Rank 'Em: Duran Duran Songs of the '80s

Rank 'Em is back to honor the greatest '80s hits of Duran Duran! Formed in 1978, Duran Duran would become one of the most definitive and successful bands of the '80s. Their catchy new wave pop rock music combined with popular (and often controversial) music videos on MTV launched the band into worldwide music stardom beginning with their self-titled debut album in 1981. Duran Duran has sold over 70 million albums across the world, earned many top music awards, and been enshrined on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In celebration of the upcoming Duran Duran Appreciation Day (Monday August 10), let's rank our favorite Duran Duran songs of the '80s! To help jog your memory, watch this playlist of their 25 music videos released in the '80s in chronological order!

I can't think of a better person to assist me with this task than "Durandy" himself, superfan Andy Golub! Andy is the author of Beautiful Colors: The Posters of Duran Duran, a comprehensive visual history of the band through its concert posters which I've previously highlighted on RD80s. The 260-page collection features foreword by band member Nick Rhodes and has been recognized by Duran Duran's official social media outlets. Andy has also revealed to me that his book will be offered at a discounted price for the first and only time on Duran Duran Appreciation Day 2015 this coming Monday!! Shhhhhh!! (Actually, pass a note to your Duranie friends!)

Andy's website at Durandy.com boasts a look into his personal archive which is the most comprehensive collection of Duran Duran memorabilia in the world. It was a monumental task to for him to narrow his favorite tracks down to 5 and keep within the parameter of the '80s (as you'll see below), but I definitely won't hold it against him and appreciate his expert opinion on the topic!

Below is a list of singles released throughout the '80s. Feel free to also include non-released tracks that you consider a favorite to your list. Let's Rank 'Em!!!

Duran Duran Singles Released in the '80s

Duran Duran album:

"Planet Earth"

"Careless Memories"

"Girls on Film"

Rio album:

"My Own Way"

"Hungry Like the Wolf"

"Save a Prayer"

"Rio"

Duran Duran album (1983 US Release):

"Is There Something I Should Know?"

Seven and the Ragged Tiger album:

"Union of the Snake"

"New Moon on Monday"

"The Reflex"

Arena album:

"The Wild Boys"

A View To A Kill soundtrack album:

"A View to a Kill"

Notorious album:

"Notorious"

"Skin Trade"

"Meet El Presidente"

Big Thing album:

"I Don't Want Your Love"

"All She Wants Is"

"Do You Believe in Shame?"

Decade: Greatest Hits album:

"Burning the Ground"

Andy's List

1. 1. "The Reflex (12” Remix)" (Seven and the Ragged Tiger)
2. 2. "Lonely In Your Nightmare" (Rio)
3. 3. "Hold Back the Rain (12” remix)" (Rio)
4. 4. "Hungry Like The Wolf (Night version)" (Rio)
5. 5. "Save A Prayer" (Rio)
6. 6. "Mediterranea" (All You Need Is Now)
7. 7. "Skin Trade" (Notorious)
8. 8. "Girls On Film (Night Version)" (Rio)
9. 9. "Runway Runaway" (All You Need Is Now)
10. 10. "Pressure Off" (Paper Gods)

"The Reflex" is the one that got me hooked for life. Duran-gasmic. "Lonely In Your Nightmare" has poignant lyrics and powerful melody. A superb gem. Try to resist dancing to "Hold Back the Rain". Impossible. "Hungry Like The Wolf" is brilliant from beginning to end. It also may steam up windows and increase libidos. "Save A Prayer" was made for slow dancing under a full moon. "Mediterranea" is a tropical getaway for the ears, mind, and soul. "Skin Trade" is slinky, sexy fun. "Girls On Film (Night Version)" is an iconic signature masterpiece. "Pressure Off" is a very catchy anthem for DD’s new chapter!

Honorable Mentions:

Seven other songs that exemplify the best of Duran Duran, highly recommended for any new fan:

• "Secret October" (B-side)
• "Too Bad You’re So Beautiful" (All You Need Is Now)
• "Ordinary World" (The Wedding Album)
• "Come Undone" (The Wedding Album)
• "Serious" (Liberty)
• "Planet Earth" (Duran Duran)
• "New Religion" (Seven and the Ragged Tiger)

Jason's List

1. 1. "A View To A Kill" (A View To A Kill)
2. 2. "Hungry Like The Wolf" (Rio)
3. 3. "Is There Something I Should Know?" (Duran Duran)
4. 4. "New Moon On Monday" (Seven and the Ragged Tiger)
5. 5. "The Reflex" (Seven and the Ragged Tiger)

I hold "A View To A Kill" pretty highly because that movie was my first introduction to James Bond. I remember watching it at a neighbor friend's house who had HBO. "Hungry Like The Wolf" was probably my first introduction to the band. I remember being entranced with the crazy music video on MTV as a kid. I've always been a fan of "Is There Something I Should Know?" and its catchy chorus. "New Moon On Monday" is great because of the Simon Le Bon vocal range, singing low for the verses and belting out his signature voice for the chorus. "The Reflex" is one of the great pop songs of the '80s. I mainly remember it for the huge animated wave the drenches the crowd in the music video.

Honorable Mention: "Ordinary World" and "Come Undone" from The Wedding Album. Both of those remind me of my high school days in 1993. "Election Day" from the off-shoot band Arcadia was on an '80s compilation CD I bought in high school and became one of my favorites on the album.

Now it's your turn to Rank 'Em! Post your Top 5 list in the comments below!
Catch up on previous lists by visiting the Rank 'Em Archive. Never too late to post your list!

Images courtesy Tutupash and Wikipedia