• Voto:
"Ero con mia moglie Linda nello stesso studio dove si stava registrando "Rio". Una sera li andai a trovare e mi fecero ascoltare questa nuova canzone "Save a Prayer". Subito dissi loro che con quel pezzo avevano un successo tra le mani che gli avrebbe assicurato una carriera." (Paul McCartney)
Il 1982 è l'anno che avrebbe segnato indelebilmente la vita dei cinque di Birmingham. Il 24 febbraio l'industria discografica nomina la band come Best New Comer che esegue per l'occasione "Girls on Film" e "My Own Way", mostrandosi con un look più vigoroso che si apprestava a prendere il posto dell'immagine new romantic avuta fino a poco prima. Nel contempo anche il Record Mirror elegge "Duran Duran" a terzo disco più importante dell'anno! Un periodo in cui il grande fermento del cambiamento musicale si respira a pieni polmoni: la chiusura del Blitz di Londra, patria neoromantica, fa spalancare ancor di più le porte del Club for Heroes gestito dal geniale Steve Strange (Visage), favorendo le tendenze musicali e non del momento.
La title-track (già "See-Me Repeat-Me", presente sul primo demo con Andy Wickett alla voce e Bob Lamb alla consolle) parte con un vigore ritmico che svela subito quanto ne sia indovinata la fusione con i synth, in grado di creare un brano dal gusto seducente in cui il brillante ritornello completa un già perfetto quadro sonoro. "My Own Way" (composta nel maggio del 1981 e registrata ai Townhouse Studios il successivo mese di ottobre) è un funky tagliente ed essenziale che riesce a conciliare le atmosfere delgli esordi con una coloritura musicale ancor più moderna. La semplicità di "Lonely in Your Nightmare" esprime il coraggioso tentativo dei DD ad uscire da quel ventaglio garantito di atmosfere facilmente memorizzabili, rivelandosi una piacevole fuga dalla realtà. Mentre l'espressione dell'immenso stato di grazia creativo del gruppo si proclama con "New Religion" e "The Chauffeur". Con la prima è un'atmosfera solenne a diffondersi, capace di prendere il sopravvento per via di un sublime intreccio tra chitarra e synth che suggella beatamente le geniali sovraincisioni vocali, mentre con la seconda in cui fuoriesce l'aspetto narrativo-malinconico, il campionamento su cui si regge l'intero brano, lascia generosamente spazio alla sinteticità di un basso in grado di accompagnare il trasognante flauto che ne corona la tormentata melodia.
Eleganza ed energia sono senza dubbio i tratti identificativi di "Hungry Like the Wolf", che usato come singolo-traino dell'lp, riesce a mostrare quanto un gran riff di chitarra (Andy Taylor dirà poi di essersi ispirato al miglior Bolan ...) ed un superlativo mixing con gli altri strumenti, possano dimostrarsi fondamentali per la riuscita del pezzo quanto l'avvincente ritornello che ne decreta una perfezione di insieme. E' "Save a Prayer" ad esprimere senza mezzi termini la capacità dei Fab Five nel manipolare ad arte la melodia, concependo un brano questa volta dall'appeal sentimental-malinconico in grado di farsi apprezzare (e canticchiare, perché no ...) da una fascia di pubblico che con il tempo lo farà assurgere all'insperato titolo di classico senza tempo. La tempra sbarazzina di "Last Chance on the Stairway" mostra un permeabile legame con le atmosfere del disco d'esordio, mentre è la frenesia di "Hold Back the Rain" (per quanto mai tanto amata da Rhodes) a ricordare la necessità di agitarsi su di un dance floor inseguendo l'adulatorio controcanto leboniano.
La produzione di Colin Thurston da il giusto tocco di magia che serve all'lp per acquisire una foggia di finezza e maturità, consentendo a Nick Rhodes di impadronirsi di quanto a lui necessario per divenire un creativo della "cabina dei suoni", infondendo all'intero album quel valore aggiunto in grado di farne un prodotto di rara bellezza.
Per l'artwork viene incaricato il notevole illustratore statunitense Patrick Nagel (morto prematuramente a soli 38 anni nel 1984!) che inizialmente concepisce due immagini in stile art déco riassumendo impeccabilmente le caratteristiche dell'album in: allegria, leggerezza e noncurante beatitudine.A neanche un anno dall'uscita dell'eponimo esordio i Duran Duran immettono sul mercato un disco educatamente sfarzoso, in cui eleganza e classe compositiva si sposano con melodie (anche) toccanti e ritmi trascinanti, rivelandosi una solare sintesi musicale adatta a soddisfare (e non compiacere!) i palati più esigenti.
Una vera e propria prova di quando la musica popolare si eleva a seducente forma d'arte.
