Seven And The Ragged Tiger (studio album) by Duran Duran

This is a little underrated. The 3 hits ("Union of the Snake", "New Moon on Monday", "The Reflex") are pretty good, and the other three tracks on the first half are solid as well - not amazing or anything, but if they are playing in the background, I don't mind. "Tiger Tiger", however, is a weird half-finished instrumental that shouldn't be here. And "The Seventh Stranger" drones on for too long at over 5 minutes. But "Shadows On Your Side" is a hidden gem. I could do without the last two tracks, but everything else is dope.

From santropez 03/09/2019 16:00

Best track: "The Seventh Stranger"
Weakest track: "I Take The Dice"

This is far more than a synth pop album. In fact, I would go as far as to say that there are leanings towards progressive song structuring, particularly in 'The Seventh Stranger'. 'The Reflex' and 'New Moon on Monday' are personal favourites.

The Reflex is one of those rare songs that can make you dance and puke at the same time. It triggers the gag reflex. Isn't that bizarre?

Duran Duran at their darkest best

The reason the teeny fans in the 80's did not get this masterpiece is that they wanted another "her name is Rio and she dances on the sand" however if the had listened to the rest of Rio, past the title track and "save a prayer" they would have found some pretty dark songs on there too.

DD were influenced by the doors and Bowie and the subject matter of their first album was dark and anything but pure pop !

With there glam videos of The Rio albums singles and their sudden teen following they were pigeon holed as a pop band and a pin up band. Their music was not taken seriously anymore as the press seemed to focus solely on their image and personal life. However at heart DD were really a dark / synth / Rock band.

They returned to their roots with 7atrt and produced an album which did not sit well with their new teeny screamy fans who did not appreciate their darker side.

The original version of the Reflex that is on the album is far superior to the single produced version by Nile Rodgers.

The other singles , new moon and union are sublime .

All the songs (bar tiger tiger) are relentless and driving and finally climax with the sprawling epic 7th stranger.

Underrated just because of who the artist is - it's a shame as this is a magnificent album !!

A good album but you can tell the band was struggling to replicate the success of Rio as the different members were starting to split in different directions musically, however it is still an enjoyable listen. Best tracks: "The Reflex", "Of Crime and Passion", and "New Moon On Monday"

From paladisiac 09/11/2014 16:19

Duran Duran were at the height of their pop success and excess between the single releases of "the reflex", "wild boys" and "a view to a kill". The second fit onto their live album and the third came from a bond movie of the same name, but there are a few other hot pop/rock/synth delights on this album outside of the totally tubular "reflex", most notably "new moon on monday" and "union of the snake".

Best Track: The Reflex