Released 40 years ago
Notorious
Duran Duran · 1986
46 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A sleek blend of polished synths and driving rhythms, showcasing Duran Duran's evolution into darker, more mature themes.
Top tracks — play these first
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Notorious Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic shift toward darker narratives and features a compelling bassline that drives its infectious groove.
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Skin Trade — This song showcases a blend of funk and rock elements, highlighting the band's experimentation with genres while addressing themes of love and betrayal.
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American Science — With its introspective lyrics and innovative production techniques, this track represents Duran Duran's willingness to tackle complex subjects within a pop framework.
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A Matter of Feeling — Conveying a poignant emotional depth, this ballad stands out for its lush arrangement and vulnerability in songwriting amid the album's more upbeat tracks.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady flow with emotional peaks
- danceable rhythms for lively settings
- sophisticated sound for social gatherings
- sing-along moments with friends
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid lengthy, cohesive experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Marks a shift in sound and themes after a lineup change, exploring darker elements.
- Themes
- 1980s glam culture· dance floor introspection· social commentary on America
- Career context
- Released on November 21, 1986, 'Notorious' marks Duran Duran's first album after the departure of guitarist Andy Taylor. This transition saw the band embracing a more experimental sound while navigating a changing musical landscape, following their commercial peak in the early '80s with hits like 'Rio' and 'Hungry Like the Wolf.'
- Stylistic neighbors
- Depeche Mode· The Human League· Spandau Ballet
Tracklist
- 1 Notorious Start here 4:18
- 2 American Science 4:43
- 3 Skin Trade 5:57
- 4 A Matter of Feeling 5:56
- 5 Hold Me 4:31
- 6 Vertigo (Do the Demolition) 4:44
- 7 So Misled 4:03
- 8 "Meet El Presidente" 4:19
- 9 Winter Marches On 3:25
- 10 Proposition 4:57
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Dare
The Human League
Shares a similar blend of synth-pop and introspective lyrics, capturing 80s glam and dance culture.
Let's Dance
David Bowie
Offers slick production and a fusion of funk with pop, reflecting on societal themes with a glamorous touch.
The Lexicon of Love
ABC
Combines polished new wave sound with romantic themes and lush arrangements, echoing 80s sophistication.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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