't very nice.
3 stars After a full listen to the record (not my first, but it’s been a while), I was set on giving it 2.5 stars (rounded down to 2) saying it has some solid hits but a lot of filler. However, I was listening to the Deluxe edition that had a remix of the first half of the album that started right when the album finished. The remix gave me an appreciation for the songwriting and expansive sound of the music, recognizing that the dated production was a drag on the album. Although the rating is not of the remix but of the original album, it helped me to see through the walls that the old production can put up against my modern ears.
I don't exactly know why but this album is highly familiar. I know most if not all the songs. It strikes me that this is a well-crafted album but seems a little planted in the 80s. Hard to find a reasonable analogy but a testament to its quality isn't just measured by how well it translates 40 years later. It's possible for songs to be too advanced for their time or come in and out of fashion etc. They have been covered numerous times and listening to this I can see why as it's got great bones for almost any genre to gain its pop mastery and elevate them to the mainstream. Seems to have been well recorded as well as sounds very crisp. Not exactly my usual listen but enjoyed buzzing along with it. Would certainly listen again without issue even if I would not normally seek it out.
I had an image of Duran Duran that didn't really survive listening to this album. This is very good pop music. It's upbeat and poppy but has sufficient complexity and musicality to hold my interest. There is also an added historical interest from the quintessential 80's synth sound. Quite outside my genre of choice but easy to appreciate this is a very good album.
Grown up in the 80's, this is quite familiar, but mostly as singles and videos they had on Sky Trax and MTV. I could even say I like the track Hungry Like the Wolf. I'm not the biggest fan of the 80's sound, for most of 80's I was into hard rock, metal and all kinds of extreme styles of music, so the 80's electronic pop sound became quite a bit of an affront. Remaster sounds a bit better, but usually it's also very thin, tho I'm happy to report this album sounds like they've tried to make and sound stage fill up, instead of leaving holes in it (looking at you, Music for the Masses / Depeche Mode).
I was a Brit growing up in the 80s so Duran Duran were everywhere. I know the singles on this, but never listened to a full album before, and those singles really stand out as by far the best stuff here. One thing that gets overlooked is the musicianship on display, which is really, really good, and Simon le Bon was as archetypical an 80s pop/New Romantic/new wave frontman as Robert Plant was for 70s stadium rock. This is ok, but nowhere near a favourite.
Not for me
3,5
I listened to it while I was hiking. Really nice and not a song I would instantly skip but also nothing special which I would consider a 5/5 song
Easy listening
thoughts: it’s glitz! it’s glamour! it’s cocktails by the pool! it’s so painfully 80s and it comes out of the block with the title track and doesn’t really let up until the last two tracks. the production is very well done and there are some deeper cuts here i surprisingly enjoyed, but i think my 80s/new wave sensibilities are elsewhere. songs: “lonely in your nightmare”, “hold back the rain”, “save a prayer” rating: 6.8/10
Good, I like the 80z soundz
3.0 I don't particularly care for the pop-leaning music stylings but you know there was at least something interesting in each song. Most of the time it was John Taylors bass playing, some pretty crazy/interesting lines throughout but its a bit hidden in the mix
Honestly, it’s a time capsule of the 80s. Everything from the sounds to the cover, it fills the role of being a time piece. It has some awesome hits but a lot doesn’t connect with me.
'Rio' is a fun, light 80s album. The best songs here are the singles and the rest is pretty mid. Still though, dem boys looked good. Top Tracks: "Rio," "Hungry Like the Wolf," "New Religion"
--Rio...decent pop elevated by a killer bassline --My Own Way...I should listen to some John Taylor solo work --Lonely in Your Nightmare...some interesting sounds but it just kind of meanders --Hungry Like the Wolf...I've heard this song 1000 times and as I listen to it now it just feels very basic and a little aimless. It's possible the music video had a lot to do with its popularity --Hold Back the Rain...loving the production but not the song --New Religion...I like this one. More focused than earlier tracks --Last Chance on the Stairway...feels like a sequel to Rio --Save a Prayer...schmaltzy and overlong --The Chauffeur...an odd turn but I like it. Still could be at least a full minute shorter
At first the mix felt a little off here. Very thin. I think that sort of jangly mids and trebles mix was popular in the 80s but feels slightly jarring these days. On a second listen I turned it up more and the mix improved a fair bit. Album felt cohesive and delivered a lovely pop vibe. The 3 singles are clearly the standout tracks (with Hungry Like The Wolf head and shoulders above the other two).
