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{{Use British English|date=December 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=December 2013}}
{{Infobox song
{{Infobox song
| name = The Reflex
| name = The Reflex
| cover = The Reflex.jpg
| cover = The Reflex.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| type = single
| caption = Dance mix version artwork
| artist = [[Duran Duran]]
| type = single
| album = [[Seven and the Ragged Tiger]]
| artist = [[Duran Duran]]
| album = [[Seven and the Ragged Tiger]]
| B-side = {{unbulleted list|"[[Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)]]" (Live)|"[[New Religion (song)|New Religion]]" (Live)}}
⚫
| B-side =
| released = {{start date|df=yes|1984|4|16}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://duranduran.com/music/the-reflex-make-me-smile-come-up-and-see-me/|title=Duran Duran official site}}</ref><ref name="AUT"/>
* "[[Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)]]" (live)
| recorded =
* "[[New Religion (Duran Duran song)|New Religion]]" (live)
⚫
| studio =
| released = {{start date|1984|4|16|df=y}}<ref>{{cite magazine |date=14 April 1984 |title=New Singles |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1984/Music-Week-1984-04-14.pdf |magazine=[[Music Week]] |page=32 |access-date=29 August 2024}}</ref>
⚫
| genre = [[Dance-pop]]<ref>{{cite web|first= Tom |last= Breihan |title= The Number Ones: Duran Duran's "A View to a Kill" |website= [[Stereogum]] |date= October 14, 2020 |url= https://www.stereogum.com/2101997/the-number-ones-duran-durans-a-view-to-a-kill/columns/the-number-ones/|quote= ...[Duran Duran] finally got to #1 with the big and overstated dance-pop track “The Reflex".|accessdate= October 10, 2022}}</ref>
| length =
| recorded =
| studio =
| genre =
⚫
* [[Dance-pop]]<ref>{{cite web|first= Tom |last= Breihan |title= The Number Ones: Duran Duran's "A View to a Kill" |website= [[Stereogum]] |date= October 14, 2020 |url= https://www.stereogum.com/2101997/the-number-ones-duran-durans-a-view-to-a-kill/columns/the-number-ones/|quote= ...[Duran Duran] finally got to #1 with the big and overstated dance-pop track “The Reflex".|accessdate= October 10, 2022}}</ref>
* [[Synth-pop|synth-pop]]<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.avclub.com/duran-duran-essential-30-best-songs-ranked-1850956091/slides/2 |title=Essential Duran Duran: Their 30 greatest songs, ranked |date=27 October 2023 |last=Erlewin |first=Stephen |publisher=[[The A.V. Club]] |access-date=25 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526000747/https://www.avclub.com/duran-duran-essential-30-best-songs-ranked-1850956091/slides/2 |archive-date=26 May 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* [[New wave music|new wave]]<ref name="Number Ones 2022">{{cite book|last= Breihan|first= Tom|chapter= Prince - "When Doves Cry|date= November 15, 2022|title= The Number Ones: Twenty Chart-Topping Hits That Reveal the History of Pop Music|publisher=[[Hachette Book Group]]|location= New York|page= 166}}</ref>
* [[funk]]<ref name="Molanphy 2021">{{Cite podcast|url=https://slate.com/podcasts/hit-parade/2020/07/yacht-rock-was-smooth-music-played-by-70s-80s-studio-pros|title= What a Fool Believes Edition|website=Hit Parade {{!}} Music History and Music Trivia|publisher=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]]|last=Molanphy|first=Chris|date= July 31, 2021|access-date= February 23, 2024}}</ref>
| length =
* 5:29 (album version)
* 5:29 (album version)
* 4:25 (single version)
* 4:25 (single version)
| label =
| label =
* [[EMI Records|EMI]]
* [[EMI Records|EMI]]
* [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]
* [[Capitol Records|Capitol]]
| writer =
| writer =
* [[Simon Le Bon]]
* [[Simon Le Bon]]
* [[John Taylor (bass guitarist)|John Taylor]]
* [[John Taylor (bass guitarist)|John Taylor]]
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* [[Andy Taylor (guitarist)|Andy Taylor]]
* [[Andy Taylor (guitarist)|Andy Taylor]]
* [[Nick Rhodes]]
* [[Nick Rhodes]]
| producer =
| producer =
* Duran Duran
* Duran Duran
* [[Alex Sadkin]]
* [[Alex Sadkin]]
* {{nowrap|Ian Little}}
* Ian Little
| prev_title = [[New Moon on Monday]]
| prev_title = [[New Moon on Monday]]
| prev_year = 1984
| prev_year = 1984
| next_title = [[The Wild Boys (song)|The Wild Boys]]
| next_title = [[The Wild Boys (song)|The Wild Boys]]
| next_year = 1984
| next_year = 1984
| misc = {{Extra album cover
| misc = {{Extra album cover
| header = Alternate cover
| header =
| type = single
| type = single
| cover = reflex7.jpg
| cover = reflex7.jpg
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| caption = US 7" sleeve
| caption = US 7" sleeve
}}
}}
{{External music video|{{YouTube|oDnNF5cHCdo|"The Reflex"}}}}
{{External music video|{{YouTube|J5ebkj9x5Ko|"The Reflex"}}}}
}}
}}