Elenco tracce testi samples e video
01 Rio (05:37)
Moving on the floor now babe 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 she 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 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 Grand
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
Do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do do
02 My Own Way (04:54)
I saw you at the airace yesterday April showers get out of my way
Fear of flying no not me
I'm never bothered what you say someone's kid just lives for today
It ain't your problem anyway
Cause I've got my own way, I can find my own way, cause I've got my own way
Cause I've got my own way, I can find my own way, cause I've got my own way
Number one public figure what a pain just puts another rattle in your brain
Take another green but it's not the same
So now you're on the sandlane everyday dancing with the bulls in any old way
Running like a fox to keep up with me
Cause I've got my own way, I can find my own way, cause I've got my own way
Cause I've got my own way, I can find my own way, cause I've got my own way
I'm on 45 between 6th and Broadway, 45 between 6th and Broadway 45
I'm drinking 7UP between 6th and Broadway 7UP between 6th and Broadway, 7UP
Cause I've got my own way, I can find my own way, cause I've got my own way
Cause I've got my own way, I can find my own way, cause I've got my own way
03 Lonely in Your Nightmare (03:49)
Even on the darkest night when empty promise means empty hand
And soldiers coming home like shadows turning red
And when the lights of hope are fading quickly then look to me
I'll be your homing angel I'll be in your head
Because you're lonely in your nightmare let me in
And there's heat beneath your winter let me in
I see the delta traces living lonely out on the limb
And a passing glimmer warm beneath your skin
Please tread gently on the ground when all around you earth turns to fire
Only get a second chance when danger's on the wind
Because you're lonely in your nightmare let me in
Because there's heat beneath your winter let me in
And it's silent on your stone field let me in
Must be lucky whether when you find the kind of wind that you need
Come on show me all the light and shade that made your name
I know you've got it in your head I've seen that look before
You've built your refuge turns you captive all the same
Because your lonely in your nightmare let me in
And it's barren in your garden let me in
Because there's heat beneath your winter let me in
Because it's silent on your stone field let me in
And you're lonely in your nightmare let me in
Because you've waited through your ice age let me in
Because you're so lonely in your nightmare let me in
And it's cold out on the stone range let me in
Because there's heat beneath your winter let me in
04 Hungry Like the Wolf (03:40)
Dark in the city, night is a wire
Steam in the subway, earth is a fire
Do dodo do dodo do dodo do dodo do doo doo
Woman, you want me, give me a sign
And catch my breathing even closer behind
Do dodo do dodo do dodo do dodo do doo doo
In touch with the ground
I'm on the hunt I'm after you
Smell like I sound, I'm lost in a crowd
And I'm hungry like the wolf
Straddle the line in discord and rhyme
I'm on the hunt I'm after you
Mouth is alive with juices like wine
And I'm hungry like the wolf
Stalked in the forest, too close to hide
I'll be upon you by the moonlight side
Do dodo do dodo do dodo do dodo do doo doo
High blood drumming on your skin, it's so tight
You feel my heat, I'm just a moment behind
Do dodo do dodo do dodo do dodo do doo doo
In touch with the ground
I'm on the hunt I'm after you
Scent and a sound, I'm lost and I'm found
And I'm hungry like the wolf
Strut on a line, it's discord and rhyme
I howl and I whine, I'm after you
Mouth is alive, all running inside
And I'm hungry like the wolf
Hungry like the wolf
Hungry like the wolf
Hungry like the wolf
Burning the ground, I break from the crowd
I'm on the hunt I'm after you
I smell like I sound, I'm lost and I'm found
And I'm hungry like the wolf
Strut on a line, it's discord and rhyme
I'm on the hunt I'm after you
Mouth is alive with juices like wine
And I'm hungry like the wolf
05 Hold Back the Rain (03:47)
We're miles away from nowhere
And the wind doesn't have a name
So call it what you want to call it
Still blows down the lane.
People tell me, I haven't changed at all
But I don't feel the same
And I bet you've had that feeling too
You can't laugh all the time.
And if the fires burn out, there's only fire to blame
(Hold back the rain)
No time for worry 'cause we're on the roam again
(Hold back the rain)
The clouds all scatter and we ride the outside lane
(Hold back the rain)
Not on your own so help me please... hold back the rain.
So what if the words ain't rhyming
Did you think that it's just a game
I probably didn't even say that right
And I really don't give a damn.
Okay go off and wander
I'm guilty just the same
Sometimes you're needed badly
So please come back again.
And if the fires burn out, there's only fire to blame
(Hold back the rain)
No time for worry 'cause we're on the roam again
(Hold back the rain)
The clouds all scatter and we ride the outside lane
(Hold back the rain)
Not on your own so help me please... hold back the rain.
And if the stars burn out, there's only fire to blame
(Hold back the rain)
No time for worry 'cause we're on the roam again
(Hold back the rain)
The clouds all scatter and we ride the outside lane
(Hold back the rain)
Not on your own so help me please hold back the rain.
Hold back the rain
(repeated..)