Another solid - it's fine/good this is an album I've played a few times.
Das Album Rio wurde in mehreren Studios aufgenommen, darunter die AIR Studios auf Montserrat sowie die Abbey Road Studios in London. Duran Duran ist eine britische Band, deren Mitglieder aus England stammen. Die Gruppe war Teil der sogenannten New-Romantic-Bewegung und prägte den Sound der frühen 1980er Jahre entscheidend mit. Musikalisch bewegt sich Rio im Bereich des New Wave mit Einflüssen aus Pop, Funk und Rock. Die Produktion ist geprägt von Synthesizern, klar strukturierten Arrangements und rhythmusbetonten Basslinien. Einige der bekanntesten Titel des Albums sind „Hungry Like the Wolf“, „Save a Prayer“ und der Titelsong „Rio“. Diese Stücke gelten als stilprägend für den internationalen Erfolg der Band und prägten auch das MTV-Zeitalter mit ihren aufwendig produzierten Musikvideos. Das Album zeigt eine geschlossene stilistische Linie und einen klar erkennbaren Bandsound. Auch heute wirkt die Produktion noch durchdacht und im Kontext ihrer Entstehungszeit innovativ. Persönlich empfinde ich Rio als ein gut konzipiertes Album, das trotz seines zeittypischen Klangs nicht nur nostalgisch funktioniert, sondern auch strukturell überzeugt.
Yet another band that have been solely Best Of collections for me, so I don’t think I have ever listened to most of their albums. Overall for this one, it didn’t really rise above or add much to the songs I already knew
Ok I always dismissed them as just an 80's synth pop band. This album is better than I expected. I forgot how many hits they had on the album. The music itself is fun and the bass lines are great. If you want to hear early 80's synth pop this album is better than most.
In the wise words of the older brother in Singh Street no woman can truly love a man who listens to Phil Collins. That being said, this is pretty decent. I probably won't revisit I really don't jive with the music of the '80s for some reason
Has some famous songs, but not the best album overall.
British new wave. Very 80s. Really good 89s pop.
Save a Prayer
They do one thing very well but a whole album of it is too much.
My opinion hasn't changed since 1982.
A first from this band, the bass was particularly engaging and stood out, but the songs themselves were overall fine.
It’s Elvis. Even this he married a 14 year old he’s the king
Pure pop well done. Surprised how many of the tracks I remembered but hey this was the middle of my uni years. Fun to be reminded but I wouldn’t bother to listen again.
Very good, I enioyed it on my bike
Didn't really grab me, but it has its moments.
Solid 80s pop, nothing wrong with this album. Couple great hits and a few hidden gems
They belong on the list. It's fine.
Inoffensive
This was better than Raising Hell by Run-DMC, but not nearly as good as the Kate Bush album we listened to. It was fun, sounded nice, and had some nostalgic songs I remember my parents playing when I was a kid. The epitome of a 3 star album.
a solid pop album
80's in all their magnificence, good but not great
Enjoyed.
A very good 80's album, but the deeper cuts aren't the strongest. Still a good listen though. High 3.
Highlights: Rio, Hungry Like The Wolf, Hold Back The Rain. In a nutshell: 100% 80s. Compared to other synth-pop/new wave floor filler albums of that time, Duran Duran’s Rio holds up. I feel oddly nostalgic while listening to it, even though I wasn't around in the early eighties. Overall: 5/10
Duran Duran … a band so good they named it twice? Not for me but ok.
if the whole album sounded like Save A Prayer we would have a 5 star album on our hands
This album is perfectly fine. That’s all it is; perfectly fine
This was crap. 1 over-played song makes it even more banal. 3 at least you might dance stars.
