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Kaleb Black

Notoriousaurus Rex

I became interested in Duran Duran in about 1982 and have followed them ever since. I love the catchy songs, exotic videos and the band members themselves. I’ve always found Duran Duran have been able to keep up and still put out great music. To me, they are and will always be GOAT.

Duran Duran Summer Road Trip Playlist

20 DURAN DURAN Songs for an Epic Road Trip: A Playlist for the Wild Boys (and Girls) on the Move

Weekend escape? Cross-country cruise? Wherever you’re headed, let Duran Duran take the wheel. This is your playlist of Wild Boys (and Girls) on the move who crave something more than the radio hits. These are the deep cuts. The overlooked anthems. The sonic detours that make your heart race like a vintage Jag on the Autobahn.

Curated for true Duranies, this mix will fuel your adventure. So queue it up, roll the windows down, and let these songs guide you home.

1. “The Seventh Stranger” (from Seven and the Ragged Tiger, 1983)

Those words are all remainders 
Echoes growing in the heart of twilight…

  • Why It’s Perfect: Are you chasing after rainbows? Then this moody gem deserves a spot on your summer playlist. “The Seventh Stranger” from Seven and the Ragged Tiger might not have been a single, but it’s a fan favorite nonetheless. Perfect for those long stretches of open road, it’s the kind of track that invites you to contemplate life as the sun goes down.




2. “Hold Back the Rain” (from Rio, 1982)

  • Why It’s Perfect: While “Rio” is a well-known album, “Hold Back the Rain” often gets overlooked. This track is perfect for when you’re miles away from nowhere and on the roam again, making it great for highway cruising. Put it on blast and then go off and wander. We’re pretty sure the clouds will scatter as you ride the outside lane.

3. “My Antarctica” (from Liberty, 1990)

  • Why It’s Perfect: When the AC’s blasting, the sun’s blazing, and you’re existentially questioning life (and your GPS), cue up “My Antarctica.” Whether you’re keeping the rhythm going or the laughter flowing, this song brings the smooth and moody vibe that will make it a trip to remember. Because let’s face it: nothing says “summer serenity” like two hearts thumping in a climate-controlled Corolla while Simon Le Bon croons about love and fate.

4. “Shadows on Your Side” (from Seven and the Ragged Tiger, 1983)

  • Why It’s Perfect: If you’re feeling the heat of the planet’s core, then this song hits. Crank it up and let the music drown out all the backseat drivers — it’s louder than all of their roar anyway. Ideal for dusk drives, detours, or any moment when you’re navigating life’s tangled vine, it beckons you to spin a compass to choose your way.

5. “The Chauffeur” (from Rio, 1982)

  • Why It’s Perfect: If you’re gliding down backroads with the sun dripping down heavy behind, this one’s your mood. Minimal, magnetic, and made for after-hours, “The Chauffeur” turns your car into a droning engine that throbs in time to your beating heart. Open the sun roof and be sure to shout out SING BLUE SILVER.

6. “All You Need Is Now” (from All You Need Is Now, 2010)

  • Why It’s Perfect: If you’re gunning for the VIP lane but your playlist is stuck in economy, this track is your fast pass to full-volume euphoria. It’s got that classic Duran DNA — sleek, sparkly, and charging forward like a diamond in the mind. Roll the windows down, sway in the moon, and let the chorus hit like it did when you were younger.

7. “Land” (from Medazzaland, 1997)

  • Why It’s Perfect: Whether it’s the headlights on your windowpane getting lost in the light of day, Land is the perfect soundtrack for cruising away from all the baggage — literal and emotional. And hey, if your love is land… or at least the next rest stop, this song’s got you covered for the ride.

8. “Before the Rain” (from All You Need Is Now, 2010)

  • Why It’s Perfect: A stormy summer is rolling closer so you’d better hit the road before the rain. This one’s for the moody miles where the roadside diners become a confessional for your murdered secrets. Raise a toast with a gas station coffee, call your lovers by their names (or just swipe left), and keep driving – but be careful! No life-flash car crashes allowed.

