Step into the electrifying fusion of live performance and cutting-edge 80s visuals with Duran Duran's "The Reflex" music video.
The Song
"The Reflex" is the eleventh single by the English new wave band Duran Duran, released worldwide on April 16, 1984. It was the third and final single taken from their third studio album, Seven and the Ragged Tiger, which was released in late 1983. The album version of the song, running 5:29, was deemed unsuitable for a single release.
The massively successful single version was heavily remixed by Nile Rodgers of Chic fame, alongside remix engineer Jason Corsaro. Rodgers' innovative remix introduced prominent sampling, including the distinctive "re-re-re-re-flex" vocal effect created by pitch-shifting Simon Le Bon's singing, a technique that was very new at the time. Lead vocalist Simon Le Bon has stated he has no idea what the song's lyrics mean, describing it as a "childish song" with intentionally ambiguous lyrics.
The Artist
Duran Duran formed in Birmingham, England, in 1978. The classic lineup featured Simon Le Bon (vocals), Nick Rhodes (keyboards), John Taylor (bass), Andy Taylor (guitar), and Roger Taylor (drums). By the mid-1980s, the band had become global superstars, known for their sophisticated synth-pop sound, striking fashion, and groundbreaking music videos that often featured exotic locations and high-budget productions.
"The Reflex" was released during the height of "Duranmania," showcasing the band at the peak of their popularity and experimental ambition. The success of the song and its video further cemented their status as pioneers of the music video era, captivating audiences on MTV and around the world.
Chart Performance
"The Reflex" proved to be Duran Duran's most successful single internationally. It became their second single to reach number one on the UK Singles Chart, topping the chart for four weeks in May and early June 1984, and would be their last #1 song there.
In the United States, "The Reflex" achieved a significant milestone by becoming the band's first single to hit number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for two consecutive weeks in June 1984. It famously kept Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark" from reaching the top spot. The song also performed exceptionally well in other countries, reaching #1 in Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands, and #4 in Australia.
Cultural Impact
The music video for "The Reflex" played a crucial role in its widespread success and further cemented Duran Duran's reputation as pioneers of the music video medium. Directed by their frequent collaborator Russell Mulcahy, the video was primarily a concert recording, a departure from their usual narrative-driven, exotic clips. However, Mulcahy infused it with innovative post-production effects that were cutting-edge for 1984.
The video effectively captured the electrifying energy of a Duran Duran live performance during their "Sing Blue Silver" tour, showcasing the band's dynamic stage presence and the ecstatic reactions of their fans. The bold integration of video screens on stage, displaying abstract imagery and then-advanced digital effects like a simulated waterfall, made it a memorable visual experience that pushed the boundaries of concert filmmaking within a music video context.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "The Reflex" was shot during the "Sing Blue Silver" tour at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Ontario, on March 5, 1984.
- Director Russell Mulcahy filmed close-up footage during the afternoon and captured the live performance that evening.
- The famed waterfall effect in the video was inspired by Mulcahy's impromptu visit to Niagara Falls and an old commercial he'd directed involving orange juice.
- The elaborate stage set, featuring stately Doric columns, was based on a sketch by keyboardist Nick Rhodes.
- "The Reflex" won an Ivor Novello Award for International Hit of the Year in 1985.
- Duran Duran performed "The Reflex" during their iconic Live Aid set in 1985.