"'''The Reflex'''" is the eleventh single by English [[New wave music|new wave]] band [[Duran Duran]], released in 1984. The song was heavily remixed for single release and was the third and last to be taken from their third studio album ''[[Seven and the Ragged Tiger]]'' (1983). The single became the band's first to reach the top of the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and their second to top the [[UK Singles Chart]].
"'''The Reflex'''" is the eleventh single by the English [[pop rock]] band [[Duran Duran]], released on 16 April 1984. The song was heavily remixed for single release and was the third and last to be taken from their third studio album ''[[Seven and the Ragged Tiger]]'' (1983). The single became the band's first to reach the top of the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] and their second to top the [[UK Singles Chart]].


==Song history==
==Song history==
"The Reflex" became the band's most successful single, topping the UK chart on 5 May 1984. It was their second UK No. 1, after 1983's "[[Is There Something I Should Know?]]", and would prove to be their last. The single entered the charts in America on 21 April 1984 at no. 46, became Duran Duran's first of two singles to hit no. 1 on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] (for 2 weeks) on 23 June 1984, and was a huge hit internationally. (Their only other single to hit no. 1 in the US was the title song to the 1985 [[A View to a Kill|James Bond film]] "[[A View to a Kill (song)|A View to a Kill]]".) It was also the first of two songs that kept "[[Dancing in the Dark (Bruce Springsteen song)|Dancing in the Dark]]" by [[Bruce Springsteen]] out of the top spot (the other one being [[Prince (musician)|Prince]]'s "[[When Doves Cry]]"). The band wanted it to be the lead single from ''Seven and the Ragged Tiger'' (1983), but their label did not like the warbling singing during the "why don't you use it" segments, thinking this would hinder its success as a stand-alone single track.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}

The remixes for both the 7" and 12" singles were created by [[Nile Rodgers]], of [[Chic (band)|Chic]] fame. It was his first work with the band, and he would later go on to produce "[[The Wild Boys (song)|The Wild Boys]]" single as well as the album ''[[Notorious (Duran Duran album)|Notorious]]'' (1986) and several tracks on ''[[Astronaut (Duran Duran album)|Astronaut]]'' (2004).

Producer Ian Little recalled the sound [[Nick Rhodes]] came up with on his [[Roland Jupiter-8]] keyboard: "...whenever I hear that [[Steelpan|steel-drum]] part it always brings a smile to my face because it's so out of tune. Steel drums always are, but it was exactly right in terms of rhythm and tone. So a wood-block sound was mixed in to make it even more percussive and, successfully, it did the job."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Buskin |first=Richard |date=July 2004 |title=Classic Tracks: Duran Duran 'The Reflex' |url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul04/articles/classictracks.htm |magazine=[[Sound on Sound]] |access-date=28 July 2013}}</ref>
Producer Ian Little recalled the sound [[Nick Rhodes]] came up with on his [[Roland Jupiter-8]] keyboard: "...whenever I hear that [[Steelpan|steel-drum]] part it always brings a smile to my face because it's so out of tune. Steel drums always are, but it was exactly right in terms of rhythm and tone. So a wood-block sound was mixed in to make it even more percussive and, successfully, it did the job."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Buskin |first=Richard |date=July 2004 |title=Classic Tracks: Duran Duran 'The Reflex' |url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jul04/articles/classictracks.htm |magazine=[[Sound on Sound]] |access-date=28 July 2013}}</ref>


==Critical reception==
==Critical reception==
''[[Cash Box]]'' said that "spotlighting the slick vocals of [[Simon Le Bon]] and the tight [[Euro-pop]] rhythms set to a [[funk]] beat, 'The Reflex' will certainly cause a stir for current fans and it will probably reach a new, more dance oriented crowd."<ref name="cb">{{cite magazine |date=April 21, 1984 |title=Reviews |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/80s/1984/CB-1984-04-12.pdf |magazine=Cash Box |page=11 |via=WorldRadioHistory |accessdate=2022-07-23}}</ref>
''[[Cash Box]]'' said, "Spotlighting the slick vocals of [[Simon Le Bon]] and the tight [[Euro-pop]] rhythms set to a [[funk]] beat, 'The Reflex' will certainly cause a stir for current fans and it will probably reach a new, more dance oriented crowd."<ref name="cb">{{cite magazine |date=April 21, 1984 |title=Reviews |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/80s/1984/CB-1984-04-12.pdf |magazine=Cash Box |page=11 |via=WorldRadioHistory |accessdate=2022-07-23}}</ref>


