Reviews (page 10 of 14)
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)
fav songs were probably rio and hungry like the wolf
It's alright. Some good tracks but it's a bit . . . whiny isn't quite the right word but the tone is a bit off or something.
I think there are some good sounds on this record but alot of it comes across as bland in 2025. I would agree that it is fun and dancey, but there is not much substance behind the lyrics. I wish it was a better combination, but alas it still makes me want to dance.
I wasn't really familiar with Duran Duran outside their overplayed hit Hungry Like the Wolf. Title track and Save a Prayer are fantastic pieces of synthpop, the rest of the albums ranges from good to okay. I wouldn't listen to the album again, but I'll keep those two songs for my playlists.
jestem fanką, ciekawe, niby rock ale trochę szalone, pasowałoby na winyl, muzyka jednak nie uspokaja
Very 80s, good, not entirely my vibe. Reminds me of a John Hughes movie.
thought i would hate this for some reason. highlights include "Rio" "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "New Religion" A little cheesy at times.
Ohm yeah, jammin
Duran Duran= So So. Hungry Like The Wolf is a good song; Rio is a great song. The rest of the album sounds like background music at a club in the early '80's (which it was).
*Whispers into phone on train platform* “Please be loud.” Cut to: Hungry Like The Wolf crescendoing as the D cruises across the Manhattan Bridge. A jolt of musical adrenaline is all I ask for these wintry mornings. Put another way: “Darken the city, night is a wire/ Steam in the subway, earth is afire…”
I enjoyed this way more than I thought. Not a banger of an album I'll have on repeat, but into it.
All the songs start to sound the same after a while. Rio and Hungry like the wolf are bangers, rest are just okay
So very 80s. Probably wouldn’t double back
Solid
Kul album! Jag har svårt att inte bli glad av sån här 80-tals-pop. Det är glättigt på ett kul sätt. Det håller dock inte hela vägen riktigt baserat på låtskriveri och produktion. Lite väl långt album också med tanke på materialet. 3/5.
One of my mom's favorite bands and records. Has big hits like Rio, hungry like the wolf and save a prayer. Upon listening to it now, it's enjoyable even though I usually don't gravitate towards 80s pop. Favorite track(s): Save a prayer, Rio, hungry like the wolf Will I revisit?: low priority Current rating: 7/10, 3.5 stars
I would not normally choose to listen to Duran Duran. So I was not looking forward to this record. However, I had forgotten that there are a few songs I actually (and secretly) like quite a lot. Yeah, this sounds dated but it is a decent listen for when you’re in the mood for 80’s MTV classics. Highlights: Rio, Save a Prayer, Last Chance on the Stairway
It was good to hear Rio and Wolf again. The rest of the album was fine.
A bit of fun
Absolutely nothing against the band, the album was solid throughout, but if I ever get the urge to listen to them again, I’ll probably just listen to Hungry Like the Wolf and be fine.
Bassist absolutely slaps, lots of bangers but a couple that also get lost in the mix
Innovative, some great tracks on it, but weighed down by a few stinkers as well.
Fun synth pop album. No complaints, but no outstanding love
Takes me back to my youth. Some classics on this album.
Al escuchar esto la playlist me llevó a The Daring Ones - Space Probe. Bonus track, supongo, jajaja. Se nota que es música buena y está bien hecha pero a mi no me ha gustado demasiado el enfoque, hubiese preferido en este caso un enfoque con música más instrumental ya que lo que me llamaba más la atención del album es su instrumentación.
Not my favourite band from the 80s, but seemingly one of the most popular from the radio. The bass lines are not to be ignored, but some of the overly complex synth parts overcrowd the guitar, the drums seem a little shallow. Lots of repeated riffs which make each song seem "samey". Simon Lebon's voice doesn't leave much to be desired. I prefer The Cure, Tears for Fears and even Spandau Ballet from this genre.
Anemic 80s mega album. Whiney voice, tinny guitars. Some decent sings some filler. Not a massive fan.
Good
3,5
Mostly just okay. Don't remember much from it. 5/10
i'm usually a slut for 80s pop but this is unfortunately just pretty mid to me. not annoying, not bad, but not great. solidly mid
I think they were holding back a bit on this one. Better when they're being more outrageous
3.5 I didn’t listen to it very carefully but it felt like a nice album with upbeat songs
Hungry Like a Wolf will always be a certified banger. Surprised how well I liked the rest of the album but nothing quite stood out. Not the biggest fan of the 80s vibe.
This is a really nicely crafted album. I was previously familiar with Hungry Like the Wolf only, but even from the beginning, the whole album felt familiar. As a result, the album feels cohesive which I appreciate. Hungry Like the Wolf may be the biggest and best song, but the album is good the whole way through.
6/10 Its not my kind of music I like but it has Really good songs and a Happy Rhythm.
Few bangers, too much filler
All style, no substance. Quintessential 80s.
Je m’attendais à honnêtement un peu plus, Duran x2 est pas mal un gros nom et le monde dans les commentaires semblait bander dessus sur un gros temps. Dans mes oreilles par contre, ça sonne pas mal comme un autre album rock new-wavey des années 80 qui abuse un peu trop des synthés. Jme relis, pis j’ai l’impression de me répéter, à moins que ça soit le générateur qui soit plein d’albums similaires?
Spoko, rytmy elektro, znana radiowa piosenka, ale raczej zamułka. Na jedno pobieganie okej.
Pure 80s pop. The hits are the obvious stand outs. Good driving music.
