Rio

by Duran Duran

Overview

From its Nagel cover to the haircuts and overall design -- and first and foremost the music -- Rio is as representative of the '80s at its best as it gets. The original Duran Duran's high point, and just as likely the band's as a whole, its fusion of style and substance ensures that even two decades after its release it remains as listenable and danceable as ever. The quintet integrates its sound near-perfectly throughout, the John and Roger Taylor rhythm section providing both driving propulsion and subtle pacing. For the latter, consider the lush, semi-tropical sway of "Save a Prayer," or the closing paranoid creep of "The Chauffeur," a descendant of Roxy Music's equally affecting dark groover "The Bogus Man." Andy Taylor's muscular riffs provide fine rock crunch throughout, Rhodes' synth wash adds perfect sheen, and Le Bon tops it off with sometimes overly cryptic lyrics that still always sound just fine in context, courtesy of his strong delivery. Rio's two biggest smashes burst open the door in America for the New Romantic/synth rock crossover. "Hungry Like the Wolf" blended a tight, guitar-heavy groove with electronic production and a series of instant hooks, while the title track was even more anthemic, with a great sax break from guest Andy Hamilton adding to the soaring atmosphere. Lesser known cuts like "Lonely in Your Nightmare" and "Last Chance on the Stairway" still have pop thrills a-plenty, while "Hold Back the Rain" is the sleeper hit on Rio, an invigorating blast of feedback, keyboards and beat that doesn't let up. From start to finish, a great album that has outlasted its era. ~ Ned Raggett

Product Details

Release Date:	07/19/2024
Label:	Rhino / Parlophone
UPC:	5054197915314
Rank:	19371

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Duran Duran   Primary Artist
Andy Taylor   Guitar,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Simon LeBon   Vocals
Roger Taylor   Drums,Drums,Percussion
Andy Hamilton   Saxophone,Saxophone
Nick Rhodes   Keyboards,Synthesizer,Vocals (Background)
Bob Lamb   Co-Producer
John Taylor   Bass,Vocals,Guitar (Bass),Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Paul Nickson   Engineer
Andy Taylor   Arranger,Composer
Simon LeBon   Arranger,Composer
Bob Lamb   Producer,Producer
Colin Thurston   Mixing,Engineer,Producer,Mastering
Duran Duran   Composer,Producer
David Kershenbaum   Remixing,Remix Engineer
John Taylor   Composer,Arranger,Composer
Pete Dauncey   Producer
Nigel Reeve   Project Coordinator
Tony Cousins   Digital Remastering,Remastering Engineer
Ron Hill   Engineer,Recording,Audio Engineer
Nick Rhodes   Arranger,Composer
Nagel   Illustrations
Andy Earl   Photography
Malcolm Garrett   Cover Design,Original Sleeve Design
Steve Rooke   Remastering Engineer
Assorted Images   Cover Design
Roger Andrew Taylor   Composer
Roger Taylor   Arranger,Composer
Andy Walter   Remastering Engineer
Andrew Day   Art Coordinator
Renate   Technician