Best of the 80's: Rio by Duran Duran

Coming in at number 89 in the Best of the 80's list is this 1982 release.  Having just reviewed the latest release from Duran Duran let me talk about the two key differences and why this album is on this list. 

In many ways this 1982 release is similar in sound to the new album, but there are two distinct differences.  The first is that this album has three solid singles on it, "Rio," "Hungry Like the Wolf," and "Save a Prayer."  Each of these songs were hits in 1982 and to be honest could still be hits today as they still sound fresh.  Second this album strongly emphasizes the rhythm section of the band.  All the songs revolve around the bass work of John Taylor and in fact it's that bass line that makes those three singles I talked about work so well.  The bass grounds these techie sounding songs and gives them a groove. 

To be honest there isn't much to the rest of this album.  The rest of the songs aren't bad, but there is nothing else on this album that comes close to these three songs, and it's those three songs that gets this album on this list. Duran Duran were huge for a short time and this is the peak of their run. It wouldn't be an 80's list without some representation and this is by far their best album.

This album is great for an 80's mix tape or throwing on while giving the car a wash.

Following the Rhapsody rating method I give it 3 out of 5 stars for Pretty Good.