==Music video==
==Music video==
Main photography of the music video for "The Reflex" took place during the ''Seven and the Ragged Tiger'' tour at [[Maple Leaf Gardens]] in [[Toronto]], Ontario, Canada on 5 March 1984. Director [[Russell Mulcahy]] filmed some of the close-up footage in the indoor arena that afternoon, and the band's performance was filmed live during that evening's concert.<ref>{{cite web |title=1984 |url=http://www.durandurantimeline.com/years/1984.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031209145132/http://www.durandurantimeline.com/years/1984.html |archive-date=9 December 2003 |website=The Duran Duran Timeline}}</ref>
Main photography of the music video for "The Reflex" took place during the ''Seven and the Ragged Tiger'' tour at [[Maple Leaf Gardens]] in [[Toronto]], Ontario, Canada, on 5 March 1984. Director [[Russell Mulcahy]] filmed some of the close-up footage in the indoor arena that afternoon, and the band's performance was filmed live during that evening's concert.<ref>{{cite web |title=1984 |url=http://www.durandurantimeline.com/years/1984.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031209145132/http://www.durandurantimeline.com/years/1984.html |archive-date=9 December 2003 |website=The Duran Duran Timeline}}</ref>

"The Reflex" is primarily a concert video, accurately portraying Duran Duran's ''[[Sing Blue Silver]]'' tour performance style. However, in keeping with the band's insistence that their music videos "never be ordinary", the video screen above the stage displayed bits of naked models wearing collars and chains illuminated with [[black light]], occasionally interrupted by computerized video [[white noise]]. At one point, a [[computer graphics]] generated waterfall appears to pour out of the video screen above the stage to soak the audience.

Keyboard enthusiasts have taken note of the [[Fairlight CMI]] (the first digital [[Sampler (musical instrument)|sampling]] synthesiser) that Rhodes operated with a [[light pen]] in this video, and throughout the tour.{{Citation needed|date=September 2019}}

Some symbolic scenes from the official video were taken and later mixed with the alternate version shown in the band's concert film ''[[Arena (An Absurd Notion)]]'' (1985); in the final segment when the band, the crowd and the fans undertake the final and crucial battle against the evil Dr. Durand Durand.


==B-sides, bonus tracks and remixes==
==B-sides, bonus tracks and remixes==
In addition to the 4:26 single remix, the 12" also included an extended remix of "The Reflex". The live B-side "[[Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)]]" is a cover version of a [[Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel]] song, recorded 16 November 1982 at [[Hammersmith Odeon]] in London, England, with lead Rebel [[Steve Harley]] joining the band onstage.
In addition to the 4:26 single remix, the 12" also included an extended remix of "The Reflex". The live B-side "[[Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)]]" is a cover version of a [[Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel]] song, recorded 16 November 1982 at [[Hammersmith Odeon]] in London, England, with lead Rebel [[Steve Harley]] joining the band onstage.


A second live B-side released on the US single, "New Religion", was recorded 7 February 1984 at [[The Forum (Inglewood)|the Forum]] in Los Angeles, California, U.S. This is not the same live version that appears on the album ''[[Arena (Duran Duran album)|Arena]]'' (1984).
A second live B-side released on the US single, "New Religion", was recorded 7 February 1984 at [[Kia Forum|the Forum]] in Los Angeles, California. This is not the same live version that appears on the album ''[[Arena (Duran Duran album)|Arena]]'' (1984).


