English music group formed in Birmingham in the late 1970s. They rose to international popularity in the early 1980s (notably with Rio), combined striking visuals with pop, funk and synth sounds, experienced lineup changes (Andy Taylor, Roger Taylor, Warren Cuccurullo) and have released albums from the 1980s through the 2020s.

Formed in Birmingham; core members include Simon Le Bon (vocals), Nick Rhodes (keyboards), John Taylor (bass); lauded for Rio (1982); career spans over 40 years; credited with selling over one hundred million records (mentioned in DeBaser reviews).

DeBaser's reviews trace Duran Duran from their Birmingham new‑romantic/new‑wave origins to their present-day albums. Rio and the early 1980s work are repeatedly celebrated; mid-career years and some later albums attract mixed reactions. Recent releases such as Future Past are praised, and covers projects (Danse Macabre) draw varied opinions.

For:fans of 1980s new wave and synth-pop, longtime Duran Duran listeners, curious newcomers

 Ah, Duran Duran. The Bible of the '80s.

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 "I was with my wife Linda in the same studio where "Rio" was being recorded. One evening I went to visit them and they played this new song "Save a Prayer" for me. I immediately told them that with that track they had a hit on their hands that would guarantee them a career." (Paul McCartney)

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 After exactly 40 years of career and over a hundred million albums sold, the name of the Birmingham group has become a musical genre that allows, on the eve of 2022, to listen to beautiful songs through which you can distinctly hear the sound of bass, drums, and guitar, an increasingly rare occurrence in recent times.

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