Seven and the Ragged Tiger is the third studio album by Duran Duran, released on November 21, 1983. Coinciding with its release, fans celebrate “DURANGIVING,” an annual charity day organized by the band’s loyal followers.
The album marked the band’s first UK number-one album and reached number eight in the US, eventually going double platinum. It produced three hit singles:
- “Union of the Snake”
- “New Moon on Monday”
- “The Reflex” (remixed by Nile Rodgers, topping charts in both the UK and US).
The album will celebrate its 41st anniversary on November 21, 2024, with Simon Le Bon reflecting on its challenges:
“A lot of bands suffer from ‘difficult second album syndrome.’ We suffered from ‘difficult third album syndrome.’ But we got it right.”
This record also marked the end of Duran Duran’s original lineup until 2004’s Astronaut.
The Making of Seven and the Ragged Tiger
Recording in France
In early 1983, the band began recording in a château in Valbonne, France, using a mobile 24-track studio. The band was always known for their love of exotic and beautiful locations, but the picturesque setting contrasted with the creative difficulties, as bassist John Taylor admitted:
“We barely knew what we were doing. It was all managers and tax exiles. We just wanted to make music.”
Tropical Retreat in Montserrat
To escape UK tabloid scrutiny, the band relocated to AIR Studios in Montserrat, inspired by The Police’s Synchronicity. Producer Alex Sadkin joined Ian Little to refine tracks like “The Reflex” and “Union of the Snake.” Despite idyllic surroundings, tensions rose due to technical setbacks, health issues (Nick Rhodes collapsing from a heart issue), and looming deadlines.
Final Touches in Sydney
By late 1983, the band moved to Studios 301 in Sydney, Australia, to complete the album. Nick Rhodes used the cutting-edge Fairlight CMI synthesizer to add rich textures, while John Taylor simplified basslines for more groove. Despite creative clashes, the album came together with songs showcasing diverse influences, from Roxy Music to David Bowie.
The Sound of Seven and the Ragged Tiger
The album marked a stylistic shift from the guitar-driven Rio to a synth-heavy, dance-oriented sound. Key tracks include:
“The Reflex”: funk-infused dance
“New Moon on Monday”: melodic nod to Roxy Music
“Union of the Snake”: Groove inspired by Bowie’s Let’s Dance
Simon Le Bon described the record as an “adventure story about a commando team,” with lyrics reflecting fame’s dark undercurrents and identity struggles.
Listen to the band discuss Seven and the Ragged Tiger
The Title and Artwork
The album’s title symbolizes ambition and success:
- “Seven” refers to the five band members and their two managers.
- The “ragged tiger” represents the pursuit of success.
The iconic album cover, shot at the State Library of New South Wales, features a Bengal tiger and sleek visual elements like antique maps and symbolic logos. Designed by Malcolm Garrett, it cost over £65,000 and embodied the band’s opulent style.
The Sing Blue Silver Tour
The Sing Blue Silver tour promoted the album globally, with stops in Australia, Japan, North America, and the UK. Highlights included:
- Two sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden.
- Behind-the-scenes documentary Sing Blue Silver and the concert film Arena.
While the tour cemented the band’s superstardom, it also strained relationships, leading to side projects and lineup changes.
Reception
For Duranies, aka Duran Duran fans, Seven and the Ragged Tiger is a defining moment in the band’s legacy, representing both the triumphs and the struggles of their journey. The album’s unique blend of synth-pop and experimental sounds resonated deeply with fans, who embraced the band’s willingness to evolve and take risks. For many, this album marks the point when Duran Duran became more than just a band—they became a cultural phenomenon. The album’s complex production, deep themes, and iconic singles are cherished by fans not only for their catchy hooks but for the way they encapsulate the band’s identity at a time when the world was watching. It’s also a testament to the bond between Duran Duran and their audience, as fans were drawn into the band’s personal and professional struggles and celebrated their success. With Seven and the Ragged Tiger, Duran Duran captured the essence of a moment in time, and for their fans, it remains a cherished chapter of their musical journey—a crucial part of what made Duran Duran not just a band, but a lasting part of the fabric of the music scene.
It even inspired a Duran Duran holiday and Duran Duran-themed cocktail recipes like Lizard Mixture and Drink Blue Silver.
Peter Martin of Smash Hits praised the album as:
“A classy concoction… the arrangements are watertight, the melodies are razor-sharp, and every number is drenched with the mystique of a James Bond theme.”
Despite its challenges, Seven and the Ragged Tiger remains a fan favorite, marking a bold new chapter for Duran Duran. Reflecting on its legacy, Roger Taylor said:
“We took a sharp right turn and created something very different. In hindsight, it’s a really great record—well-crafted and well-produced.”
Track Listing
All tracks written by Simon Le Bon, Andy Taylor, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Nick Rhodes unless noted.
Side A
- “The Reflex” – 5:26
- “New Moon on Monday” – 4:15
- “(I’m Looking for) Cracks in the Pavement” – 3:38
- “I Take the Dice” – 3:15
- “Of Crime and Passion” – 3:48
Side B
- “Union of the Snake” – 4:20
- “Shadows on Your Side” – 4:03
- “Tiger Tiger” – 3:20
- “The Seventh Stranger” – 5:24
2010 Limited Edition CD 2
- “Is There Something I Should Know?” – 4:11
- “Faith in This Colour” – 4:07
- “Faith in This Colour” (alternate slow mix) – 4:06
- “Secret Oktober” – 2:45
- “Tiger Tiger” (Ian Little remix) – 3:25
- “The Reflex” (single version) – 4:25
- “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)” (live) – Steve Harley – 4:58
- “New Religion” (live at the LA Forum 9/2/84) – 5:47
- “The Reflex” (live at the LA Forum 9/2/84) – 5:59
- “Is There Something I Should Know?” (monster mix) – 6:40
- “Union of the Snake” (monkey mix) – 6:26
- “New Moon on Monday” (dance mix) – 6:03
- “The Reflex” (dance mix) – 6:35
Personnel
Duran Duran
- Simon Le Bon – lead vocals
- Andy Taylor – guitar
- John Taylor – bass
- Roger Taylor – drums
- Nick Rhodes – keyboards
Additional Musicians
- Andy Hamilton – soprano and tenor saxophone
- Rafael de Jesus – percussion
- Mark Kennedy – percussion
- Michelle Cobbs – backing vocals on “Union of the Snake” and “The Reflex”
- B. J. Nelson – backing vocals on “Union of the Snake” and “The Reflex”
Production
- Alex Sadkin – producer
- Ian Little – associate producer
- Duran Duran – associate producers
- Phil Thornalley – recording and mixing engineer
- Peter Wade-Schwier – recording engineer
- Jim Taig – tape operator
- Malcolm Garrett – graphic design
- Keith Breeden – illustration