Iconic pop album that is a quintessential 80s vibe - pick a track and put it on your movie soundtrack and you have the right cred as an 80s movie. This music isn't necessarily my choice, but I can respect it's influence and I am never upset when it gets played, that said, I do enjoy several of these songs and tap my toes to most of these. Duran Duran have a very distinct sound that was imitated a lot in the ensuing 15 years, but never duplicated. 7.4/10 82/1001
For 80s pop, this isn't too bad.
CLOLassic
They’re not beating the cheesy allegations, but this is a fun time.
I like this! I love rio. The rest were okay. But I can see why rio and hungry like the wolf were standouts.
It was alright, a little too pop for me. But The Chaffeur is such an amazing song.
Fine. That’s all I’ve got.
No hate and in fact much love to the band for what they did and came to represent, but I was surprised to find the 40+ years that have passed since this came out didn’t do it a lick of favors. I don’t mind it and whether it’s me or just the zeitgeist, I can’t say, but I got pretty bored and don’t think that’s what they were going for.
I don’t know what it is that I DO like about this album. I don’t know what it is that I DON’T like about this album. I guess that puts this in the middle for me.
Opens with a hit and then it's an album of decent 80's pop.
High quality pop. A little twee coming as it does, right after Nevermind.
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would!
A concentrate of the sound of the 80s. Makes me feel nostalgic even though I hadn’t heard this album. I can see why this would have been very trendy in 82. To many it will sound cheesy. 3.2
Great basslines
Musically speaking, of the original 9 songs, 5 are bangers. Lyrically, they're pretty bad.
Ничего выдающегося не услышал, довольно однообразно, хотя в принципе иногда послушать можно. 6 из 10.
Too soft, too pop, too edgeless, pablum - okay for a radio track here and there, but I'd never pick it on a playlist.
Good synth-pop/rock. I've listened to this album before and this is still the only Duran Duran album I've heard. Otherwise it's just singles like "Girls on film". Hungry like a wolf is a banger and Save a prayer is a great song.
Good 80’s pop - rock
Enjoyed tos a lot more than I thought I would, as an 80s indie kid i dodged duran duran, bu this was apleasant surprise. Loved the Kraftwerk influences on the likes of the chauffeur.
Not too shabby, liked the active bass. But wtf is up with the last track?
Really overstimulating, not quite bad enough to be a 2 star
so so
RIO. Everyone knows HUNGRY LIKE A WOLF! MY OWN WAY is a new favorite for me and man, I forget how GREAT of a song SAVE A PRAYER is.
Not a big 80's synth pop rock fan, but this wasnt too bad.
Just o.k. 80s pop. The three singles "Rio", "Hungry Like The Wolf" and "Save A Prayer" make it a weak three stars album for me. 2,5
jajaja isch biz verbigseglet, nöd mega guet und aber au nöd zu nervig. denkes da chani demit lebe und sie au wenns es 3 bechömed 3 janeiros a das
3.5
A really good album, classic tunes and an early 80’s touchstone.
***An ok album
As a synth-pop album it sounds too messy to me. I do want to like it but it's somewhat convulted this way.
I liked the vibe
This is a classic, but still a bit uneven in some tracks.
2.67
In contention for the most 80’s album ever. I don’t usually like this style of music, but something about Rio just works for me. The bass here is pretty good too. Favorite songs were Rio and Hungry Like The Wolf.
Rio is a cool song my first time listening to Duran Duran, as I've always had a light aversion to them for some reason (and I do like the 80s sound!). it's not bad, though it is far from timeless
Interesting, experimental for sure. Not exactly for me but not awful either. 6.2/10
80's music at it's finest -Rio -Hungry Like the Wolf -Save a Prayer
Bit dated now but Rio still stands the test of time
Another one in the pile of mediocre British Pop Rock. For some reason, this album reminds me of Summer. Favorite Track: "Hungry Like The Wolf".
