Notorious

Duran Duran’s fourth studio album, its first major release after their white hot early 80s peak ended, was also its first as a trio, with guitarist Andy Taylor and drummer Roger Taylor bowing out for the next fifteen years. But the core of Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes and John Taylor proved to have staying power, while Nile Rodgers’ production helped in the presentation of an unusual but intriguing mix of songs. The snappy kick of the title track and the shimmering “Skin Trade” made for good singles, while the underrated “Winter Marches On” is a fine moody ballad.