What makes Union of the Snake by Duran Duran notable?

The song reached No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart, showcasing Duran Duran's enduring popularity during the height of their career. The track also solidified their influence on the new wave genre, contributing to a cultural moment that defined early '80s music aesthetics and fashion. By the time 'Union of the Snake' was released in October 1983, Duran Duran had already achieved significant fame with their previous albums. This single followed the band's commercial peak with 'Rio' and marked their continued evolution in sound as they began experimenting with more electronic elements.

How many songs are on Union of the Snake?

Union of the Snake has 3 tracks, running approximately 13 minutes.

Union of the Snake

Duran Duran · 1983

13 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of synth-driven melodies and atmospheric textures, capturing the essence of the early '80s new wave sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Union of the Snake (The Monkey mix) — This extended version emphasizes a hypnotic groove and lush synth layers, making it a quintessential representation of Duran Duran's sonic experimentation during this era.
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Union of the Snake (7″ version) — The radio-friendly edit distills the song's infectious energy into a compact format, highlighting its catchy hooks and danceable rhythm that appealed to mainstream audiences.
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Secret Oktober — This track features darker lyrical themes and a more introspective sound, showcasing the band's ability to create atmospheric pop that contrasts with their more upbeat hits.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong synth melodies and production typical of early '80s new wave, but lacks full cohesion as a standalone release.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent synth line that drives the melody, layered with atmospheric backing vocals and rhythmic percussion.
The final track, 'Secret Oktober', shifts to a slower tempo and introduces a more introspective mood, contrasting with the upbeat nature of the first two tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single followed the band's commercial peak, solidifying their influence.
Themes: New Romantic allure· synth-driven landscapes· 1980s pop culture
Career context: By the time 'Union of the Snake' was released in October 1983, Duran Duran had already achieved significant fame with their previous albums. This single followed the band's commercial peak with 'Rio' and marked their continued evolution in sound as they began experimenting with more electronic elements.
Stylistic neighbors: Depeche Mode· The Human League· Spandau Ballet