Duran Duran, formed in Birmingham in 1978, rose to global fame in the 1980s as one of the most iconic bands of the New Romantic movement. Fronted by Simon Le Bon alongside Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Andy Taylor, the group combined stylish synth-driven pop with rock energy, creating a sound that was both cutting-edge and widely accessible.
Their early albums, including Rio (1982) and Seven And The Ragged Tiger (1983), produced a string of international hits such as “Hungry Like The Wolf,” “Rio,” and “The Reflex,” while their groundbreaking, cinematic music videos made them pioneers of the MTV era. Known for their sharp image and innovative approach, Duran Duran sold millions of records worldwide and became cultural icons of the 1980s. With continued recording and touring success into the present day, they remain one of the most enduring and influential bands in modern pop history.
Duran Duran’s 1987 single “Skin Trade” showed the band taking a bold step into funkier, more experimental territory. Released from their album Notorious, the track stands out for its slick bassline, jazzy guitar touches, and Simon Le Bon’s striking falsetto vocals, which drew comparisons to Prince. While it didn’t achieve the same chart success as some of their earlier hits, peaking modestly in the UK and US, “Skin Trade” has since been appreciated for its sophistication and willingness to push boundaries. It’s a song that highlights Duran Duran’s ability to evolve with the times, proving they weren’t afraid to explore new sounds and styles in their music.
The song peaked at No. 22 in the UK charts on 7th March 1987.
| A-Side | Skin Trade [Radio Cut) (4:35) (Taylor, Rhodes, Le Bon) Produced By Nile Rodgers |
| B-Side | We Need You (2:50) (Taylor, Rhodes, Le Bon) Produced By Duran Duran |
| Genre | Electronic, Pop, SynthPop |
| Release Date | 9th February 1987 |
| Label | EMI RECORDS |
| Catalogue Number | TRADE 1 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 21st February 1987 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 22 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 05 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [5 Weeks] – 21st February 1987 – 21st March 1987 |
| 25-24-[22]-26-34 |
Officially Released Versions
Skin Trade [Radio Cut] [4:25]
Skin Trade [Stretch Mix] [7:40]
Skin Trade [Parisian Mix] [8:08]
Skin Trade [S.O.S. Dub] [7:19]
Skin Trade [Album Version] [5:55]
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
Working on the weekend, baby
She’s working all through the night
A jump into the deep end gave her
The evidence she required
Takes five, she’s got pearls
Don’t fake it when it comes to making money
So she smiles, but that’s cruel
If you know what she thinks
If you knew what she was after
Sometimes she wonders
And she laughs in her frustration
Would someone, please, explain
The reason for this strange behaviour
In exploitation’s name
We must be working for the Skin Trade
Doctors of the revolution gave us
The medicine we desired
Besides being absolutely painless
It’s a question of compromise
They got steel
So cool to get angry at the weekend
And go back to school
So big deal, it’s what rule
When it comes to making money
Say yes, please, thank you
Sometimes you wonder
And ask yourself the question
Would someone, please, explain (Would someone, please, explain)
The reason for this strange behaviour
In exploitation’s name
We must be working for the Skin Trade
I know the answer
But you asking the question
Would someone, please, explain
The reason for this strange behavior
In exploitation’s name
We must be working for the Skin Trade
Would someone, please, explain
The reason for this
The reason for this strange behaviour
In exploitation’s name
We must be working for the Skin Trade
Would someone, please, explain
The reason for this
The reason for this strange behaviour
In exploitation’s name
We must be working for the Skin Trade
Would someone, please, explain
The reason…
Written by Taylor, Rhodes, Le Bon