3.4 Синти-поп не нра
Just for the nostalgia.. other than that boring
Te 80s maar wel leuk voor een keer
A lot of the songs sounded the same but I liked the new wave 80s vibe
is a three
Duran Duran has some bops, like its big hits, but overall, the electronic sound are a little too repetitive. I did not enjoy it as much on songs like Last Chance on the Stairway. Aside from that, overall a fun album to listen to. 3.5
blatant rem ripoff
6.5/10
Classic 80s sound
The Good: Classic ‘80s New Wave The Bad: being synonymous for an entire style of music is dangerous… The Ugly: like their stage name, the album is repetitive… I was not on the Duran Duran wagon during the ‘80s, though I knew several people who swore by them. They were, at the time, at least in Europe, the biggest act to follow. Good for them… Rio, as an album, isn’t bad, and even palatable seeing as it only lasts a modest 42 and some minutes which brought me back to a more youthful era, which is always nice. Yet, I can not dish out more than 3* as it is what it is...
An absolute iconic album and something that I probably have avoided as it brings to mind a load of yachts and pastel suits and synths. First time I have delved into the album. The singles are belters obviously. I was really drawn in my the musicianship. Those guys can really really play. John Taylor is a fantastic bassist. Did it stick? Apart from Rio, Hungry and Save A Prayer? Not really but not that it's bad - it's just not my genre. Stunning album cover Solid 3 and want to make it 4 but don't like it enough
Definitely felt like a Duran Duran album. Beyond Rio and Hungry like the wolf I doubt that I had heard any of the other songs on the album. Didn’t really excite me or disgust me so Iguessit was ok.
This is better than I remember. Save A Prayer is worth the price of admission all by itself…
This was a unique mix of prog experimentation with very catchy hooks that makes Duran Duran unique. While they didn't have too much success outside this record, their sound is distinct and stands up to this day in my opinion. Notable Tracks: - Rio (prog mixed with quintessential catchy 80s chorus) - Hungry Like The Wolf - one of the catchiest choruses of the 80s - Hold Back the Rain - bassline is sick - Last Chance on the Stairway - ROCK MUSIC NEEDS MORE MARIMBA SOLOS 7/10
The hits are probably the worst songs on the album. It's quite samey but better than I expected. Reeks of 80s
I’ve always loved the title track, Rio, so fun. And the. The album feels a bit one note for me. Nothing to write home about for me.
Pure 80s pop. Although not as many hits as I remembered.
Didn't love the album, love the spirit though and the bass playing adds a star.
Non-singles were surprisingly catchy
En 1982, alors que la new wave britannique déferle sur le monde, Duran Duran ne se contente pas de surfer sur la vague : ils la transforment en un tsunami de style, de son et de couleur. Avec leur deuxième album, "Rio", le groupe de Birmingham ne publie pas simplement un disque, il définit l'esthétique d'une décennie. Sorti en 1982, l'album "Rio" a propulsé le groupe vers la célébrité mondiale, devenant bien plus qu'un succès commercial : un véritable couronnement et un phénomène culturel. La réussite de l'album repose sur un équilibre parfait. L'album est un mélange de pop et de new wave qui allie l'immédiateté des refrains à une sophistication sonore audacieuse. La production de Colin Thurston est un modèle du genre, polie comme du chrome et d'une clarté redoutable, offrant un écrin luxueux à la musicalité du groupe. Chaque membre y brille : la section rythmique est impériale, portée par la batterie précise de Roger Taylor et surtout les lignes de basse de John Taylor, dont le jeu funky et proéminent est la colonne vertébrale de l'album. Les guitares d'Andy Taylor apportent le tranchant rock, tandis que les synthétiseurs de Nick Rhodes tissent des nappes atmosphériques et des arpèges cristallins qui sont la signature sonore de Duran Duran. Le succès planétaire de "Rio" a été porté par une collection de singles devenus des classiques intemporels. Des titres emblématiques comme "Rio", "Hungry Like the Wolf" et "Save a Prayer" ont dominé les ondes et les écrans. Et au-delà de ces tubes, l'album révèle une profondeur et une diversité remarquables. Du funk-disco de "My Own Way" à la mélancolie onirique de "Lonely In Your Nightmare", Duran Duran explore différentes facettes de sa personnalité. Des morceaux plus expérimentaux comme "New Religion", avec sa structure complexe et ses passages parlés, ou le final cinématographique et électronique "The Chauffeur", prouvent que le groupe n'est pas qu'une simple machine à hits. Il est impossible d'évoquer "Rio" sans parler de son impact visuel. De la pochette iconique de Patrick Nagel aux clips novateurs de Russell Mulcahy tournés aux quatre coins du monde, Duran Duran a compris avant tout le monde le pouvoir de l'image à l'ère naissante de MTV. L'album était un produit total, une fusion de la musique, de la mode et de l'art qui vendait un fantasme d'évasion, de luxe et d'aventure. En définitive, "Rio" est un très bon disque et peut-être le meilleur album du groupe. C'est le moment où leur talent, leur ambition et leur vision ont fusionné à la perfection. Alors, pourquoi la note de 3/5 ? Cette évaluation n'est pas un jugement sur sa qualité, mais sur sa nature. "Rio" est un chef-d'oeuvre de son temps, une capsule temporelle si parfaite qu'elle est indissociable de son époque. Si on lui cherche la profondeur introspective ou l'universalité intemporelle d'autres grands classiques du rock, on peut le trouver superficiel. Mais ce serait passer à côté de son essence. "Rio" n'a pas pour but de sonder l'âme, mais de la faire danser et rêver. En cela, il est une réussite absolue et reste un disque à découvrir : non seulement pour comprendre Duran Duran, mais pour ressentir le pouls de toute une décennie. Un classique incontournable.
A couple of bangers for sure. A bit of 80s schlock, also.
It’s not bad, it’s just that all of the elements have been better done before and since by artists I like more