==Formats and track listing==
==Formats and track listings==
'''7": [[EMI]] / Duran 2 United Kingdom'''
'''7": EMI / Duran 2 United Kingdom'''
#"The Reflex" – 4:20
#"The Reflex" – 4:20
#"Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" (live) – 4:54 <small>(recorded live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, 16 November 1982)</small>
#"Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" (live) – 4:54 <small>(recorded live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, 16 November 1982)</small>
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#"The Reflex" [7" version] – 4:20
#"The Reflex" [7" version] – 4:20
#"Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" (live) – 4:54 <small>(recorded live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, 16 November 1982)</small>
#"Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" (live) – 4:54 <small>(recorded live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, 16 November 1982)</small>
'''7": [[Capitol Records|Capitol]] / B-5345 United States'''
'''7": Capitol / B-5345 United States'''
#"The Reflex" (the dance mix—edited) – 4:25
#"The Reflex" (the dance mix—edited) – 4:25
#"New Religion" (live in L.A.) – 4:52 <small>(recorded live at the Forum, Los Angeles, 7 February 1984) </small>
#"New Religion" (live in L.A.) – 4:52 <small>(recorded live at the Forum, Los Angeles, 7 February 1984) </small>
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#"The Reflex" (dance mix) – 6:35
#"The Reflex" (dance mix) – 6:35
#"The Reflex" (the dance mix—edited) – 4:25
#"The Reflex" (the dance mix—edited) – 4:25
'''CD: Part of the ''[[Singles Box Set 1981–1985|Singles 1981–1985]]'' box set'''
'''CD: Part of ''[[Singles Box Set 1981–1985]]'''''
#"The Reflex" – 4:20
#"The Reflex" – 4:20
#"Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" (live) – 4:54 <small>(recorded live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, 16 November 1982)</small>
#"Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" (live) – 4:54 <small>(recorded live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, 16 November 1982)</small>
#"The Reflex" (dance mix) – 6:35
#"The Reflex" (dance mix) – 6:35


==Charts and certifications==
==Charts==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
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===Weekly charts===
===Weekly charts===
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Weekly chart performance for "The Reflex"
!Chart (1984)
!Chart (1984)
!Peak<br />position
!Peak<br />position
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|4
|4
|-
|-
{{single chart|Austria|11|artist=Duran Duran|song=The Reflex|rowheader=true|access-date=28 July 2013|refname="AUT"}}
{{single chart|Austria|11|artist=Duran Duran|song=The Reflex|rowheader=true|access-date=28 July 2013}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Flanders|1|artist=Duran Duran|song=The Reflex|rowheader=true|access-date=28 July 2013}}
{{single chart|Flanders|1|artist=Duran Duran|song=The Reflex|rowheader=true|access-date=28 July 2013}}
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!scope="row"|Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles|Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite web|title= UK, Eurochart, Billboard & Cashbox No.1 Hits |website= MusicSeek.info |url= http://musicseek.info/no1hits/1984.htm |archive-date= 14 June 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060614052203/http://musicseek.info/no1hits/1984.htm}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Europe ([[European Hot 100 Singles|Eurochart Hot 100]])<ref>{{cite web|title= UK, Eurochart, Billboard & Cashbox No.1 Hits |website= MusicSeek.info |url= http://musicseek.info/no1hits/1984.htm |archive-date= 14 June 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060614052203/http://musicseek.info/no1hits/1984.htm}}</ref>
|1
|1
|-
!scope="row"|France ([[Institut français d'opinion publique|IFOP]])<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top-Hebdo – 6 octobre 1984 |url=http://top-france.fr/html/hebdo/cadre.htm |access-date=3 March 2024 |website=top-france.fr}}</ref>
|6
|-
|-
{{single chart|France|15|artist=Duran Duran|song=The Reflex|rowheader=true|access-date=28 July 2013}}
{{single chart|France|15|artist=Duran Duran|song=The Reflex|rowheader=true|access-date=28 July 2013}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|Ireland2|1|song=The Reflex|rowheader=true|access-date=28 July 2013}}
{{single chart|Ireland2|1|song=The Reflex|rowheader=true|access-date=28 July 2013}}
|-
! scope="row"| Italy (''[[Musica e dischi]]'')<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.musicaedischi.it/classifiche_archivio.php |title=Classifiche |work=[[Musica e dischi]] |language=it |access-date=6 April 2024}} ''Select "Singoli" in the "Tipo" field, type "Duran Duran" in the "Artista" field and press "cerca".''</ref>
| 6
|-
|-
{{single chart|Dutch40|1|year=1984|week=23|rowheader=true|access-date=28 July 2013}}
{{single chart|Dutch40|1|year=1984|week=23|rowheader=true|access-date=28 July 2013}}
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|-
|-
{{single chart|New Zealand|6|artist=Duran Duran|song=The Reflex|rowheader=true|access-date=28 July 2013}}
{{single chart|New Zealand|6|artist=Duran Duran|song=The Reflex|rowheader=true|access-date=28 July 2013}}
|-
!scope="row"| Peru ([[UPI]])<ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com.pa/books?id=Iu1DAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA9&dq=la+opinion+canciones+latinoamerica&article_id=1220,8568989&hl=es-419&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj2xtPD2PiIAxUGSjABHUVbCL0Q6AF6BAgIEAI#v=onepage&q=la%20opinion%20canciones%20latinoamerica&f=false|title=Las canciones más escuchadas en Latinoamérica|newspaper=[[La Opinión (Los Angeles)]]|language=es|access-date=October 5, 2024|date=June 24, 1984}}</ref>
| 6
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Spain ([[Productores de Música de España|AFYVE]])<ref>{{cite book|first= Fernando |last= Salaverri |date= September 2005 |title= Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 |edition= 1st |publisher= Fundación Autor-SGAE |location= Spain |isbn= 84-8048-639-2 |language= es}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Spain ([[Productores de Música de España|AFYVE]])<ref>{{cite book|first= Fernando |last= Salaverri |date= September 2005 |title= Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 |edition= 1st |publisher= Fundación Autor-SGAE |location= Spain |isbn= 84-8048-639-2 |language= es}}</ref>
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{{single chart|UK|1|date=19840505|rowheader=true|access-date=28 July 2013}}
{{single chart|UK|1|date=19840505|rowheader=true|access-date=28 July 2013}}
|-
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]<ref>{{cite web|title= Seven and the Ragged Tiger – Awards |publisher= [[AllMusic]] |access-date= 31 May 2013 |url= http://www.allmusic.com/album/seven-and-the-ragged-tiger-mw0000189726/awards}}</ref>
!scope="row"|US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Billboard Hot 100 – Week of June 30, 1984|publisher= [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date= March 2, 2024 |url= https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1984-06-30/}}</ref>
|1
|1
|-
|-
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===Year-end charts===
===Year-end charts===
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+Year-end chart performance for "The Reflex"
!Chart (1984)
!Chart (1984)
!Position
!Position
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|59
|59
|}
|}
⚫
{{col-end}}

