Top 10 Greatest Duran Duran Hits Ever

"Duran Duran's 'Notorious' stands as a testament to the band's ability to reinvent their sound while remaining true to their distinct style. Released in 1986, this title track from their fourth studio album marked a shift towards funk and dance-pop elements. 

Produced by Nile Rodgers, known for his work with Chic and David Bowie among others, the song features an irresistible groove driven by John Taylor's funky bassline and Roger Taylor’s tight drumming. Nick Rhodes’ synthesizer hooks add a layer of sophistication while Simon Le Bon delivers the lyrics with soulful intensity. 

'Notorious' lyrically explores themes of fame, media scrutiny, and personal resilience - subjects very familiar to Duran Duran following their meteoric rise in the early 80s. Its infectious chorus coupled with its danceable rhythm made it an instant hit upon release. 

The music video directed by Peter Kagan further propelled its success on MTV with its stylish visuals featuring black-and-white footage of the band members performing against a backdrop of geometric shapes. The video perfectly captures the cool aura that surrounds 'Notorious', enhancing both its appeal and significance within pop culture history." 

"Planet Earth," released in 1981 as part of Duran Duran’s eponymous debut album is another iconic track that embodies their unique blend of new wave and synth-pop sounds. This was also the first single ever released by them which immediately established them as pioneers within these genres. 

Co-written by all original members including Andy Taylor who later left the group; "Planet Earth" showcases each member’s individual talents but most notably Nick Rhodes’ atmospheric synthesisers which were pivotal in creating that distinctive ‘Duran Duran sound.’ 

Lyrically "Planet Earth" references various youth subcultures prevalent at time – New Romantics being one such example – thereby engaging directly with fans while also offering commentary on societal trends during this era. 

The accompanying music video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, features the band performing amidst futuristic landscapes and other-worldly characters. This further reinforces their avant-garde aesthetics while also extending their appeal to a global audience. 

"Planet Earth" remains an enduring classic that continues to resonate with fans old and new alike, highlighting Duran Duran's innovative approach towards music and visual artistry. 

Duran Duran’s impact on pop culture extends far beyond these ten songs; however, each of these hits encapsulates different aspects of what makes them truly iconic - from their distinctive sound fusing new wave and synth-pop elements to meaningful lyrics exploring diverse themes. The band’s commitment towards pushing boundaries both musically and visually has ensured they remain relevant across decades - captaining the ship in uncharted territories yet always managing to stay true to their original course charted back in 1978 when they first formed in Birmingham, England. Their indelible mark on music history is undeniable as is the love for them worldwide which only seems set to grow with each passing year.