Soon as I saw the title of this video, I knew it was going to be Ordinary World. Simply one of the finest pop songs ever recorded.

I hope Duran Duran is watching this and realise how much love we have for them. I'm glad you are sharing this with people who have no idea how amazing this album is. Thank you Rick.

Who else straight away knew it would be Ordinary World? Definitely one of Duran Duran's finest songs,if not the best.

Duran Duran recorded a song called "Save a prayer" on one of their first albums that is still my absolute favorite! I used to get so mad when people called them a bubble gum band because 40 years later they're still here and still great. "Ordinary World" is iconic!

I lost track how many times I played this over and over when my wife of 34 yrs passed away in 2016, to this day I still listen to it over and over and cry.

Came home from Desert Storm…Wife and children were gone, this song helped me survive. It’s so beautiful and soulful. And fitting beyond belief, I had to find my way again in the ordinary world. Still enjoy it every time I hear it.

The melancholy in this song is deep and real. Simon says it was written about the loss of his best friend David Miles. This is the song about how hard it is to move on from loss, but that you have to anyway

This song played a big part in my divorce recovery back when it was new. This song helped me realize it was time to stop wallowing and to create a new life. "I won't cry for yesterday, there's an Ordinary World, somehow I have to find." Found it. This song is a masterpiece.

One of the best "comeback" singles of all time.

This and Come Undone from the Wedding album are incredible songs. Beautiful.

I have listened to Duran Duran since I was 12. I'm 52 now, and I still love them! ❤ and thank you for doing this video.

Duran Duran is such a sophisticated band. This song is craftsmanship to the highest level. Vocal harmonies, guitar solo, production. Wow. Thank you Rick for bringing it on.

Many people unfairly dismiss them as being part of the “boy band” crowd. They are very capable musicians who have written lots of timeless, enjoyable music. Truly worth a listen for the uninitiated!

Ordinary World is such a timeless song. One of my all-time favorites across all genres and time periods.

for those that don't know, this is part of a trilogy of songs, written by Simon about a friend that committed suicide. They are Ordinary World, Do You Believe In Shame, and Out Of My Mind. All three are amazing works of art about Simon's pain in losing his friend, not understanding why the friend didn't seek help, and trying to cope with the loss. It's pure, beautiful emotion Simon used as a coping mechanism and to honor, and it has had a wonderful side effect of helping so many others cope with the losses in their own lives. Music can see you through some of the toughest times, one of its many powers...

Warren Cucorullo is why this song is amazing…he’s one of the most underrated guitarists ever. Just listen to any of the Missing Persons stuff he did. His chord voicings and solo phrasing are killer.

This is the most perfect Pop song from the last 30 years.Period. And i´m a music lover/collector of all genres since i was 10.

February 11, 1993. I can still remember the day like it was yesterday. I bought this CD on its release date, took it home, put it in my CD player, put my headphones on, and then laid flat out on my bed. Holy sh*t....THIS song...I was immediately blown away. I wish I could go back to that day...

I'm not a musician. I'm a dancer so I need to listen very well to the melody so I can translate that in the dance. The way this man analyzes the music and explains it has made me become an ever better dancer. I've learn so much about how melodies are created it changed my whole approach to music. Thank you very much Rick. As always very educative and entertaining 🙏🏾

I've been telling my wife for years this is the perfect song. The composition, harmony of sound and climax are truly a work of art

Save A Prayer came to mind initially but Ordinary World is a musical masterpiece as well.

As a 16 year old I sat alongside David Richards in Mountain Studios as he mixed this (and tuned the vocal track). I knew it was a stunning song from the first few bars. Every time I hear it I’m transported back to that amazing time in my life

I'd put Come Undone as their masterpiece! Hauntingly beautiful, majestic and total ear candy! Love the guitar, drums, baseline, vocals.....it's perfection to me!

Love Duran Duran. And they're still going strong! "Danse Macabre" is a true delight.