⚫
{{As of|2021|Oct}}, "The Reflex" was the fourth-most [[streaming media|streamed]] Duran Duran song in the UK.<ref>{{cite web |last=Griffiths |first=George |date=26 October 2021 |title=Duran Duran's Official Top 20 most-streamed songs revealed |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/duran-durans-official-top-20-most-streamed-songs-revealed__34312/ |access-date=12 June 2022 |publisher=Official Charts}}</ref>


===Certifications and sales===
==Certifications and sales==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=single|artist=Duran Duran|title=The Reflex|award=Platinum|relyear=1984|certyear=1984}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=single|artist=Duran Duran|title=The Reflex|award=Platinum|relyear=1984|certyear=1984}}
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{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|artist=Duran Duran|title=The Reflex|award=Gold|relyear=1984|certyear=1993}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=single|artist=Duran Duran|title=The Reflex|award=Gold|relyear=1984|certyear=1993}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true}}
⚫
{{col-end}}

⚫
{{As of|2021|Oct}}, "The Reflex" is the fourth most [[streaming media|streamed]] Duran Duran song in the UK.<ref>{{cite web |last=Griffiths |first=George |date=26 October 2021 |title=Duran Duran's Official Top 20 most-streamed songs revealed |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/duran-durans-official-top-20-most-streamed-songs-revealed__34312/ |access-date=12 June 2022 |publisher=Official Charts}}</ref>


==Cover versions==
==Cover versions==
Cover versions have been recorded by [[Less Than Jake]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Various Artists – ''The Duran Duran Tribute Album'' |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-duran-duran-tribute-album-mw0000028915 |access-date=28 July 2013 |publisher=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> and the duo of [[Kylie Minogue]] and [[Ben Lee]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Ben Lee and Kylie Minogue Team Up for Duran Duran Cover |publisher= [[MTV]] |date= 15 April 1999 |access-date= 7 May 2014 |url= http://www.mtv.com/news/1431150/ben-lee-and-kylie-minogue-team-up-for-duran-duran-cover/}}</ref>
Cover versions have been recorded by [[Less Than Jake]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Various Artists – ''The Duran Duran Tribute Album'' |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-duran-duran-tribute-album-mw0000028915 |access-date=28 July 2013 |publisher=[[AllMusic]]}}</ref> and the duo of [[Kylie Minogue]] and [[Ben Lee]].<ref>{{cite web|title= Ben Lee and Kylie Minogue Team Up for Duran Duran Cover |publisher= [[MTV]] |date= 15 April 1999 |access-date= 7 May 2014 |url= http://www.mtv.com/news/1431150/ben-lee-and-kylie-minogue-team-up-for-duran-duran-cover/|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150505010851/http://www.mtv.com/news/1431150/ben-lee-and-kylie-minogue-team-up-for-duran-duran-cover/|url-status= dead|archive-date= 5 May 2015}}</ref>


