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THE REVIEW
The career of a musician, in the vast majority of cases, is determined by the quality and success of the second album. How many soloists and bands have become famous thanks to a song or an LP, only to last a "blink of an eye" because they failed to repeat their success? Countless! But how many have had the skill to compose, at the "moment of truth," a masterpiece? Yes, RIO is a masterpiece! Of course, I do not presume to assert this; I simply rely on the judgments of critics and artists who support this. I quote one above all, Sir Bob Geldof (who, by the way, wasn't much of a friend to Simon & Co. due to the story of the suicide of Michael Hutchence of INXS... but that's another story, and I hope some of you know it), well - Her Majesty's baronet - literally quotes: "Duran Duran is a group formed by intelligent and cultured lads; with Rio they have produced a damn wonderful musical work, probably the most beautiful new wave, synth pop, dance rock record of the '80s." Who can argue with that?
I like Duran Duran in a "peculiar" way. I have always preferred their less famous and commercial songs (She's Too Much - Someone Else Not Me - Shadow in Your Side - American Science just to name a few - in my opinion, very few of you know them) but Rio is an exception. To be honest, the only track I don't like is Hungry Like The Wolf, one of the most listened to overall. I find it overproduced and rather "banal" in its rhythms. The other eight tracks are genuinely all gems. Indeed, I can't understand how Fly Like An Angel did not receive the space it deserved and was relegated to a mere bside of My Own Way. Rio, New Religion, Lonely in Your Nightmare, Save a Prayer, Last Chance on the Stairway, and The Chauffeur are played excellently, composed with immense creativity, and arranged with meticulous attention to detail. You can tell the five were particularly inspired and eager to emerge. The cover is also an absolute marvel thanks to the American artist Patrick Nagel.
John Taylor in his book/biography states that the excessive success in public and sales that Duran Duran experienced from 1982 to 1985 turned against the band which, inundated by that popularity, "lost" itself; some (especially himself) found refuge in alcohol and drugs, and others attempted, without success, parallel musical careers. The same virtuoso bassist (named in several specialized magazine rankings among the most talented in the world) after much self-criticism, not coincidentally titled the chapter dedicated to RIO... "The Masterpiece."
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Summary by Bot
Duran Duran's second album, Rio, is praised as a masterpiece of 1980s new wave and synth pop. Despite the reviewer disliking the hit 'Hungry Like The Wolf,' the album's other tracks showcase immense creativity and craftsmanship. The iconic cover art by Patrick Nagel adds to the album's appeal. The band’s rapid rise to fame brought challenges, but Rio remains a high point in their career.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Duran Duran
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.41 Reviews
Other reviews
By Justpg
"Rio represents a mix of Duranian atmospheres made of rock, funky, dark, and melodic combined with pop, original and unique sounds."
"Simon Le Bon’s voice, unique and unmistakable... is perfect for certain tracks, but for others, it may be the element that makes a certain track less demanding and more commercial."
By claudio carpentieri
"Save a Prayer expresses without any hesitation Fab Five's ability to skillfully manipulate melody, conceiving a track this time with a sentimental-melancholic appeal."
Colin Thurston’s production gives the lp the right touch of magic needed to acquire a finesse and maturity.
By Miki Page
A rough diamond, which once treated and polished will give light, a year later, to the fresh and sparkling "Rio."
"Duran Duran" is certainly a quality album with many points of interest, perhaps in some respects even better than "Rio."
