The album went gold in the US on 1 March 1983, and platinum on 26 April 1983, eventually reaching double platinum status. It peaked at number six on the Billboard 200 album chart in the US on March 12, 1983, and remained on the chart for 129 weeks.
The first song to be recorded for Rio was "My Own Way", written and recorded in October 1981, and released as a single in November 1981. The rest of the album was recorded in spring of 1982 at Air Studios in London, with producer and engineer Colin Thurston. "My Own Way" was re-recorded as well; the album version is significantly different from the single version.
The second single, "Hungry Like the Wolf" was released in the UK on 4 May 1982. It peaked at #5 in the charts on June 26, 1982.
The Rio album was first released worldwide on 10 May 1982, and quickly shot to #2 in the UK on May 29, 1982. The image on the album's distinctive purple cover was painted by artist Patrick Nagel. The cover itself was designed by Malcolm Garrett.
The lyrics of "Hold Back the Rain" - written by lead singer Simon Le Bon - deal with bassist John Taylor's emerging drug problem and excessive lifestyle.
The North American version was released on Capitol's Harvest Records label, with rather poor sound quality, and didn't do well at first.
The band, however, had their own plans and ambitions for promotion. They reunited with director Russell Mulcahy (who had directed the music video for their first single, "Planet Earth"), and planned the release of a full length video album -- eleven videos for the best songs off of the Duran Duran and Rio albums. The band travelled to Sri Lanka and Antigua between tour dates to film the memorable videos for the singles "Rio", "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "Save a Prayer", as well as the lesser-known "Lonely in Your Nightmare" and "Waiting for the Nightboat" -- the latter a creepy zombiefest set on a deserted island.
While filming the tropical videos, guitarist Andy Taylor contracted malaria and was hospitalized on his return to England. This forced the delay of Duran Duran's European tour, and the record company decided to hold the release of the third single until the band was ready to promote it again.
"Save a Prayer" was finally released on 9 August 1982, and peaked at #2 on the UK charts on September 11, 1982.
Meanwhile, the band had worked with producer David Kershenbaum to create some new dance mixes for their twelve-inch club singles. In September, Capitol collected the remixes and released them on an EP called Carnival. It included "Rio", "Hold Back The Rain", "My Own Way", "Hungry Like The Wolf", and "New Religion", and was released in North America, Spain, the Netherlands, Japan and Taiwan. Deejays who heard the new mixes could not get enough, and started to put the dance mixes on the air.
Following the success of the Kershenbaum remixes, Capitol changed its marketing strategy on Duran Duran from New Romantic to dance band. Frustrated with their lack of success in the U.S., the band capitalized on the moment and pressed Capitol to allow them to issue a remixed and remastered version of the Rio album in North America. The company agreed, and brought Kershenbaum back to remix the rest of the album.
On 1 November 1982, the "Rio" single was released worldwide. It peaked at #9 in UK on December 11, 1982.
Capitol re-released the Rio album in the U.S., with Kershenbaum's new remixes in November 1982. All tracks benefited from some minor reworking, but the significant structural differences in the songs on this second pressing (matrix #ST-1-12211-Z13-REI #1) include:
* Kershenbaum "album version" of "Hungry Like the Wolf" (later used on the American 7" single re-release)
* Kershenbaum "nite version" of "Hold Back the Rain"
* Kershenbaum "My Own Way" - drastically different from the original
* Kershenbaum "Lonely In Your Nightmare"
As the album began to take off, Capitol rushed a third pressing of the Rio album into stores, identical to the second, except that the "album version" of "Hungry Like the Wolf" was replaced with longer Kershenbaum "nite version". The third pressing (matrix #ST-1-12211-Z16 #2) is much more common than the second.
These remixed versions of "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "Hold Back the Rain" were later released on CD on the Night Versions: The Essential Duran Duran compilation in 1998, and "My Own Way" was released in the 2003 Singles Box Set 1981-1985. However, the Kershenbaum version of "Lonely in Your Nightmare" is only available on the second and third pressings of this vinyl album; it has not yet been officially issued on CD.