==Media references==
==Media references==
A chain of 1980s-themed nightclubs in the UK is named after the song.<ref>{{cite web|title= Reflex, the 80s Bar for Uptown Girls... and Boys |website= Reflex |url= http://www.reflexbars.co.uk/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081208082750/http://www.reflexbars.co.uk/ |archive-date= 8 December 2008}}</ref> [[The Crown Inn, Birmingham|The Birmingham branch]] is located directly opposite the former site of the [[Rum Runner (nightclub)|Rum Runner]], Duran Duran's early home base.<ref>{{cite web |title=Reflex in Broad Street |url=http://www.reflexbars.co.uk/reflexbroadstreet/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317155737/http://www.reflexbars.co.uk/reflexbroadstreet/ |archive-date=17 March 2010 |website=Reflex}}</ref> American stand-up comedian [[Dave Chappelle]] sings an excerpt from the song during a "Stereotype Pixies" sketch from ''[[Chappelle's Show]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=McGee |first=Ryan |date=8 August 2012 |title=''Chappelle's Show'': "Episode 3-1"/"Episode 3-2"/"Episode 3-3" |url=https://tv.avclub.com/chappelle-s-show-episode-3-1-episode-3-2-episode-1798173966 |access-date=8 April 2018 |website=[[The A.V. Club]]}}</ref>
A chain of 1980s-themed nightclubs in the UK is named after the song.<ref>{{cite web|title= Reflex, the 80s Bar for Uptown Girls... and Boys |website= Reflex |url= http://www.reflexbars.co.uk/ |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081208082750/http://www.reflexbars.co.uk/ |archive-date= 8 December 2008}}</ref> [[The Crown Inn, Birmingham|The Birmingham branch]] is located directly opposite the former site of the [[Rum Runner (nightclub)|Rum Runner]], Duran Duran's early home base.<ref>{{cite web |title=Reflex in Broad Street |url=http://www.reflexbars.co.uk/reflexbroadstreet/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100317155737/http://www.reflexbars.co.uk/reflexbroadstreet/ |archive-date=17 March 2010 |website=Reflex}}</ref> American stand-up comedian [[Dave Chappelle]] sings an excerpt from the song during a "Stereotype Pixies" sketch from ''[[Chappelle's Show]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last=McGee |first=Ryan |date=8 August 2012 |title=''Chappelle's Show'': "Episode 3-1"/"Episode 3-2"/"Episode 3-3" |url=https://tv.avclub.com/chappelle-s-show-episode-3-1-episode-3-2-episode-1798173966 |access-date=8 April 2018 |website=[[The A.V. Club]]}}</ref>


The song is featured in the sixth episode of the [[Better Call Saul (season 6)|sixth season]] of ''[[Better Call Saul]]'', "[[Axe and Grind]]".<ref>{{cite web |last=Tobias |first=Scott |date=16 May 2022 |title=''Better Call Saul'' Recap: Been Caught Stealing |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/better-call-saul-season-6-ep-6-recap-axe-and-grind.html |website=Vulture}}</ref>
The song is featured in the sixth episode of the [[Better Call Saul (season 6)|sixth season]] of ''[[Better Call Saul]]'', "[[Axe and Grind]]".<ref>{{cite web |last=Tobias |first=Scott |date=16 May 2022 |title=''Better Call Saul'' Recap: Been Caught Stealing |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/better-call-saul-season-6-ep-6-recap-axe-and-grind.html |website=Vulture}}</ref> It is also on the soundtrack of the 2008 video game ''[[Saints Row 2]]'', on the fictional radio station 107.77 The Mix FM.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Orry |first1=James |title=Full Saints Row 2 track list revealed |url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/full-saints-row-2-track-list-revealed/ |website=VideoGamer |date=7 October 2008 |access-date=14 February 2024}}</ref>

The song is used in [[American Wedding]] as Stifler and Bear dance-off in a night club.


==See also==
==See also==
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==External links==
==External links==
* {{discogs master|121152}}
* {{discogs master|121152|type=single}}


{{Duran Duran}}
{{Duran Duran}}
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[[Category:Songs written by John Taylor (bass guitarist)]]
[[Category:Songs written by John Taylor (bass guitarist)]]
[[Category:Songs written by Roger Taylor (Duran Duran drummer)]]
[[Category:Songs written by Roger Taylor (Duran Duran drummer)]]
[[Category:UK Singles Chart number-one singles]]
[[Category:UK singles chart number-one singles]]
[[Category:Ultratop 50 Singles (Flanders) number-one singles]]
[[Category:Ultratop 50 Singles (Flanders) number-one singles]]
[[Category:Music videos shot in Toronto]]
[[Category:Music videos shot in Toronto]]

Latest revision as of 03:22, 6 October 2024

For other uses, see Reflex (disambiguation).

"The Reflex"
Dance mix version artwork
Single by Duran Duran
from the album Seven and the Ragged Tiger
B-side
Released16 April 1984 (1984-04-16)[1]
Genre
Length
  • 5:29 (album version)
  • 4:25 (single version)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Duran Duran singles chronology
"New Moon on Monday"
(1984) 		"The Reflex"
(1984) 		"The Wild Boys"
(1984)
Alternative cover
US 7" sleeve
Music video
"The Reflex" on YouTube

"The Reflex" is the eleventh single by the English pop rock band Duran Duran, released on 16 April 1984. The song was heavily remixed for single release and was the third and last to be taken from their third studio album Seven and the Ragged Tiger (1983). The single became the band's first to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and their second to top the UK Singles Chart.

