

He reportedly did so while spending some formative time in Israel prior to his Duran Duran days. Credits for “The Chauffeur”ĭuran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon is recognized as the primary writer of this song. And to note, even though The Chauffeur did get its own video treatment and is a fan favorite, it was not issued as a single.

The following year the entire project earned a Grammy Award (in the category of Best Long Form Music Video).īut prior to that, EMI released the track itself on as part of the band’s studio full-length “Rio”. The music video to this track was put together by a visual artist named Ian Emes, with the whole affair being inspired by the works of a famous photographer named Helmut Newton (1920-2004). Said clip was created to be featured on a self-titled video album Duran Duran put out in 1983. But if anything, what is clear is him, for lack of a better word, being infatuated by her. As such, even as the vocalist appears to be heavily impressed by the surrounding terrain, she too is preoccupying his thoughts, and her company is making the entire experience most edifying. The Takeawayīut all of that noted, what the singer primarily appears to be observing and therefore commenting on is this lady in his company. Since nothing being relayed is abundantly clear, it may be that he is the chauffeur driving her, even though in the first verse they are noted as ‘sitting beside’ each other. Some analysts have offered that the lyrics were directly inspired by a book of poetry Le Bon came across. As such, everything he puts forth is also poetic in nature.
Songs by duran duran driver#
So in closing, what this piece seems to be about, most simply put, is Simon riding around – whether as a driver or passenger – and in the process making a number of observations.
Songs by duran duran professional#
as if he is driving around and perhaps in a professional capacity. For instance, in actuality there isn’t anything explicitly stated to suggest that the female character much of wording is dedicated to is a lover or even personal association of the vocalist. Still, the position was good enough to land the band another appearance on Top of the Pops they responded with yet another energetic performance.So all things considered, it probably wouldn’t be wise for us to add fuel to the fire. But one reasonable explanation that has been offered concerning the title is that the vocalist himself is taking on the role of said chauffeur. Such an assumption could be supported by the fact that most of the lyrics read as if they are observatory in nature, i.e. "Careless Memories" also ended up spending just four weeks on the U.K. Not everyone was thrilled with "Careless Memories." The magazine Smash Hits reviewed the single and positively observed that "the persuasive force of the 10-ton drum sound is not lost on this lot," but then turned to pointed critique: "Buried beneath layers of silk finish is a construction so staggeringly basic you wonder if their punk roots don't extend back to the Dry-Ice Age." " Look out, look out, look out!" he exclaimed at the song's end, while the music devolved around him.
Songs by duran duran full#
Singer Simon Le Bon, meanwhile, turned in a yearning, urgent vocal performance full of grit and desperation - a perfect tone to strike while framing up lyrics that hinted at the painful aftermath of a relationship. To this the band piled on forceful sounds: Andy Taylor's slash-and-burn electric guitars, Nick Rhodes' atmospheric synths, quick and fiery bass from John Taylor and drums by Roger Taylor.
