Duran Duran – Hungry Like The Wolf

Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like The Wolf” is one of the most instantly recognisable songs of the early 1980s, combining new wave, synth-pop and rock into a thrilling, tightly constructed recording. Released in 1982 as part of the album Rio, it was written by all five members of the band and produced by Colin Thurston.

The song was created remarkably quickly during a recording session at EMI’s London headquarters. Nick Rhodes began experimenting with a Roland Jupiter-8 synthesiser, while Simon Le Bon developed the vocal melody and lyrics. The track gradually took shape as the other members arrived, with Andy Taylor adding his distinctive guitar part and John Taylor and Roger Taylor providing the bass and drums. The electronic foundation was retained when the song was subsequently recorded at AIR Studios for Rio.

Lyrically, “Hungry Like The Wolf” uses hunting imagery to describe sexual attraction and pursuit. Its energetic arrangement is filled with memorable details, from Rhodes’ synthesiser textures and John Taylor’s driving bass to Le Bon’s urgent vocal and the atmospheric sound effects. The opening laugh and the moans heard during the fade were recorded by Rhodes’ then-girlfriend, Cheryl.

The song became closely associated with Duran Duran’s groundbreaking visual identity. Its adventurous video, filmed in Sri Lanka, helped establish the band as major stars of the emerging MTV era, while the music itself demonstrated how successfully they could combine sophisticated electronic production with the excitement of a live rock band.

The song peaked at No. 05 in the UK singles chart on the 26th June 1982.