The five biggest Duran Duran hits from the 80s

Simon Le Bon was just 21 years old when he joined the English band, Duran Duran, in 1980. Nick Rhodes and John Taylor formed the group in the 70s.

Simon was the band's lead singer and lyricist. He has won several awards for his work including, 'Outstanding Contribution to British Music' from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors.

Duran Duran released five studio albums in the 1980s. The albums produced hits such as 'Hungry Like a Wolf', 'Is There Something I Should Know', 'New Moon on Monday', 'I Don't Want Your Love', and 'Girls on Film'. 

Here's a look at some of their biggest hits from the 80s.

ALSO READ: Paul Simon on what he is most proud of in his musical career

Save a Prayer (1982)

Duran Duran dropped this hit single on August 9, 1982. It was the third single released off their critically-acclaimed album 'Rio'.  Simon wrote 'Save a Prayer' along with his other bandmates. 

Rio (1982)

Taken from the album of the same name, 'Rio' was a major hit all over the world. The song featured in the top 10 in the UK, Ireland, and Canada. 

Notorious (1986)

This 1986 song was such a hit that it was sampled by several stars over the years. The Notorious B.I.G. sampled the track for his 1999 song, 'Notorious B.I.G' featuring Lil Kim and Puff Daddy (who now goes by the name Diddy). Duran Duran's original song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also popular in Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. 

Planet Earth (1981)

'Planet Earth' is the song that helped get Duran Duran's career off the ground. It served as their debut single and became an instant hit. Simon told The Morning Call in a 2016 interview that he did not think the band would last long. 

"When we started, we weren’t thinking beyond the next two years. We weren’t thinking beyond the next two weeks!... I’m not surprised, now, by our longevity. But the ‘1982 me’ would have been very surprised. I think that guy expected to be drinking cocktails now — probably on his second marriage,”  he revealed. 

Thirty-nine years later and they remain one of the most respected bands in the world. 

A View to a Kill (1985)

Duran Duran's 'A View to a Kill' was the theme song for the 1985 James Bond movie of the same name. The single claimed the number one spot in America, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Canada, Italy, New Zealand, and Belgium. It was also a chart-topping success in South Africa. 

Listen to East Coast Gold on Tuesday (October 27) for a special birthday tribute to Simon. 

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Main image courtesy of YouTube/Duran Duran