9. “The Universe Alone” (from Paper Gods, 2015)

  • Why It’s Perfect: Because what’s more road trip-core than contemplating “the end of everything and everyone” while watching the dying sun in your rearview mirror? This track is a slow-burn epic for when the road stretches out endlessly and your snacks are running low. Is there anyone out there? Nope. Just you and the universe, alone.

10. “Khanada” (B-side of “Careless Memories”, 1981)

  • Why It’s Perfect: You don’t have to be heading to Canada (or Khanada, wherever that is) to crank this one up. Don’t believe in nobody’s rules, blow off your GPS, and choose chaos at the next exit. You may or may not see dragons.

11. “Serious” (from Liberty, 1990)

  • Why It’s Perfect: Sometimes, the best road trips are the ones where nothing goes to plan and “Serious” is here to remind you that not everything needs to come with a map, a meltdown, or a moral. So what if you miss a turn? It ain’t always black and white, and really, who cares anyway? Just keep driving — it doesn’t have to be serious.

12. “Palomino” (from Big Thing, 1988)

  • Why It’s Perfect: Ah, Palomino – it’s as if it were written for watching strangers drift away in your rearview and surrendering to the wind like a sun-dazed road trip prophet. Burned sugar on the skin? Sounds like a roadside churro situation. And when you run out of blue (sky, mood, Gatorade?) just ask for red instead.

13. “New Moon on Monday” (Extended Version) (from Seven and the Ragged Tiger, 1983)

  • Why It’s Perfect: Here’s your Monday escape plan: cue up “New Moon on Monday,” grab your keys, and drive like those “warning sirens” in the rearview are just fans of this playlist. This banger is ideal for outrunning responsibilities as you head for the eventide. Shake up the picture, (ignore the lizard mixture), and let your fire dance through the night. This time, La Luna is riding shotgun.

14. “Last Chance on the Stairway” (from Rio, 1982)

  • Why It’s Perfect: Another gem from Rio, this track is upbeat and full of the band’s signature energy. Its lively tempo and catchy chorus make it perfect for keeping the drive fun and engaging.

15. “Violence of Summer (Love’s Taking Over)” (from Liberty, 1990)

  • Why It’s Perfect: “Violence of Summer (Love’s Taking Over)” is a vibrant and energetic track from Duran Duran’s 1990 album, Liberty. The song features a catchy melody and a driving beat, encapsulating the exhilaration and intensity of summer romance.

16. “Vertigo (Do the Demolition)” (from Notorious, 1986)

  • Why It’s Perfect: With its edgy, funky sound, this track is perfect for a high-energy driving experience. Its unique rhythm and powerful bass line will keep you moving along the road with enthusiasm.

17. “Lady Ice” (from Arcadia: So Red the Rose, 1985)

  • Why It’s Perfect: A moody and atmospheric track from the Arcadia side project, “Lady Ice” adds a touch of the avant-garde to your playlist. Its ethereal sound is perfect for winding down or driving through quiet, reflective moments.

18. “The Edge of America” (from Big Thing, 1988)

  • Why It’s Perfect: This track’s contemplative lyrics and expansive sound make it perfect for a road trip, especially when traveling through vast, open landscapes. Its introspective vibe fits well with the reflective nature of long drives.

19. “Too Late Marlene” (from Big Thing, 1988)

  • Why It’s Perfect: A smooth, melodic track that’s perfect for relaxed driving. Its easy-going vibe and catchy chorus make it an enjoyable addition to your playlist, keeping things mellow yet engaging.

20. “Taste the Summer” (from Astronaut)

  • Why It’s Perfect: Bursting with upbeat rhythms, this track is your perfect companion for sun-soaked adventures and road trips. You’ll feel the essence of summer with every beat—whether you’re cruising down the highway, lounging by the pool, or dancing at a beach party.

Keep on cruising and keep on grooving—Duran Duran style! 🚗

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