3/5
point0.
Good pop
For some reason I misread the band name as Devo and thought to myself "ahh shit I'm not looking forward to this." Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be Duran Duran.
knew some songs from glee - but vibes are very interesting and fun
Some decent new wave actually, but a couple of dud songs still there. 7.5/10
Pretty good, I don’t like when the hits are my favourites in an album but it was the case this time, I feel this is one of those albums which has really good hits surrounded with decent deep cuts, they were all consistently decent though although I personally took a liking to hold back the rain. That, Rio and probably hungry like the wolf (basic ahh take) were my favourites. Bass was really good throughout, definitely a standout, other instruments just really did their job other than the synths which were good but they kind of had to be based on how much the songs revolved around them. Overall a strong 3 (6/10).
Why so many Rio remixes
Couple of good songs, not my favorite.
Not my favourite but once in while...
Duran Duran’s Rio is a slick, shimmering time capsule of early-'80s pop excess, awash in glossy production and style-over-substance flair—yet there’s no denying its infectious charm. From the tropical bombast of the title track, which kicks things off with a neon-bright chorus, to the brooding shimmer of "Lonely in Your Nightmare," where chiming guitars and buoyant basslines meet lush vocal layers, the album offers moments of real sonic intrigue. “Hungry Like the Wolf” delivers its lusty hooks with undeniable swagger, though its breathy, orgasmic outro feels more like a gimmick than a climax. The moody ballad “Save a Prayer” leans into goth-lite atmospherics, giving the band a brief, darker edge, while “The Chauffeur,” with its eerie textures and what sounds like a ghostly calliope, closes things out on an artier note. Rio might be a product of its time, but in the best moments, it gleams like chrome in the sun.
Good album
finally some good fucking food
Is this their best album? I don’t think so. For the time? Perhaps. It’s predictable 80’s pop. The singles hit way harder than the lesser known track. Duran Duran had a target audience and if you’re in that target range and only in that target range would this then be a 5 star album. For now, it does it’s job. It’s not phoned in and it got the girls swooning. Well played. Choice cut: Hungry Like the Wolf
A start each for the three good songs on here. The rest is fine I guess. Just not my favorite
Imagine going back in time and trying to explain to the people who loved this album that people do coke off of smartphones now. This is all very groovy, very Vice City and highly enjoyable - I don't think there's any song on the whole album that falls flat. It's almost comically shallow, but who cares? It's part of the charm. High 3*, could be a 4⛷️⛷️ ⛷️
Meh. 3 because of Hungry Like the Wolf.
Random thoughts: * I never even considered listening to a Duran Duran album before. But there's a first time for everything. * I played this through several times and was quite enjoyable. But I won't be adding it to my desert island lists anytime soon. * The hits were enjoyable, Rio and Hungry Like the Wolf. The rest was fine but nothing worth noting. * There is a little Depeche Mode and other 80s electronic music which is kind of my jam too, so I did like it overall.
This was fun. I especially enjoyed “Last Chance on the Stairway,” which was refreshing to hear another bop I haven’t heard 1000 times.
ehhhh
Synthy and dancey. HLAW is a certified banger for me and always will be. The album artwork is also sick as hell -- would kinda make a cool tattoo.
Good 80s Brit pop rock, easy to listen and overall it is enjoyable. "Save a Prayer" is the crown jewel of the album. Pleasant discovery of the intro song "Rio" but "Hungry Like a Wolf" despite very popular aged very poorly and sounds cheesy. Underrated songs for me for a first listen are "Lonely in Your Nightmare" and "New Religion". The other songs deserve a second change but might be skip worthy depending on the disposition
I can hear the appeal on more than just the hits. I may not reach to put it on, but I can leave it on if it's already spinning.
My first album for this long journey. It's a well produced album but not necessarily something I would listen to regularly unless I was in a very specific headspace. I'm not even sure that may ever occur. Still, there could have been worse albums to start with.