I've always talked up how good the musicianship is in Duran Duran. John Taylor is one of my favorite bass players in any genre. His driving base in Rio and that really funky bass line in girls on film are 2 of my favorite baselines of all time. Of course I'm not putting him above Les Claypool or anything but John is highly underrated and really deserves more praise. I didn't listen to Duran Duran as a kid but when I revisited them years later as an adult, I was blown away by how good the music was.

Yes, perfect song. Like it's twin sister on the same album. "Come undone." Just perfect!! Thank you Rick and Duran Duran

I'm not a music theory person, but i recognize musical genius. The chords in this song are those that haunt you for life!

The 80s were my favorite time period of music - this song is phenomenal.😊

Walked through Vancouver's Chinatown with a friend to get coffee one warm evening, probably 15 years ago, and suddenly we realized we could hear Duran Duran playing in the stadium. We sat on the curb and listened to them for an hour, and I suddenly realized they weren't the simplistic pop band I had remembered them being. This is the song they were playing when my friend and I turned to each other incredulously and said IS THAT DURAN DURAN?? at the same moment.

I remember being a big metal head back in high school and also loving Duran Duran which was taboo back then for a metal player. I didn't care and always had mad respect for those guys as musicians and songwriters. I always said that Duran was the one band I would dread going up against in a battle of the bands. Behind all the fashion and sleek image, those boys are monster players each in their own right.

I love that every next segment Rick says “this is REALLY what makes this song great”. It is just an amazingly beautiful composition with real feeling, real meaning and a breathtaking arrangement for the melody.

Saw them in Dublin last weekend. Amazing. Ordinary World the greatest comeback song ever. So many wonderful songs in their repertoire. Not a bubblegum band.

My favorite Duran Duran song is Come Undone. The backing vocals in particular are so sweet.

As an original Duranie, (born ‘68!), and a huge fan of their early work, this later track is just brilliant.

They’ve written many many amazing songs - Save A Prayer, Rio, The Chauffeur, Seventh Stranger, Come Undone to name just a few - but yes Ordinary World is very special

One of the most beautiful songs in my opinion. ‘Come Undone’ is also incredible and both off the same album

Warren Cuccurullo, who previously played guitar for Frank Zappa and Missing Persons, is widely credited with writing the bulk of Ordinary World including all the Sus chords and chord substitutions. He is definitely a "Jazz Cat" who knows what he's doing. All the other members of Duran Duran are self-taught including bassist John Taylor who has created some of the most memorable Pop bass lines of his generation. (Check out his bass line for the song Rio. It's mind blowing.)

Rick, I'm sky-high thrilled to be able to say that you've now done a video about a song by my favorite band of all time, and rounded out a 5 for 5 of my top 5 (Duran Duran, Pink Floyd, Van Halen, U2, & R.E.M.). With this song, Duran Duran managed to transcend the '80s lockbox that the critics had put them in (and thrown away the key). It might actually be the single most important song they ever wrote, much like One by U2, because without it, they might well have folded the tent after a rough period of uncertainty, and likely wouldn't still be around today, let alone having (rightly) finally made it into the R&R Hall of Fame. A few notes about the song, some of which reflect on points you made in the video, that I think you'll enjoy knowing: 1. While the rest of the band most likely just have good ears, Warren Cuccurullo, who came up with the chords for the song on guitar, absolutely knew the theory behind what he was doing and why. He had previously been Frank Zappa's guitar player (a job he got by following Frank around on tour and driving him nuts until he realized Warren knew how to play every one of his songs) before leaving Zappa's band with Terry Bozzio to form Missing Persons. I love original Duran guitarist Andy Taylor, who was/is an underrated rock player and without whom they never would've broken in America, but Warren is a straight up virtuoso. 2. The huge comeback self titled 1993 album (known as "The Wedding Album") was actually recorded in the living room of Warren's London apartment. 3. Those "caveman" drum fills were played by the great Steve Ferrone of the Average White Band & later Tom Petty's band (for 30 years). He frequently played with Duran Duran, both in the studio ('86-'95) and on stage (the entire '87-'88 Strange Behaviour tour). 4. Those deep and moving lyrics are actually about lead singer Simon Le Bon trying to reconcile the death of his childhood best friend David Miles. He wrote a trilogy of songs about Miles: Do You Believe in Shame (1988), Ordinary World (1992) and Out of My Mind (1995). The movement toward more personal, relatable, and less obtuse lyrics along with Cuccurullo pushing the band to be more adventurous musically in the '90s were equally important factors in gaining the band at least a smidge more credit from the closed minded ranks of rock critics. If you've made it this far, thank you so much for listening to me ramble. Again, thank you for another excellent video, and if you'd like to hear more of how Warren Cuccurullo pushed Duran Duran musically, check out Breath After Breath (with Milton Nascimento on guest vocals and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums), Buried in the Sand (about founding bassist John Taylor leaving the band in '96), Michael You've Got a Lot to Answer For (a pleading song written to Simon Le Bon's close friend Michael Hutchence not long before his death), Starting to Remember (a beautiful Beatlesque song with lyrics written by keyboardist Nick Rhodes) and Last Day on Earth, an absolute ass-kicker in 5/4 time (preferably listened to with its intro, the instrumental Kiss Goodbye, played directly before it because the two songs make a single musical statement played together).

