260: RIO | DURAN DURAN
Ned Ragget at AllMusic: 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.
Rio is the second studio album by the English new wave band Duran Duran, released on 10 May 1982 through EMI. It is widely regarded as one of the band’s best and most influential albums, as well as a landmark of the 1980s music scene.
The album showcases the band’s musical versatility and creativity, incorporating elements of disco, rock, funk, and synth-pop. The songs are catchy, upbeat, and danceable, with memorable hooks and melodies. The lyrics, written by lead singer Simon Le Bon, are often obscure and poetic, exploring themes such as dreams, romance, and escapism.
The album was produced by Colin Thurston, who helped the band refine their sound and experiment with different instruments and effects. The band recorded most of the album at AIR Studios in London from January to March 1982, after writing and demoing the material at their resident nightclub, the Rum Runner, in Birmingham. The album features guest appearances by saxophonist Andy Hamilton and percussionist Andy Duncan.
Rio spawned three worldwide hit singles: “Hungry Like the Wolf”, “Save a Prayer”, and “Rio”. The band also filmed iconic music videos for these songs, as well as “Lonely in Your Nightmare” and “The Chauffeur”, in exotic locations such as Sri Lanka and Antigua. The videos helped the band gain exposure and popularity in the United States, where they became one of the leading acts of the Second British Invasion.
Rio received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, who praised the music but criticized the lyrics. However, over time, the album has been reevaluated as a classic of its era and genre, receiving acclaim from fans and critics alike. Rio has been included in several lists of the best albums of all time by publications such as Rolling Stone, NME, and Pitchfork. The album has also been reissued several times, with bonus tracks and remixes.
Rio is a testament to Duran Duran’s artistic vision and musical talent, as well as their cultural impact and legacy. It is an album that captures the spirit and style of the early 1980s, while also transcending its time and place. It is an album that still sounds fresh and exciting today, 40 years after its release.