Song history

[edit]

Producer Ian Little recalled the sound Nick Rhodes came up with on his Roland Jupiter-8 keyboard: "...whenever I hear that steel-drum part it always brings a smile to my face because it's so out of tune. Steel drums always are, but it was exactly right in terms of rhythm and tone. So a wood-block sound was mixed in to make it even more percussive and, successfully, it did the job."[6]

Critical reception

[edit]

Cash Box said, "Spotlighting the slick vocals of Simon Le Bon and the tight Euro-pop rhythms set to a funk beat, 'The Reflex' will certainly cause a stir for current fans and it will probably reach a new, more dance oriented crowd."[7]

Music video

[edit]

Main photography of the music video for "The Reflex" took place during the Seven and the Ragged Tiger tour at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on 5 March 1984. Director Russell Mulcahy filmed some of the close-up footage in the indoor arena that afternoon, and the band's performance was filmed live during that evening's concert.[8]

B-sides, bonus tracks and remixes

[edit]

In addition to the 4:26 single remix, the 12" also included an extended remix of "The Reflex". The live B-side "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" is a cover version of a Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel song, recorded 16 November 1982 at Hammersmith Odeon in London, England, with lead Rebel Steve Harley joining the band onstage.

A second live B-side released on the US single, "New Religion", was recorded 7 February 1984 at the Forum in Los Angeles, California. This is not the same live version that appears on the album Arena (1984).

Formats and track listings

[edit]

7": EMI / Duran 2 United Kingdom

  1. "The Reflex" – 4:20
  2. "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" (live) – 4:54 (recorded live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, 16 November 1982)

12": EMI / 12 Duran 2 United Kingdom

  1. "The Reflex" (dance mix) – 6:35
  2. "The Reflex" [7" version] – 4:20
  3. "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" (live) – 4:54 (recorded live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, 16 November 1982)

7": Capitol / B-5345 United States

  1. "The Reflex" (the dance mix—edited) – 4:25
  2. "New Religion" (live in L.A.) – 4:52 (recorded live at the Forum, Los Angeles, 7 February 1984)
  • The "dance mix—edited" version is the same version as the regular 7".

12": Capitol / V-8587 United States

  1. "The Reflex" (dance mix) – 6:35
  2. "The Reflex" (the dance mix—edited) – 4:25

CD: Part of Singles Box Set 1981–1985

  1. "The Reflex" – 4:20
  2. "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)" (live) – 4:54 (recorded live at Hammersmith Odeon, London, 16 November 1982)
  3. "The Reflex" (dance mix) – 6:35

Charts

[edit]

As of October 2021, "The Reflex" was the fourth-most streamed Duran Duran song in the UK.[40]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[41] Platinum 100,000^
Netherlands (NVPI)[42] Gold 75,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[43] Silver 250,000^
United States (RIAA)[44] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Cover versions

[edit]

Cover versions have been recorded by Less Than Jake[45] and the duo of Kylie Minogue and Ben Lee.[46]

Media references

[edit]

A chain of 1980s-themed nightclubs in the UK is named after the song.[47] The Birmingham branch is located directly opposite the former site of the Rum Runner, Duran Duran's early home base.[48] American stand-up comedian Dave Chappelle sings an excerpt from the song during a "Stereotype Pixies" sketch from Chappelle's Show.[49]

The song is featured in the sixth episode of the sixth season of Better Call Saul, "Axe and Grind".[50] It is also on the soundtrack of the 2008 video game Saints Row 2, on the fictional radio station 107.77 The Mix FM.[51]