07 Last Chance on the Stairway (04:19)
I don't remember quite how I met you wasn't long ago
I just get a picture of sun in your eyes the waves in your hair
Maybe it's something said in a movie or you could've said last night
It just took me out on a limb and I don't really know what I'm doing here
And sometimes I'm caught in a landslide and my beats so in time can you look at me
I'm out of reach I'll talk if it feels right I've had my last chance on the stairway
Funny it's just like a scene out of Voltaire twisting out of sight
Cause when all the curtains are pulled back we'll turn and see the circles we've traced
Ain't no game (ooo-ooo) when you're playing with fire
It doesn't seem right that we fight so the party runs all night
And sometimes I'm caught in a landslide and my beats so in time can you look at me
I'm out of reach I'll talk if it feels right I'm so nervous to say tell me can't you see
And if you want I'll fall off forever I can't say no more baby dance with me
And please don't say leave it till later I've had my last chance on the stairway
Wonder why (wonder why ooo-ooo) what makes me rise so high
Maybe it's something they put in your perfume or the look in your eyes
It could be the atmosphere sinking ooo I don't even know what you're thinking
I don't even know what you're drinking but it keeps this heaven alive
And sometimes I'm caught in a landslide and my beats so in time can you look at me
I'm out of reach I'll talk if it feels right I'm so nervous to say tell me can't you see
And if you want I'll fall off forever I can't say no more baby dance with me
And please don't say leave it till later I've had my last chance on the stairway
Last chance on the stairway, last chance on the stairway
Last chance on the stairway, last chance on the stairway
Last chance on the stairway, last chance on the stairway
Last chance on the stairway
08 Save a Prayer (05:25)
You saw me standing by the wall,
Corner of a main street
And the lights are flashing on your window sill
All alone ain't much fun,
So you're looking for the thrill
And you know just what it takes and where to go
Don't say a prayer for me now,
Save it 'til the morning after
No, don't say a prayer for me now,
Save it 'til the morning after
Feel the breeze deep on the inside,
Look you down into the well
If you can, you'll see the world in all his fire
Take a chance
(Like all dreamers can't find another way)
You don't have to dream it all, just live a day
Don't say a prayer for me now,
Save it 'til the morning after
No, don't say a prayer for me now,
Save it 'til the morning after
Save it 'til the morning after,
Save it till the morning after
Pretty looking road,
I try to hold the rising floods that fill my skin
Don't ask me why I'll keep my promise,
Melt the ice
And you wanted to dance so I asked you to dance
But fear is in your soul
Some people call it a one night stand
But we can call it paradise
Don't say a prayer for me now,
Save it 'til the morning after
No, don't say a prayer for me now,
Save it 'til the morning after
Save it 'til the morning after
Save it 'til the morning after
Save it 'til the morning after
Save it 'til the morning after
Save a prayer 'til the morning after
09 The Chauffeur (05:13)
Out on the tar plains.
The glides are moving.
All looking for a new place to drive.
You sit beside me.
So newly charming.
Sweating dew drops glisten fresh in your side.
And the sun drips down bedding heavy behind.
The front of your dress all shadowy lined.
And the droning engine throbs in time with your beating heart.
Way down the lane away.
Living for another day.
The aphids swarm up in the drifting haze.
Swim seagull in the sky.
Towards that hollow western Isle.
My envied lady holds you fast in her gaze.
And the sun drips down bedding heavy behind.
The front of your dress all shadowy lined.
And the droning engine throbs in time with your beating heart.
And the sun drips down bedding heavy behind.
The front of your dress all shadowy lined.
And the droning engine throbs in time with your beating heart.
Sing, Blue Silver.
And watching lovers part.
I feel you smiling.
What glass splinters lie so deep in your mind.
To tear out from your eyes.
With a thought to stiffen brooding lies.
And I'll only watch you leave me further behind.
And the sun drips down bedding heavy behind.
The front of your dress all shadowy lined.
And the droning engine throbs in time with your beating heart.
And the sun drips down bedding heavy behind.
The front of your dress all shadowy lined.
And the droning engine throbs in time with your beating heart.
Sing, Blue Silver.
Sing, Sing Blue Silver
Carico i commenti... con calma
Altre recensioni
Di Justpg
"Rio rappresenta un mix delle atmosfere duraniane fatte di rock, funky, dark e melodico unito al pop, suoni originali e unici."
"La musica dei Duran spesso confusa con il semplice pop è invece ricca di individualità artistica."
Di Miki Page
Dall’estate del 1982 i Duran Duran hanno dovuto fare i conti con un ingombrante capolavoro di perfezione come “Rio”, vera croce e delizia per la band di Le Bon.
"Duran Duran" è sicuramente un album di qualità con molti spunti di interesse, forse per certi aspetti anche migliore di “Rio”.
Di Palau
SÌ, RIO è un capolavoro!
I Duran Duran sono un gruppo formato da ragazzi intelligenti e colti; con Rio hanno sfornato un fottutissimo e meraviglioso lavoro musicale.
