Duraniversary x 2: "Seven and the Ragged Tiger" and "Notorious"

Three years between them and seemingly worlds apart, Duran Duran's third and fourth studio albums were released on this date in 1983 and 1986, respectively.

In '83, Duran delivered its much-anticipated follow-up to “Rio” with “Seven and the Ragged Tiger,” a synth-driven effort that became a huge success at the height of the band's career.

The album's first two singles, “Union of the Snake” and “New Moon on Monday,” were big, but it was somewhat of a mystery as to why the two songs weren’t bigger hits.

"Seven" also featured the sublime “The Seventh Stranger” and “Tiger Tiger,” an instrumental.

Then there was “The Reflex,” a song with good bones that producer Nile Rodgers sent into the stratosphere with his remix. It was the beginning of a decades-long relationship with the founder of the funk band Chic. 

Three years later, Duran was splintered. The band parted ways for side projects Arcadia and the Power Station, then reunited for what would then be the last time at Live Aid. When it came time to record a follow-up album, drummer Roger Taylor had departed, and guitarist Andy Taylor didn't show up to record with the three remaining members.

But Rodgers was back in the fold for "Notorious," steering Duran in a funkier direction after also working with the band on the hit single "Wild Boys." The then-trio consisting of singer Simon Le Bon, bassist John Taylor and keyboardist Nick Rhodes took a new direction yet still had platinum success.

While "Notorious" didn't reach the heights of its predecessor, it's definitely a classic album worth revisiting.

The funky, upbeat “Notorious” was a top 10 hit. Yet a sexier, more mature side of the band could be heard on songs like “American Science,” “Skin Trade,” and “A Matter of Feeling.” For the first time in years, the band members said they could hear themselves play live instead of the audience screaming.

For the live show, Duran included new songs such as "Notorious" and "Vertigo" as well as old ones rearranged: a slowed-down, horn-heavy "New Religion"; an acoustic "The Chauffeur"; and a funkified "Hungry Like the Wolf."

Duran again worked with Rodgers for its most recent studio album, "Paper Gods." Rhodes has praised Daft Punk and Rodger's hit "Get Lucky." The culmination of the band's collaboration with the producer was highlighted on Duran's own "Pressure Off" and "Only in Dreams."