7 out of 10 good but not my cup of. tea
I don't hate any of this but you're getting pretty close to annoying/cheesy 80s British pop nonsense. Rio and Hungry Like the Wolf are huge hits (and probably the only reason this album is relevant). Not bad, but no need to listen to any of it again. 5.25/10 (2.625/5)
"Rio" is a very solid new wave album, with some great tracks, however it doesn't really do anything amazing or special in any way, it's a pretty enjoyable album, for what it is, but for the most part, it's just standard 80s new wave affair.
Reminds me of my parents, which made listening complicated lol. Fun if imperfect!
Although not my cup of tea I respect these guys. Can't believe this album was released over 40 years ago though. I am old as shit.
Rio and Hungry Like the Wolf are classics but the rest of the album is just okay. Not good, not bad, just fine. I'd give it a 3.5 if I could but I don't think it deserves a 4
Yeah, 80s new wave, its ok
Interesting sound, still, not my favorite genre of music.
My dad absolutely hates Duran Duran, I think they're ok tho
Decent.
A classic.
Listening to this felt like I was laying on a beach in mars, watching three suns set over a rising moon. Standouts: Rio, Hungry like a wolf and New Religion
Sometimes, you just want a pop.
I do like new wave/synth pop, and this wasn’t bad; maybe it was just the particular day, but I didn’t feel anything stronger than “it’s alright.” Favorite: Hungry Like the Wolf
Duran Duran is only talented synth pop and this album still just ok.
Actually not bad. Was pretty disappointed to see this as my first choice. But there's more musically than I was expecting. Still a lot of generic 80s pop flare, but not quite bottom of the barrel like I was suspecting. Maybe a 2.5/5
-bubblegum new wave -give the bass player a cookie -clever use of synths (arps and pads used tactfully) -hungry like the wolf guitar tone *chefs kiss* -hooks everywhere, not a good album for fish -all about that chorus -the arrangements are playing nice -happy tears for fears (songs from the happy chair) -middle 8 in hold back the rain is fun (arpeggios for their supper) -new religion... bit cheesy but ultimately cool. that vocal overdub bit is great. -highly digestible -the power of the song kinda lost in the funk and shine -wobble in intro for save a prayer is nice, impactful Vox ham -can't decide if I love or hate or hate the album cover, cool girl but looks like how it feels to hear your nan call a club a disco (kinda sums up the album but in a good way) -well sequenced, flows well -the chauffeur, its like dyslexic Kraftwerk on sherbet. like it but that flute can fuck off Lonely in your nightmare is my favourite, like if the smiths where actually the ghostbusters
Very 80s pinnacle pop
It was okay. Knew a few songs.
Eh
6/10
I enjoyed it but I can't see myself going back to it much (if at all) as I'm not too fussed about the songs that aren't singles.
Perfect
Very very 80s sound didn’t know I knew two of the songs already (rio and hungry like a wolf) the album sounded like songs I would hear at a retail store. I was surprised when I ended up really liking save a prayer. Overall not bad at all just not my cup of tea but appreciate the 80s synth pop.
Eeh mid
So very upbeat 80's. Relentless almost forced
it was okay
Fave song: The Chauffeur Sounds commercial, like shopping music. I’m undecided on this album, it needs more spins.
Dated for sure, but not hard to listen to. “Rio” and “Hungry Like the Wolf” are unsurprising standouts.
As is often true with New Wave, I love the bass and guitar. Hungry Like The Wolf is a classic, but this album has more to offer than just that. My Own Way is great fun, and Hold Back the Rain has a very catchy hook. Not a huge fan of The Chauffeur, but love the flute solo.