The song is used in American Wedding as Stifler and Bear dance-off in a night club.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "New Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 14 April 1984. p. 32. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  2. ^ Breihan, Tom (14 October 2020). "The Number Ones: Duran Duran's "A View to a Kill"". Stereogum. Retrieved 10 October 2022. ...[Duran Duran] finally got to #1 with the big and overstated dance-pop track "The Reflex".
  3. ^ Erlewin, Stephen (27 October 2023). Essential Duran Duran: Their 30 greatest songs, ranked. The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on 26 May 2024. Retrieved 25 May 2024.
  4. ^ Breihan, Tom (15 November 2022). "Prince - "When Doves Cry". The Number Ones: Twenty Chart-Topping Hits That Reveal the History of Pop Music. New York: Hachette Book Group. p. 166.
  5. ^ Molanphy, Chris (31 July 2021). "What a Fool Believes Edition". Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia (Podcast). Slate. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  6. ^ Buskin, Richard (July 2004). "Classic Tracks: Duran Duran 'The Reflex'". Sound on Sound. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  7. ^ "Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. 21 April 1984. p. 11. Retrieved 23 July 2022 – via WorldRadioHistory.
  8. ^ "1984". The Duran Duran Timeline. Archived from the original on 9 December 2003.
  9. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  10. ^ "Duran Duran – The Reflex" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  11. ^ "Duran Duran – The Reflex" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  12. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 6755." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
  13. ^ Lwin, Nanda (1999). Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide. Music Data Canada. ISBN 1-896594-13-1.
  14. ^ "UK, Eurochart, Billboard & Cashbox No.1 Hits". MusicSeek.info. Archived from the original on 14 June 2006.
  15. ^ "Top-Hebdo – 6 octobre 1984". top-france.fr. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
  16. ^ "Duran Duran – The Reflex" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  17. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – The Reflex". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  18. ^ "Classifiche". Musica e dischi (in Italian). Retrieved 6 April 2024. Select "Singoli" in the "Tipo" field, type "Duran Duran" in the "Artista" field and press "cerca".
  19. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 23, 1984" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  20. ^ "Duran Duran – The Reflex" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  21. ^ "Duran Duran – The Reflex". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  22. ^ "Las canciones más escuchadas en Latinoamérica". La Opinión (Los Angeles) (in Spanish). 24 June 1984. Retrieved 5 October 2024.
  23. ^ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (in Spanish) (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
  24. ^ "Duran Duran – The Reflex". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  25. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  26. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 – Week of June 30, 1984". Billboard. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  27. ^ "CASH BOX Top 100 Singles – Week ending JUNE 16, 1984". Cash Box. Archived from the original on 30 September 2012.
  28. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Duran Duran – The Reflex" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  29. ^ "Kent Music Report No 548 – 31 December 1984 > National Top 100 Singles for 1984". Kent Music Report. Retrieved 23 January 2023 – via Imgur.com.
  30. ^ "Forum – ARIA Charts: Special Occasion Charts – Top 100 End of Year AMR Charts – 1980s". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  31. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 1984" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  32. ^ "Top 100 Singles of 1984". RPM. Vol. 41, no. 17. Library and Archives Canada. 5 January 1985. Retrieved 25 June 2018.
  33. ^ "TOP – 1984". Top-france.fr (in French). Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  34. ^ "Top 100-Jaaroverzicht van 1984" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  35. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1984" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Hung Medien. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  36. ^ "Top 100 Singles" (PDF). Music Week. London, England: Morgan-Grampian plc. 26 January 1985. p. 37. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
  37. ^ "Top 100 Hits for 1984". The Longbored Surfer. Retrieved 28 July 2017.
  38. ^ "The CASH BOX Year-End Charts: 1984". Cash Box. Archived from the original on 30 September 2012.
  39. ^ "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts: 1984". Offiziellecharts.de (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Archived from the original on 9 May 2015.
  40. ^ Griffiths, George (26 October 2021). "Duran Duran's Official Top 20 most-streamed songs revealed". Official Charts. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
  41. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Duran Duran – The Reflex". Music Canada.
  42. ^ "Dutch single certifications – Duran Duran – The Reflex" (in Dutch). Nederlandse Vereniging van Producenten en Importeurs van beeld- en geluidsdragers. Retrieved 17 April 2019. Enter The Reflex in the "Artiest of titel" box. Select 1984 in the drop-down menu saying "Alle jaargangen".
  43. ^ "British single certifications – Duran Duran – The Reflex". British Phonographic Industry.
  44. ^ "American single certifications – Duran Duran – The Reflex". Recording Industry Association of America.
  45. ^ "Various Artists – The Duran Duran Tribute Album". AllMusic. Retrieved 28 July 2013.
  46. ^ "Ben Lee and Kylie Minogue Team Up for Duran Duran Cover". MTV. 15 April 1999. Archived from the original on 5 May 2015. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  47. ^ "Reflex, the 80s Bar for Uptown Girls... and Boys". Reflex. Archived from the original on 8 December 2008.
  48. ^ "Reflex in Broad Street". Reflex. Archived from the original on 17 March 2010.
  49. ^ McGee, Ryan (8 August 2012). "Chappelle's Show: "Episode 3-1"/"Episode 3-2"/"Episode 3-3"". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 8 April 2018.
  50. ^ Tobias, Scott (16 May 2022). "Better Call Saul Recap: Been Caught Stealing". Vulture.
  51. ^ Orry, James (7 October 2008). "Full Saints Row 2 track list revealed". VideoGamer. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
[edit]
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