On 3 December 1982, the Kershenbaum remix of the "Hungry Like the Wolf" single was released in the US, some six months after its initial UK release. The single included both the album version and the Carnival remix. It peaked at #3 in the US on March 26, 1983.
Part of the continued success of the album was due to the very popular videos, in heavy rotation on MTV. The video album Duran Duran was released (on VHS, Betamax, and laserdisc) to coincide with the North American re-issue of the "Rio" single on 11 March 1983, four months after its original release. This single included the Kershenbaum 7" remix of "Rio" and peaked at #14 in US on May 14, 1983.
The first pressing of 30,000 copies of the Japanese version of the LP (Toshiba/EMI EMS-91037) came with a colour poster. There is a notation on the OBI that mentions this. Later issues of the album have the notation on the OBI removed and contain only a lyric insert with a bio in japanese and some photos.
All official versions of the Rio album released on CD have been made from the original UK master tapes, and do not include any of the Kershenbaum remixes. This includes the release, in 2001, of a 20-year anniversary reissue, completely remastered from the original.
The packaging on a limited edition version of this release (EMI; 529 9240/Capitol; 72435-25919-0-9) included an alternate version of the famous Nagel cover painting, submitted by the artist along with the first when he completed the commission. (This image was first used for the Japanese 7" single of "My Own Way".)
On April 7th, 2009, Duran Duran's official website announced that Rio will be reissued as a 2 CD Special Edition on June 29, 2009 (2009-06-29) in the UK and June 30, 2009 (2009-06-30) in the US. This edition includes the album's original UK vinyl release tracks but adds substantially more to make this a definitive edition (including several tracks that have never been released in CD form as well as previously-released material from Singles Box Set 1981–1985).
Rio
Duran Duran Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning | Line by Line Meaning
You're a bird of paradise
Cherry ice cream smile
I suppose it's very nice
With a step to your left and a flick to the right
You catch that mirror way out west
You know you're something special
And you look like you're the best
Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand
Just like that river twisting through a dusty land
And when she shines, she really shows you all she can
Oh Rio, Rio dance across the Rio Grande
I've seen you on the beach
And I've seen you on TV
Two, of a billion stars
It means so much to me
Like a birthday or a pretty view
But then I'm sure that you know it's just for you
Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand
Just like that river twisting through a dusty land
And when she shines, she really shows you all she can
Oh Rio, Rio dance across the Rio Grande
Hey now (woo)
Look at that did he nearly run you down
At the end of the drive the lawmen arrive
You make me feel alive, alive, alive
I'll take my chance 'cause luck is on my side
Or something, I know what you're thinking
I'll tell you something, I know what you're thinking
Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand
Just like that river twists across a dusty land
And when she shines, she really shows you all she can
Oh Rio, Rio dance across the Rio Grande
Her name is Rio, she don't need to understand
And I might find her if I'm looking like I can
Oh Rio, Rio hear them shout across the land
From mountains in the north, down to the Rio Grande
Doo doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo doo doo doo
Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo
The song, Rio by Duran Duran, is an upbeat and catchy pop tune that has enjoyed immense popularity since its release in 1982. The melody is infectious but the lyrics aren't so straightforward - the song tells the story of a girl named Rio who dances on the sand and shines like a star. The opening verses describe her moving gracefully on a dance floor, where she catches everyone's attention with her radiant smile and confident charm. When the chorus comes along, the song takes on a more ethereal vibe, as it likens Rio to a twisting river that navigates through dusty land. Her radiance shines bright like the star she is, and she's the embodiment of energy and glory. She dances across the Rio Grande, leaving a trail of admirers in her wake.
The second verse of the song takes on a more introspective tone, as the narrator expresses how he has seen Rio on the beach and on TV. She’s just like one of the billion stars we see in the night sky, but she exudes something special that makes her stand out. It’s like a pretty view or a birthday present that holds so much significance to us. The lyrics highlight how Rio has captured the imagination of so many people around the world, which accounts for her immense popularity. The chorus repeats again, emphasizing how Rio is a free spirit that doesn't need to understand, but just like a rising star, one can find her by looking up.