I do not know anything technical about music theory nor I pretend to have expert musical ear. But everything you said makes sense to me because I really feel this song and I feel it like magic. The vibe, the sounds, the harminies, I feel this song has layers upon layers of extremely good touches and details to take our ears on a journey.

This song is a song my friend loves. I broke his heart in 93. This song is what takes him back to that time. Still today.

I always knew Ordinary World was a magical composition. So deep, both musically and lyrically. My dear Dad loved it.

Most people think that Ordinary World is about the loss of a romantic relatioship. But it's actually written about the death of Simon Le bon's friend ,David Miles, in 1986. I used to play this song with my brother Jim. I would sing and play guitar and he would play the bass, when we played together. He passed away from Covid, in November 2021. It breaks my heart every time i hear it and makes me very emotional. He isn't just my brother, but my best friend in this world. It's also his birthday tomorrow, the 27th of February. This song transcends what usual pop music is. It has a spirituality and emotional content on a much deeper level. "Where is my friend when i need you most" I miss you every single day , my dear brother.

It’s so great to see so many people in the comments that feel exactly the way I do about this song and COME UNDONE. They are legends and have been consistently good for so long. I’ve been listening to thier greatest hits since the wedding album came out. Decades (pun intended) of great music.

See them live if you can while you can. Simon’s voice is still pure and unchanged.

I remember hearing this song for the first time and the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. It’s one of the finest songs in their catalog.

For us who grew into young adults with bands like Duran Duran, this is the perfect tribute to their contribution to music. Thank you!

I would imagine Warren Cucurullo had a part to play in this. The guitar riff in *Come Undone* is sublime also.

I have loved Duran Duran since first listen! They are so unique in their sound and have written many of my favorite songs. I saw them in concert 1984. Seven and the Ragged Tiger tour. Fantastic! My best friend was also a huge fan but sadly she died in 2003. This song reminds me of her. Prayers for Andy!

I saw Duran Duran play their first gig post lockdown and Simon Le Bon described how the song had taken on an entirely new meaning during these covid times. That’s the sign of a great song. It can change its meaning for people over time.

One of the greatest songs ever written, so glad to see it covered and broken down here.

This album was truly their masterpiece! My favourite was Come Undone…

This is one of the best songs ever written. I love that record.

12yr old me used to feel absolutely electrified by 'The Reflex', like I'd been switched on, it was AMAZING 😃

What can't be understated is Simon LeBon's INCREDIBLE sense of melody as well as being a gifted lyricist.

