Created by Nick Rhodes (keyboards) and John Taylor (bass) in Birmingham, England in 1978, it later add took in Roger Taylor (drums), Andy Taylor (guitar), and Simon Le Bon (lead vocals). The band has sold more than 100 million records over their more than 40 years of existence, making them one of the best-selling groups in history.
Their songs are often vivid, hook-laden pieces dance pop that have fared well on the radio, but what many remember best about Duran Duran is their iconic music videos. Though many of the videos were tongue-in-cheek, the band has never quite escaped the glamorous and decadent 'jet set' image that their early videos projected. Their flashy outfits and strident, art rock influenced music showed an immense debt to 70s English glam artists such as David Bowie and Roxy Music, yet the band grasped a sense of their own identity and became one of the keystones of the new romantic movement.
Their first singer and one of their original founding members was Stephen Duffy, and their original bassist was Simon Colley. Several drummers and guitarists were subsequently tried, as well as a handful of vocalists, after Duffy left Duran Duran early in 1979. The band felt that they had something special with vocalist Simon Le Bon, and the group smashed into the pop scene shortly afterwards when "Planet Earth", their debut single, was released on 2 February 1981.
"Planet Earth" became an immediate hit in the band's native U.K., reaching #12 on the U.K. Singles Chart on 21 February, and it did even better in Australia, hitting #8 there. Being Duran Duran's first Top 10 hit anywhere in the world, the song showed the group's interest in international stardom. The band's eponymous debut album came out promptly afterwards in June 1981. 'Duran Duran' hit #3 on the album charts and remained in the U.K. Top 100 for 117 weeks, achieving platinum status by December 1982. The initial United States release failed to generate much interest at first, but the group was a British sensation due to their strident mix of pop rock and electronic music.
Music videos for hit singles "Planet Earth" and "Careless Memories" were filmed in December 1980. As they also experienced considerable success with "Girls on Film", which hit #5 on the UK Singles Chart and #11 on the Australian Singles Chart, the group firmly grasped the opportunity to make a name for themselves in musical television. As their fame grew, some fans worried that Duran Duran could have peaked too early. They headed into AIR Studios in London in early 1982 anxious to somehow top themselves.
Band member John Taylor came up with the new album's title, 'Rio', as a product of his fascination with the flaunting sexuality and diverse atmosphere of Brazil. He later said, "Rio, to me, was shorthand for the truly foreign, the exotic, a cornucopia of earthly delights, a party that would never stop." The band had their own plans and ambitions for promotion and reunited with director Russell Mulcahy (who was behind the video for "Planet Earth") to plan out the release of a full length 'video album'— eleven videos in total. Totally dedicated to on-site filming, guitarist Andy Taylor even contracted a tropical virus and ended up hospitalized, thankfully getting better relatively quickly.
'Rio' was, simply, a commercial juggernaut. The band's second studio album, originally released worldwide on 10 May 1982, reached #2 in the UK and #1 in Australia. Massively popular in the U.S., it earned a gold disc on 1 March 1983 and went platinum on 26 April 1983, eventually reaching double-platinum status. As songs such as "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "Rio" received considerable airplay, critical acclaim also grew for the release. With MTV heavily playing the band's music videos, the album is still held as one of the best new wave albums ever. In April 2013, 'Rio' was even voted #3 in BBC Radio 2's 'Top 100 Favourite Albums of all time' list.
In 1985, Duran Duran performed "A View To A Kill" for the the James Bond film of the same name. The song appeared in the movie's title sequence and was also a best-selling single in its own right. In 1987, "Out Of My Mind" was featured at the end credits of the drama film 'The Saint' as well.
Like Depeche Mode, Duran Duran was among the earliest bands to work on their own remixes. From the very beginning, the band had a keen sense of style, and worked with stylist Perry Haines and fashion designers such as Kahn & Bell and Antony Price to build a sharp and elegant image, soon growing beyond the ruffles and sashes of the pirate-flavoured New Romantic look.
Although the group never disbanded, it went through several line-up changes over the years - American guitarist Warren Cuccurullo (formerly of Missing Persons) was also a member of the band from 1989 to 2001, and drummer Sterling Campbell was a member from 1989 to 1991. John Taylor, Roger Taylor and Andy Taylor all returned in 2001 and created a stir among music media and the band's fans. Duran Duran released the first album from the reunited line-up, Astronaut, in 2004, which was in turn followed up by many sold out shows in England, most notably Wembley Arena, where a live DVD of the tour was filmed in 2004/2005.