Line by Line Meaning
Moving on the floor now, babe
As you gracefully dance, it's clear you're feeling good
You're a bird of paradise
You exude beauty in a way that's pure and natural
Cherry ice cream smile
Your cheerful expression is something to be savored and enjoyed
I suppose it's very nice
It's a simple pleasure that we all can appreciate
With a step to your left and a flick to the right
Your movements are fluid and confident, making a lasting impression
You catch that mirror way out west
You've got a sense for style and an eye for detail that's truly impressive
You know you're something special
You're fully aware of your unique, undeniable allure
And you look like you're the best
You carry yourself with an air of sophistication and effortless grace
Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand
She's carefree and full of life, personifying the city's spirit
Just like that river twisting through a dusty land
Her movements are fluid and dynamic, echoing Rio's geography
And when she shines, she really shows you all she can
In moments of true joy, her radiance shines brightest
Oh Rio, Rio dance across the Rio Grande
Her energy and spirit embody the city's vitality and vibrancy
I've seen you on the beach
I've witnessed your stunning beauty in a natural setting
And I've seen you on TV
You've captured my attention and sparked my imagination through media
Two, of a billion stars
While you may be one of many famous people, you still stand out in my eyes
It means so much to me
Your presence in the world is a source of inspiration and joy for me
Like a birthday or a pretty view
You're a fleeting moment of beauty, like a special day or scenic panorama
But then I'm sure that you know it's just for you
The beauty of who you are is something that's entirely yours, and can't be duplicated
Hey now (woo)
I'm taking notice, and ready to engage
Look at that did he nearly run you down
I'm noticing these little details about our surroundings, and trying to protect you
At the end of the drive the lawmen arrive
We're both pushing boundaries and taking some risks
You make me feel alive, alive, alive
I'm feeling more passionate and connected to the world through you
I'll take my chance 'cause luck is on my side
I'm willing to take calculated risks since I feel like I have good fortune on my side
Or something, I know what you're thinking
I'm not totally sure what's going on, but I have a sense of what you're thinking and feeling
I'll tell you something, I know what you're thinking
I understand you in a way that makes me feel confident and closer to you
Her name is Rio and she dances on the sand
She's a symbol of freedom and movement, vivacious and captivating
Just like that river twists across a dusty land
Her movements are unpredictable and exciting, like Rio's winding currents
And when she shines, she really shows you all she can
When she's feeling happy and fulfilled, her light shines brightest
Oh Rio, Rio dance across the Rio Grande
She's a beacon of hope and joy, expressing Rio's verve and passion
Her name is Rio, she don't need to understand
She's comfortable in her own skin and doesn't require other's validation or approval
And I might find her if I'm looking like I can
I'm inspired and motivated to seek out this sense of liberation and inner peace
Oh Rio, Rio hear them shout across the land
Her exuberant voice echoes across the city, inspiring others to follow suit
From mountains in the north, down to the Rio Grande
Her influence is felt throughout the region, from the highest peak to the fertile lowlands
Doo doo doo doo doo doo
This joyful, carefree melody reflects the song's themes of liberation and uplifting energy
Doo doo doo doo doo doo
It's a musical refrain that reinforces the song's message of joyful abandon and free-spiritedness
Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo
A playful, sense of joy and optimism infuses this repeated melody, inviting listeners to join in the celebration
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andy Taylor, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
G MAIL
AMAZING FACTS:
In 1982, the British media dubbed Duran Duran the "Fab Five" because teen girls had not been so enthusiastic about.a band since the Beatles.
The band was the most played on MTV from 1982 to 1984.
They were the first major MTV artist to use 35MM film and professional directors for their videos.
The group was formed in 1978 by 17-year-old John Taylor and 15-year-old Nick Rhodes. LeBon joined in 1980.
Three of the bandmates met as workers in a bar. The entire band ended up performing there, where they were discovered.