First time I heard this song I felt it was something special, such an evolution for the band from their previous works (all still brilliant, but this was decidedly different). It always makes me wonder how much Warren with his Zappa and Missing Persons background, had an impact on this era of Duran Duran's writing. Just guiding them on how to expand their musical vocabulary which they could then put that Nick, Simon and John Duran Duran melodic magic on. Simon's falsetto harmonies during the pre-outro chorus always killed me. Playing with major and minor shifts...just awesome.

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. I NEVER get sick of it. Blast it in the car, singing at the top of my lungs, swept away. I always have the same significant response to it emotionally. That descending scale motive ….wow.

DD finally getting some love! The greatest! John Taylor is the man! Probably one of the most under-appreciated bassists of all time!

This and "Come Undone" off of Duran Duran were both amazing. It's all in the mood and the cool... the intelligence and emotion. It's all there...

❤ Duran Duran's "A Matter of Feeling" is my best song they have I liked the lyrics, it's full of meaning ❤

Duran Duran was my first concert! February 1984. I had a raging crush on John Taylor, all their albums and quite a few posters. Ordinary World is beautiful, a favorite for sure.

They have 5 to 10 absolutely perfect songs... it's maddening how good they are.

I like the way Rick describes the nuances of a song like it's a fine wine. He's a sort of music sommelier.

I always turned the volume up whenever i heard this song in my work station. I don't care who else out there listening. ❤❤❤☺️😌

This has always been one of my favorite songs. I never understood how it wasn't considered one of the best of the era. It seems mostly forgotten or ignored.

Duran Duran is literally a _perfect_ band. It's not something I came to really appreciate until I was older. Great, interesting music that sounds like nothing we've heard before with clear influences from several different genres, they're great musicians, with great vocals, strong public appeal... I could go on and on.

The song is sublime and a masterpiece. When it was released I couldn't believe the maturity the band had gained in their writing. They are masterful

Always love listening to this song. The chord progression is beautiful.

One of my favorite songs ever. Probably my favorite song from the 90s. Captures the 90s IMO.

Simon LeBon Doesn't get enough credit for his amazing vocals and lyrics. What a dude

Duran Duran has been my favorite band since 1982. I’ve seen the original line up twice. Simon, still sounds as unique and as good as he did on 1982. Jair a great f’ing band.

Love this song. The chord progression is unique and beautiful, the lyrics are near perfect, and the production is spot-on! This breakdown by Rick is such a treat!

Some of the most beautiful songwriting ever is in this song and come undone. Amazing band.

Jumped on the DD bandwagon when they first came onto the scene... LOVE their music. But his song does something to me, and tears well up in my eyes... I'll be 66 years old next month... and this song does it to me every time!! I think it's one the best songs ever written, along with "Come Undone"(also by DD). I love how excited you get when you discuss the breakdown (of any song). I'm slightly older than you are, and I wish I had taken music (especially guitar) more seriously when I was younger. My father passed away 4 years ago, and he left me his Gibson J45 he bought in 1944... he was 17. Anyway.... I LOVE THIS SONG. Thank you for doing the analysis, and hopefully lots of younger people on your channel will listen to some "older" music, and really dig it. I appreciate what you do and your love for it.

Warren Cuckarillo, formerly of Missing Persons, was their guitarist at this point. Came out of that group who played with Zappa. They were already good but Warren took them to another level. He should get a lot of credit for raising their game. The Melody, lyrics and harmonies are all pure LeBon, who is in my opinion highly underrated. John Taylor is a bass virtuoso and the wall of synths provided is by Nick Rhodes, who may also be a genius and is also highly underrated. Great song. Excellent analysis.

Like a lot of us here, I knew the perfect song was going to be Ordinary World. I fell in love with this song the first time I heard it on MTV in the early nineties. Thirty years later (I'm 60 now), I'll still get emotional listening to it.

In the 80s I was deceived by their looks and presentation into thinking they were a boy band. I realized later that I was wrong, they truly are good musicians and writers, they came up with some really original material. Their song "the seventh stranger" gives me goosebumps.

