From its
Nagel
cover to the haircuts and overall design -- and first and foremost the music --
Rio
is as representative of the '80s at its best as it gets. The original
Duran Duran
's high point, and just as likely the band's as a whole, its fusion of style and substance ensures that even two decades after its release it remains as listenable and danceable as ever. The quintet integrates its sound near-perfectly throughout, the
John
and
Roger Taylor
rhythm section providing both driving propulsion and subtle pacing. For the latter, consider the lush, semi-tropical sway of
"Save a Prayer,"
or the closing paranoid creep of
"The Chauffeur,"
a descendant of
Roxy Music
's equally affecting dark groover
"The Bogus Man."
Andy Taylor
's muscular riffs provide fine rock crunch throughout,
Rhodes
' synth wash adds perfect sheen, and
Le Bon
tops it off with sometimes overly cryptic lyrics that still always sound just fine in context, courtesy of his strong delivery.
's two biggest smashes burst open the door in America for the New Romantic/synth rock crossover.
"Hungry Like the Wolf"
blended a tight, guitar-heavy groove with electronic production and a series of instant hooks, while the title track was even more anthemic, with a great sax break from guest
Andy Hamilton
adding to the soaring atmosphere. Lesser known cuts like
"Lonely in Your Nightmare"
"Last Chance on the Stairway"
still have pop thrills a-plenty, while
"Hold Back the Rain"
is the sleeper hit on
, an invigorating blast of feedback, keyboards and beat that doesn't let up. From start to finish, a great album that has outlasted its era. ~ Ned Raggett