DURAN DURAN Vinyl & CDs

Review: The definitive greatest hits compilation by British new wave rulebook rippers Duran Duran, originally released in 1998. Spanning their career from the early 1980s through the mid-1990s, the record saw hailings and bowed prayer prostrations the world over for its sleek representation of the band's rise and suspension over 80s dance rock airspace for decades and more. 'Hungry Like The Wolf', 'Rio', 'Ordinary World', 'A View To A Kill' and 'Girls On Film' serve here as retrospective freeze-frames, together stop-motioning the band's trajectory through synthpop glamours and evolution into a maturer stadium act, as the revolutionary 90s crept onwards.

Review: The CD edition of a wider multi-format reissue, Greatest documents, well, the greatest greatest hits compilation to span the steadfast, enduring work of Brum new romantic hopefuls turned interstellar pop stars Duran Duran. Originally released in 1989, The Greatest is a choice career retrospective and update to the earlier 1989 compilation album Decade, where the new wave band's evolution over the elapsing of yet another decade solicited further tribute. Tracks like 'Notorious' flaunt their seamless move into funk-infused pop, while 'The Reflex' catches the polished, experimental edge of their mid-80s era. And of course, the Bond theme "A View To A Kill" remains to this day the only 007 theme to reach number one in the US.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Creasing to corner of outer sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***


Duran Duran's Notorious, originally released in 1986, marked a significant evolution in the band's sound. Produced by Nile Rodgers, the album introduced a funk rock vibe distinct from their previous work. With the departure of two members, the trio of Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, and John Taylor took the helm, joined by session musicians including drummer Steve Ferrone. Despite lineup changes, 'Notorious' soared to commercial success, peaking at number 16 in the UK and number 12 on the Billboard 200, with platinum certification and over a million copies sold worldwide. The album's singles, including the title track, 'Skin Trade,' and 'Meet El Presidente,' further solidified Duran Duran's global impact. Notorious remains a pivotal moment in the band's discography, displaying their ability to adapt and innovate while maintaining their signature style.

Review: The reissue of Duran Duran's self-titled debut album revitalises the iconic 1981 release, showcasing its blend of new wave, synth-pop, and post-punk influences. Standout tracks like 'Girls on Film' and 'Planet Earth' highlight the band's knack for infectious hooks and stylish production. The reissue enhances the original's crisp, polished sound with remastered audio, bringing renewed clarity to Nick Rhodes' synths and John Taylor's basslines. Additional bonus tracks and rare demos provide deeper insights into the band's early creative process. This reissue solidifies Duran Duran as a seminal work that defined an era.

Review: Duran Duran's Notorious, originally released in 1986, marked a significant evolution in the band's sound. Produced by Nile Rodgers, the album introduced a funk rock vibe distinct from their previous work. With the departure of two members, the trio of Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, and John Taylor took the helm, joined by session musicians including drummer Steve Ferrone. Despite lineup changes, 'Notorious' soared to commercial success, peaking at number 16 in the UK and number 12 on the Billboard 200, with platinum certification and over a million copies sold worldwide. The album's singles, including the title track, 'Skin Trade,' and 'Meet El Presidente,' further solidified Duran Duran's global impact. Notorious remains a pivotal moment in the band's discography, displaying their ability to adapt and innovate while maintaining their signature style.

Review: Duran Duran's third album, Seven and the Ragged Tiger, marked the culmination of the band's early success when it dropped in 1993, an album that saw them defying criticisms that they were a teen-idol band with shallow, sexually sensationalised music. It yielded three singles: 'Union of the Snake', 'New Moon on Monday' and a remix of 'The Reflex' by Nile Rodgers, a UK and US number one, a very rare thing for a UK artist to achieve. Duran Duran supported the album with a worldwide concert tour that yielded several concert films and a live album. Tracks like 'Tiger Tiger', 'I Take the Dice' and the album closer 'The Seventh Stranger' are also highlights. The album was a commercial success at the time - and it has definitely weathered well.

Review: Duran Duran's Rio album, had a huge impact on the 80s music scene. The album is praised for its catchy choruses - despite its often nonsensical lyrics - each track is noted for its strong hooks, with even the lesser-known songs having memorable melodies. Recognized for the importance of John Taylor's bass playing that adds a unique groove to the band's sound. Simon Le Bon's vocals are praised for his ability to convey emotion, even with generally meaningless lyrics. The album features the worldwide hits 'Rio', 'Hungry Like A Wolf' and 'Save A Prayer' whose videos were some of the most popular in MTV history. Nick Rhodes' synthesisers as essential to the band's sound, along with Andy Taylor's guitar work, which, while not flashy, contributes to the overall package. 'The Chauffeur' is considered by many as the stand out track, with its spooky vibe and memorable pan flute solo. Overall, the album is described as essential for anyone looking to explore 80s pop music, with its energetic and engaging sound.

Review: English new wave legends Duran Duran were already up to album number nine by the time they dropped this one in October 1997. A full quarter of a century later and it gets a deserved 25th anniversary release which, actually, makes the first time it has arrived physically in this country. Back in 97 it was only released in North America, Latin America and Japan. Alt-rock, synth-pop and electronica all feature and the front cover has a painting of the band by artist Andrew Day. At the time the album wasn't received too well critically but that view has changed over the years.