In October of 2006, it was announced on Duran Duran's website that Andy Taylor had left the band. The band's latest album, 'Red Carpet Massacre' was released in November 2007. They performed the album live in New York City on Broadway at the Barrymore Theater, for what was originally scheduled as an unprecedented 10-night run. A stage hand union strike shortened the run by a few nights, but Duran Duran were able to re-schedule the shows elsewhere. They went on to tour the world, ending their successful run in December of 2008.
2008 also saw the release of a new DVD that documents the making of their now-classic "Rio" album (called "Classic Albums: Rio (Collector's Edition)"), and a book called "Would Someone Please Explain?"- a compilation of questions from the "Ask Katy" area of their popular website.
Duran Duran returned at the end of 2010 with their 13th album, the digital and self-released album All You Need Is Now which debuted at number one on the iTunes charts in many countries (including the USA). The physical version of the album will be released with bonus tracks in February 2011. The album was produced by Mark Ronson.
2015 saw the band return with the album Paper Gods, which was led by the single "Pressure Off" featuring Janelle Monae and Nile Rodgers. The album was the band's first top 10 chart success in the U.S. in over 20 years, and also reached number 5 in the U.K.
Official Websites:
http://www.duranduran.com
http://twitter.com/duranduran
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Duran-Duran
http://www.youtube.com/DuranDuran
http://www.youtube.com/07duranduran
http://www.myspace.com/duranduran
The Reflex (7
Duran Duran Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The reflex
The reflex
The reflex-fle-fle-fle-fle-flex
You've gone too far this time
And I'm dancing on the valentine
I tell you somebody's fooling around
I'll cross that bridge when I find it
Another day to make my stand, oh whoa
High time is no time for deciding
If I should find a helping hand, oh whoa
Why don't you use it?
Try not to bruise it
Buy time, don't lose it
Why don't you use it?
Try not to bruise it
Buy time, don't lose it
The reflex is a lonely child
Who's waiting by the park
The reflex is a door to
Finding treasure in the dark
And watching over lucky clover
Isn't that bizarre?
Every little thing the reflex does
Leaves you answered with a question mark
I'm on a ride and I want to get off
But they won't slow down the roundabout
I sold the Renoir and the TV set
Don't want to be around when this gets out
So why don't you use it?
Try not to bruise it
Buy time don't lose it
Why-y-y-y-y why why why-y-y (yeah)
Why-y-y-y-y why why why-y-y (yeah)
Why-y-y-y-y don't you use it?
The reflex is a lonely child
Who's waiting in the park
The reflex is a door to
Finding treasure in the dark
And watching over lucky clover
Isn't that bizarre?
Every little thing the reflex does
Leaves me answered with a question mark
So why don't you use it?
Try not to bruise it
Buy time, don't lose it
The reflex is a lonely child
Who's waiting by the park
The reflex is a door to
Finding treasure in the dark
And watching over lucky clover
Isn't that bizarre?
Every little thing the reflex does
Leaves you answered with a question mark
Oh, the reflex what a game
He's hiding all the cards
The reflex is a door to
Finding treasure in the dark
And watching over lucky clover
Isn't that bizarre?
Every little thing the reflex does
Leaves you answered with a question mark
"The Reflex" is an intriguing song full of thoughtful lyrics open to different interpretations. The opening line “the reflex” sets the song's recurring theme of sudden and instinctive reactions. The reflex seems to represent the unconscious body reaction that our minds cannot control. The reflex here is a metaphor for our intuition. The song's lyrics seem to portray feelings of confusion and uncertainty. The line 'You've gone too far this time' suggests that something has happened that has gone too far and is driving the beautifully crafted melody.
The singer seems to be addressing someone, urging them to use their reflex to their advantage, not to lose it. He advises them to be careful not to break it, implying that the reflex is fragile and needs to be handled with care. The singer seems to be urging the listener to trust their intuition and not overthink things.
The second verse provides a shift in perspective, following what could be the singer's personal experience. He says, “I'm on a ride, and I want to get off” possibly indicating a state of being overwhelmed or lost. The line ‘they won't slow down the roundabout’ suggests a feeling of helplessness in a world that refuses to slow down for anyone.
