Rio

Rio is the second studio album by Duran Duran, released in May 1982. Produced by Colin Thurston and originally released through EMI, it brings together analogue synthesiser patterns, a busy rhythm section and the pop songwriting that helped establish the band internationally.

Album details

  • Artist: Duran Duran
  • Album: Rio
  • Original release: May 1982
  • Original record label: EMI
  • Producer: Colin Thurston
  • Type: Studio album

These are album-level facts. Individual vinyl issues have their own label variations, country, format, dates and catalogue numbers, which will be documented separately.

Original album tracklisting

Side one

  1. Rio
  2. My Own Way
  3. Lonely in Your Nightmare
  4. Hungry Like the Wolf
  5. Hold Back the Rain

Side two

  1. New Religion
  2. Last Chance on the Stairway
  3. Save a Prayer
  4. The Chauffeur

The recording

Nick Rhodes’ synthesiser parts move around the more physical interplay of John Taylor’s bass, Roger Taylor’s drums and Andy Taylor’s guitar. On the title track, a Jupiter-4 arpeggiator provides shifting figures, while the band’s instrumental performances continually vary the arrangement. The album’s accompanying music videos were also central to its international visibility.

Further reading and vinyl editions

Related Wax article: Duran Duran’s Rio: synthesisers, arpeggiators and the arrival of visual pop. Artist profile: Duran Duran. Individual pressings will be connected to the album after verification of label, catalogue number, format and country.