5 Things to Know About Duran Duran's Rio Album

  1. EMI released Rio on May 10, 1982. The album was the band’s second studio release.

  2. Rio marked a shift toward a more polished, synth-driven sound. It moved away from the raw energy of their debut.

  3. The album produced several hit singles. “Hungry Like the Wolf” and “Rio” became defining tracks of the era.

  4. Rio’s music videos helped launch MTV’s global reach. Their stylish, cinematic visuals became a template for 80s pop.

  5. The album peaked at No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart. It eventually sold over 4 million copies worldwide.