Line by Line Meaning
The-the-the-the-the reflex
The title of the song, likely referring to an instinctive response or action.
You've gone too far this time
Addressing someone who has pushed boundaries and taken actions beyond what is acceptable or expected.
And I'm dancing on the valentine
Despite the situation, the singer is enjoying themselves and possibly being playful or flippant.
I tell you somebody's fooling around
The artist suspects that someone is acting deceptively or dishonestly.
With my chances on the danger line
The situation is precarious and the artist's success or failure is uncertain and at risk.
I'll cross that bridge when I find it
The singer will deal with problems or challenges as they arise rather than trying to predict or prepare for them in advance.
Another day to make my stand, oh whoa
The singer will take a stand or action when the time is right and not feel rushed or pressured to do so.
High time is no time for deciding
Timing is important and decisions should not be rushed or made hastily under pressure.
If I should find a helping hand, oh whoa
The artist may need or seek help but will not rely on it and will still make their own decisions and actions.
Why don't you use it?
Asking someone to make use of something, possibly an opportunity or ability that is being wasted or overlooked.
Try not to bruise it
If someone does use this opportunity or ability, the singer advises them to handle it gently and with care to avoid damaging it.
Buy time, don't lose it
An encouragement to make use of time productively and to avoid wasting or squandering it.
The reflex is a lonely child
Possibly a metaphor for an instinct or impulse, personified as a lonely child or entity.
Who's waiting by the park
The reflex may be waiting or lurking for the right moment or situation to act upon.
Finding treasure in the dark
The singer may see value or opportunity in uncertain or risky situations, finding hidden treasure where others do not.
And watching over lucky clover
A reference to the superstition of finding luck or fortune in finding a four-leaf clover, perhaps indicating that the reflex is watching over or protecting the artist's luck or fortune.
Isn't that bizarre?
A rhetorical question or statement, marveling at the strange or unusual nature of the reflex's actions or existence.
Every little thing the reflex does
The reflex may have subtle or unnoticed effects or consequences, influencing or shaping the singer's actions or circumstances.
Leaves you answered with a question mark
The actions or effects of the reflex leave the singer uncertain, confused, or with more questions than answers.
I'm on a ride and I want to get off
The artist may feel overwhelmed or trapped in a situation, wanting to escape or be free from it.
But they won't slow down the roundabout
Barriers or obstacles prevent the artist from escaping or slowing down, keeping them on this figurative 'ride.'
I sold the Renoir and the TV set
The artist may have sold possessions to remedy their situation or to gain more control over their circumstances.
Don't want to be around when this gets out
The singer may be keeping something secret or hiding something, not wanting to face the consequences or repercussions if it were to be revealed.
Oh, the reflex what a game
A comment on the reflex's actions or effects, comparing them to a game or a playful activity.
He's hiding all the cards
The reflex may be actively deceiving or manipulating the singer or those involved, keeping secrets or withholding information.
Why-y-y-y-y why why why-y-y (yeah)
Repeating the earlier lines as a refrain, asking why someone is not taking advantage of an opportunity or making use of something they have.
Contributed by Olivia C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@philgillies7918
The mad dancer at around 1 min 30 secs - that's me!
@steinful
woah!
@losbrooklyn8861
Awesome!!👏👏
@marciahelenasilvamarciahea7437
OMG Man! Awesome! Fantastic ❤❤❤👏👏👏
@Gailwinand
Thats Great, man...CooL, nice, weLL Done !!!
@SanFranDentist94301
Salute! You are the King of "The White Boy Dance"! Really, it's commonly called that in the Black community and I remember your dancing being one of my favorite parts of the video.
@roslynmarie9624
I was in the crowd!!! Toronto, 1984... I was 13 yrs old...my first concert!!!
@theoldschooldiva374
Awesome!! I bet there was so much great energy!!
@roslynmarie9624
@@theoldschooldiva374 It was absolutely surreal! Imagine the screams when they announced that they were shooting the video that night!!!
@theoldschooldiva374
@@roslynmarie9624 OMG Roslyn, you helped me to morph back in time 🙌🏿🙌🏿, YES GIRL 😌🎶