The band was Princess Diana's favorite.
All of the band's members were straight, unlike the majority of other 1980's male pop stars.
Three of the band's members had the surname Taylor, despite not being related to one another.
The bandmates entered their own lookalike contests and actually lost once.
Nick Rhodes scored 780 on his math SAT's.
The three Taylors have worked as studio musicians for major artists such as Madonna and Stevie Wonder.
Most of the band's hits were written as poems by Simon LeBon at age 16 to 17.
The bandmates performed their own stunts. While filming the video for "Save a Prayer" in Sri Lanka, Andy Taylor fell from a tree into a lake, swallowed some of the polluted water, and was hospitalized for a potentially fatal infection from it.
In 1984, LeBon almost drowned while filming the video for "Wild Boys" but was rescued by a navy diver. LeBon denies that the incident was life threatening but several witnesses say otherwise.
The following year, LeBon nearly drowned in a yachting accident but was again rescued by a navy diver.
Starting at age six, the photogenic LeBon starred in several major television commercials.
Milton Bradley made a Duran Duran board game called "Arena", the name of the band's 1984 live album.
All band members except Nick Rhodes did not want to wear makeup and unisex clothes but their manager talked them into it.
LeBon was born in 1958, the same year as Prince, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Nikki Sixx, Joan Jett, Andrea Bocelli, Anita Baker, Belinda Carlisle, and other multiplatinum artists.
G MAIL
AMAZING FACTS:
In 1982, the British media dubbed Duran Duran the "Fab Five" because teen girls had not been so enthusiastic about.a band since the Beatles.
The band was the most played on MTV from 1982 to 1984.
They were the first major MTV artist to use 35MM film and professional directors for their videos.
The group was formed in 1978 by 17-year-old John Taylor and 15-year-old Nick Rhodes. LeBon joined in 1980.
Three of the bandmates met as workers in a bar. The entire band ended up performing there, where they were discovered.
The band was Princess Diana's favorite.
All of the band's members were straight, unlike the majority of other 1980's male pop stars.
Three of the band's members had the surname Taylor, despite not being related to one another.
The bandmates entered their own lookalike contests and actually lost once.
Nick Rhodes scored 780 on his math SAT's.
The three Taylors have worked as studio musicians for major artists such as Madonna and Stevie Wonder.
Most of the band's hits were written as poems by Simon LeBon at age 16 to 17.
The bandmates performed their own stunts. While filming the video for "Save a Prayer" in Sri Lanka, Andy Taylor fell from a tree into a lake, swallowed some of the polluted water, and was hospitalized for a potentially fatal infection from it.
In 1984, LeBon almost drowned while filming the video for "Wild Boys" but was rescued by a navy diver. LeBon denies that the incident was life threatening but several witnesses say otherwise.
The following year, LeBon nearly drowned in a yachting accident but was again rescued by a navy diver.
Starting at age six, the photogenic LeBon starred in several major television commercials.
Milton Bradley made a Duran Duran board game called "Arena", the name of the band's 1984 live album.
All band members except Nick Rhodes did not want to wear makeup and unisex clothes but their manager talked them into it.
LeBon was born in 1958, the same year as Prince, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Nikki Sixx, Joan Jett, Andrea Bocelli, Anita Baker, Belinda Carlisle, and other multiplatinum artists.
Nicholas Alblas
Beautiful
manguy
You remind me of pop-up video.
Stark Parker
Fascinating
Earl of Essex
John Taylor is so underrated - Few bands have a lead bassist!
rigel5
"you make me feel alive, alive, alive ......" Exactly how I feel when I play Duran Duran's music. Thank you so much guys
jetuber
Most creative and beautiful music video ever filmed. More imaginative cinematography and compositions in this two-minute clip than in most full-length motion pictures.
JD
I feel that this is the best music video ever done. And I have seen thousands.
MarkSwisherEats&Stuff
The music video that spawned the genre.
Moby Dick
I feel transported back in time, when life was fun, and my family was living. I presume this video was shot on some Caribbean Island perhaps?