An objective and open-minded analysis of the band’s entire catalog reveals an impressive collection that matches up favorably with any commercial band of the last thirty years. Ultimately, as with any artist, it’s the music that matters. Kentucky Republicans Override Veto of Sweeping Anti-Transgender Bill

Who doesn’t swoon when LeBon, voice thick with desire, implores, “ Some people call it a one night stand, but we can call it paradise!” “ Voices in your body coming through on the radio,” he drawls on “Union of the Snake.” What does it mean? What does it matter? Their sex appeal has always been undeniable. One of the reasons Duran Duran connected so strongly is Simon LeBon’s knack for coming up with vivid soundbites that plug perfectly into big pop hooks. They had the look, the sound, the talent, and the vehicle (MTV, radio and magazines) to transmit their musical vision to teenage bedrooms all over the world. The photogenic Simon LeBon (vocals), Nick Rhodes (Keyboards) and the three unrelated Taylors (John on bass, Andy on guitar, Roger on drums) were on the covers of all the magazines, on nearly perpetual MTV rotation and their hits saturated the radio waves. Duran Duran played to screaming hordes across the globe. At the peak of their success the levels of hysteria surrounding them rivaled Beatlemania. “Rio,” “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Save a Prayer” were all major hits, and suddenly the band was everywhere.

Five sexy and stylish Brits who were able to distill influences like Ultravox, Japan, David Bowie and Roxy Music into ultra-commercial new wave/pop anthems that, with the help of expensive and glamorous videos, appealed to a massive audience worldwide. The band’s 1981 self-titled debut and early singles like “Planet Earth,” “Carless Memories” and “Girls on Film” generated significant buzz and some chart success in their native U.K., but it was their second album, Rio, released in 1982, that made Duran Duran worldwide superstars. One of the biggest bands to emerge from the early MTV era, Duran Duran was a perfect partner for the fledgling music network.

Duran duran first album