Rio - Duran Duran > Reviews > A classic 'must own' album from the 80s

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Standard
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money

Advantages:	Takes you back to your youth  -  if you're 30 something !
Disadvantages:	Only 9 tracks

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I am in the process of buying all my favourite vinyl albums in cd format. Being 34, this consequently means that most of my favourites are from the 80s.
The first one that I acquired (I say 'acquired' as I received it as a gift) was 'Rio' by Duran Duran.

A bit of background about the group, who are currently in the headlines due to their UK tour....

Formed in Birmingham in 1978, the band consisted of Simon Le Bon (vocals), Nick Rhodes (keyboards), Roger Taylor (drums), Andy Taylor (guitar) and John Taylor (bass).
Their first single to chart was 'Planet Earth' in 1981, when their image was very much 'New Romantic'.
Perhaps best known for their wearing of make-up, frilly shirts and for the exotic locations they chose to shoot their videos at, this is my review of their second album - Rio.

Rio was originally released at the tail end of 1982 on vinyl. The cd version that I own, was digitally remastered and released in 2001 by EMI.
The front cover is mainly dark pink with the drawing of a woman's face in the centre.

Track 1 - Rio
The title track, and surely an 80's classic. An upbeat tune with a saxophone solo near the end.

Track 2 - My Own Way
Another up tempo tune, but with slightly repetitive lyrics.

Track 3 - Lonely In Your Nightmare
A slow and moody song.

Track 4 - Hungry Like The Wolf
Reached the Top 10 in 1982, so would be known to many of you. Catchy and up beat - good to sing along to.

Track 5 - Hold Back The Rain
Sung passionately by Le Bon, but a typical 'album track'. Up tempo again.

Track 6 - New Religion
This is described above the lyrics as " A dialogue between the ego and the alter ego".
It's a lengthy track, absolutely packed out with lyrics that are sung very quickly. Often performed at their concerts - a favourite.

Track 7 - Last Chance On The Stairway
Again, up beat and catchy.

Track 8 - Save A Prayer
Reached Number 2 in the charts in 1982. A slow, smoochy song - often played for the last dance at discos at the time.

Track 9 - The Chauffeur
Written in 1978, so one of their earlier songs, this is also a slow song, but gains momentum as the track progresses. Maybe better known for the erotic video that was made to accompany it.

I like the fact that the well known songs on this album are interspersed between the lesser known tracks. The album kicks off on a high with 'Rio' and is followed by mainly catchy tunes / tunes you can have a jig about to, before you're gently brought back down by the final two tracks.

Available to buy online for under £8 ( I just looked at a price comparison site), but can often be picked up for less during the sales at HMV and other High Street music stores.

I wouldn't say that this album was released at the height of Duran Duran's popularity, but personally, I think that 'Rio' is THE album to own by them for any self-respecting 30-something.

Thanks for reading!!!