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 “The Reflex” is an 80s pop powerhouse that perfectly captures the band at their most playful and inventive. Released in 1984 and remixed by Nile Rodgers, the track bursts with sharp hooks, bold production tricks, and Simon Le Bon’s charismatic vocals. Its catchy “why-y-y-y” chorus and energetic beat made it irresistible, helping it soar to No. 1 in both the UK and the US. Paired with a memorable music video showcasing the band’s arena-rock charisma, “The Reflex” became one of Duran Duran’s defining hits. Fun, quirky, and undeniably catchy, it remains a fan favorite and a shining example of the band’s adventurous pop artistry.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on 5th May 1984.
| A-Side | The Reflex (4:26) (Duran Duran) Produced Alex Sadkin, Ian Little, Duran Duran |
| B-Side | Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me) (Live) (4:30) (Steve Harley) Produced By Ian Little |
| Genre | Electronic, Rock, Pop, New Wave |
| Release Date | 16th April 1984 |
| Label | EMI |
| Catalogue Number | DURAN 2 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 28th April 1984 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 01 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 11 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [11 Weeks] – 28th April 1984 – 7th July 1984 |
Officially Released Versions
The Reflex (Single Version) (4:26)
The Reflex (Dance Mix) (6:34)
The Reflex (Dance Mix) (Edit) (4:25)
The Reflex (Album Version) (5:29)
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
The reflex
The reflex
The reflex
The reflex-fle-fle-fle-fle-flex
You’ve gone too far this time
And I’m dancing on the valentine
I tell you somebody’s fooling around
With my chances on the danger line
I’ll cross that bridge when I find it
Another day to make my stand, oh whoa
High time is no time for deciding
If I should find a helping hand, oh whoa
Oh, why don’t you use it?
Try not to bruise it
Buy time, don’t lose it
Oh, why don’t you use it?
Try not to bruise it
Buy time, don’t lose it
The reflex is a lonely child who’s waiting by the park
The reflex is in charge of finding treasure in the dark
And watching over lucky clover, isn’t that bizarre?
And every little thing the reflex does
Leaves you answered with a question mark
I’m on a ride, and I want to get off
But they won’t slow down the roundabout
I sold the Renoir and TV set
Don’t wanna be around when this gets out
So, why don’t you use it?
Try not to bruise it
Buy time, don’t lose it
Why-y-y-y-y why why why-y-y (Yeah)
Why-y-y-y-y why why why-y-y (Yeah)
Why-y-y-y-y don’t you use it?
The reflex is a lonely child, he’s waiting in the park
The reflex is in charge of finding treasure in the dark
And watching over lucky clover, isn’t that bizarre?
And every little thing the reflex does
Leaves an answer with a question mark
Fle-Flex
So, why-y-y-y-y don’t you use it?
Try not to bruise it
Buy time, don’t lose it
The reflex is a lonely child who’s waiting by the park
The reflex is in charge of finding treasure in the dark
And watching over lucky clover, isn’t that bizarre?
And every little thing the reflex does
Leaves me answered with a question mark
Oh, the reflex, what a game, he’s hiding all the cards
The reflex is in charge of finding treasure…
Written by Duran Duran
1 Comment
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