Classic 80s
This was a great album for the weekend. No complaints here. Charistmatic Brit Pop. Don't know why, but the name "Duran Duran" has always given me the ick, as the girlies would say. I'm not kidding. It is for that exact reason I abstained from exploring their discography besides Girls on Film. What a pleasant surprise! This is an album I'd happily chuck on for a drive. Really nicely produced. Adequate big-room drums that Patrick Bateman would boogie to off his Harman/Kardon multi-CD system. It's just too short, and Save a Prayer/New Religion just don't do it for me, especially the latter. They just sound like worse repackages of other songs on here. I wish there was a bit more punch packed into this album. I wish the lyrics pierced through the wall of reverb a bit more - not with volume, but with substance. Enjoyed: Lonely In Your Nightmare, Hungry Like the Wolf, Last Chance on the Stairway. 6.5/10
Unfortunately the most notable thing about this album is the cover and it's significance and impact on art history. The last two tracks on the album are easily the best and its nice to end on a high note but the journey to get there isn't particularly riveting. 6/10
That's not my taste in music - But ok
I never really loved the hits and the rest doesn't stand out to me either.
3 Bona fide synth pop classics and some decent lp tracks too.
Catchy
Pretty good, I liked it more than I thought I would, but it wasn't much special. Album art is sick as hell though
Excellent 80's pop with a few classic songs in there
I can see that it’s fun but it’s not my cup of tea.
Nice album.
Classic 80s
When I think of 80’s synth-pop, Duran Duran is definitely one of the top names to come up.
Pretty good songs here. Hungry like the wolf is my fav.
Good album! A good lesson to keep listening until the last song because I think that was my favorite
Interesting Pop Rock album, featuring the Most well known song of Duran Duran "Hungry Like a wolve". Still didn't convince me to relisten to the whole album.
Rio is an alright album. Since this is an 80s new wave album, it is of course gonna have a lot of cheesiness in virtually every aspect but that isn't always a bad thing. A majority of the instruments all sounded alright and fit the songs pretty well and all had good melodies which was the main thing that was initially praised about this album back in 1982. The thing it was most heavily criticized for, The lyrics, weren't something i paid all too much attention to but from what i remember, they were not all that bad. I'd say the main issue with this album is how overly similar the songs sound to each other. I still will say that it is an alright album, just nothing all too great. Best Song: New Religion Worst Song: Rio
Duran Duran was in that group of the first bands that really got the full MTV effect. I've probably seen the videos for Rio and Hungry Like the Wolf hundreds of times, but I have never listened to an entire Duran Duran album unless a greatest hits album counts. Other than those two tracks, nothing else really stood out. I find whenever I listen to Duran Duran I come away a little disappointed. I don't know, this album is not bad, just unsatisfying.
i used to like duran duran but i think it’s kinda corny, decent record tho
Good, 6/10 probably isn't good enough for this type of list.
Classic 80s synth pop. Catchy tunes. Not the best vocals but a unique sound.
Rio's good, but otherwise the album was a bit meh.
Хороший альбом, качественный поп, песня рио понравилась
An enjoyable listen, but the deeper album cuts weren't quite as quality as the big hits. High 3, might edit/revisit later.
rio- 6 my own way- 5 lonely in your nightmare- 5 hungry like the wolf- 5 hold back the rain- 4 new religion- 4 or 5 last chance on the stairway- 5 save a prayer- 4 the chauffeur- 5 or 6 yall hyped this up and for what
Canción favorita: New religion
Not bad!
Perfectly listenable but unfortunately they all kinda sound the same. Rio is a banger though
Good album, lots of nice tracks
hungry like the woooooolf
You know, I really didn't hate it.
This feels more about sound than songs and the sound sounds dated. Still a fun listen and there are some cool things going on once you get past the schmaltzy 80s sheen.
Enjoyable, enjoyable to her the singles, the rest is a bit same-y.
Album with some good songs.
-one of my mom’s favorite albums… a definite highlight of 80s English new wave imo. Hungry Like The Wolf is probably one of the best -I’d definitely heard a few of these songs before but hadn’t been able to name them or the artist, so it’s fun to recognize them now -Favorites are Rio and Hungry Like The Wolf
In part, good sound. Generally solid Pop but yet musically interesting. 3. (Listened to the 2001 Remaster)