Search - Duran Duran :: Rio [Limited Edition Mini Sleeve CD]

Awesome - but a reissue with the US mixes would be great

Nathan D. Watson | San Jose, CA USA | 01/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since there was some discussion in earlier reviews about the different versions of Rio, I'll explain that first.
When Duran Duran's Rio was released in the US in 1982, more than half of the album was remixed for a special US version. This was the only version that was ever released on vinyl or cassette in the states. When the album made its premiere on CD, the label went with the UK/worldwide master, leaving US fans wondering for years what had happened. The US only album version has never been released on CD. This is the UK/worldwide version of the album. This may not be Duran's best album, but it is the best representation of the style that brought them success. An essential album that belongs on the shelf of anyone who likes/collects/studies alternative/new wave/modern rock music. A masterpiece!!! The only way to improve it? Put the US mixes (which, aside from Hungry Like The Wolf, are actually different than the Night Versions) as bonus tracks."

Always satisfying to buy a D2 album

Matthew Mansfield | Southeast Michigan, United States | 08/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm sure it sounds better than the previous CD release but one would have to listen closely to notice. The gatefold cardboard sleeve with a booklet in one side and an inner-sleeved CD in the other side is brilliant. More room for artwork and much nicer to hold than a plastic case. This is how all CD's should have been packaged from the start. The booklet has lyrics and a different Nagel picture that I believe only saw the light of day previously as the cover for the Japanese Rio 7-inch. Enhanced CD features are always a plus."

Rio, with a special sleeve

Tim Brough | Springfield, PA United States | 03/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was fortunate to interview Simon LeBon while DD was on the road in America for a tour of club dates after the surprise success of "Girls On Film" in US dance emporiums. He mentioned that he was thrilled to be in New York city and had been writing songs non-stop since the band had arrived. Those inspirations must have been the seeds for the songs that evolved into their second album, "Rio." There is an amazing amount of youthful exuberance to be found throughout this disc's nine songs, and the band plays with confidence that belied "Rio's" sophomore album status. (And contrary to what many reviewers have posted, this is closer to my original copy of the album before Capitol did an American remix to capitalize on the breakout of "Hungry Like The Wolf.")



On this album, Duran Duran hit their stated ambition of mixing the do-it-yourself energy of punk with the dance grooves of Chic. DD's concept of punk may have been rooted more in Bowie and Roxy Music than the MC5, but they were the earliest to transcend the New Wave/New Romantic label and have massive pop hits. "Hungry Like The Wolf" beat like nobody's business, undoubtedly helped by the orgasmic moans of an uncredited female. The video for that song was embraced by MTV and "Rio" became a smash.



Take away that hit, and the rest of "Rio" still comes away as imaginative, melodic and brash. The musicianship was greater than the sum of its parts, as each member locked in flawlessly with the others (and Nick Rhodes keyboards a standout), while Simon LeBon shoots for earnest passion and hits his mark, even when the lyrics are fluffy ("Hold Back The Rain"). The manic dual vocals of "New Religion" were also a highlight, something most bands wouldn't have the maturity to pull off on a second record.



More than 20 years later, "Rio" maintains its vitality, better than many of the "important" bands of the period have. Rio maybe have been dancing across the sand, but for Duran Duran, this solid album was sugar sweet and remains their best work.

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