It's a brilliant song! This and "Come Undone" from the same album are some of my favorites from this band. It's worth noting that this sort of ties back to your recent video about why we stop listening to our favorite artists after a while. Duran Duran was about 10 years "past their prime" when they made this song, yet it still managed to become a successful hit. Hearing "Ordinary World" and especially "Come Undone", it always impresses me how well Duran Duran was able to adapt to the sound of the 1990s. They didn't sound like the same band that made "Girls On Film" or "Hungry Like The Wolf" a decade earlier. Not too many bands can change their sound to a new era of music _and_ sound great doing it.

My all time favorite band in the 80s, and still making great, relevant music over 40 years later. This is how you make a perfect song, mileage (and talent).

I luv the fact that you luv this song. It is. Brilliant beyond words. I’m watching your channel For a few weeks now so good to see someone who knows what music. Really is.

Ordinary World and Come Undone were 2 songs that helped me rediscover Duran Duran back in 1993. I haven't had to "rediscover" them ever since.

Even more beautiful when you know the song was written about Simon Le Bon's best friend dying. And the song is all about the aftermath of the grief and how he struggled to get over it. And get on with life without him day to day in the "ordinary world" As his friend was the person that would have helped him get over losing someone ordinarily. "where is my friend, when I need him most? Gone away!"

Duran taught me how to listen to music. This is the best mixing on any song ever.

Glad to see this song getting the respect it deserves. Great arrangement (sounding a little dated now), always moving, not copy and repeat. Heroic and balladesque mellody. Awsome

Alan Parsons has said he thinks this is one of the best produced recordings he's ever heard! High praise indeed, coming from an artist of his stature.

Honestly, I don’t need the breakdown to know this is a perfect song. My ears, brain, and heart told me. Duran wrote all of their music. Duran wrote the soundtrack of my adolescence, and continues to narrate my life…

It's one of those rare songs that hooks you immediately! Before Simon's magnificent voice chimes in, you've totally bought into this beautiful piece of music and it doesn't disappoint.

Come undone is so touching, I think most of us can totally relate. It can make me cry depending on the mood. Just beautiftl.❤

This is THE song of my life. It takes me to a very amazing and very spiritual place.

I grew up as a metal head and Duran Duran was always one of my secret guilty pleasures.

Brilliant song! A lot of their work is inventive. Their two biggest hits, “Hungry Like The Wolf” and “Rio”, both change keys on the choruses in interesting ways - “Wolf” goes down a third and “Rio” to the parallel major.

Love this Duran Duran’s song! Love Rick Beato! Love how he explains it!

John Taylor is such a musical bass player and has a lot of groove. You can really hear the Bernard Edwards / Chic influence on his playing, especially on Rio and the early material.

I was a grumpy elder frowning on their cuteness in DD's early years. The Reflex and its 3-part structure first made me think 'Hm, some talent is hiding behind the mascara' and the harmonies got me the rest of the way. (Most Yes fans are likely suckers for a good harmony!) I bought Big Thing and this album, and enjoyed them thoroughly - and went to the Astronaut concert a few years later.

I fell I’m love with this song the first time I heard it even though I was never a Duran Duran fan. This song was beautiful incredible and amazing! Love this breakdown bro! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Back then Duran Duran was basically like the Beatles in my opinion. They couldn't do anything bad. Everything they touched was gold for many years! This song was towards the end. They're golden goose so to say!

This tune is a masterpiece, an ocean of melancholy. Gotta believe that Warren Cucurullo had a big hand in the writing and production as it was a quantum leap up from their prior work, as good as much of that was. I also believe it was recorded in his home studio. This is one is for the ages…

This is the most beautiful song in my Playlists, the pre-chorus and the chorus make the hair stand up on my neck:) This song embodies why music is the most important thing in my life - it is audible beauty

Thank you for covering this one. LOVE THIS SONG so so much. Working it out on the piano I found it made sense to think of it modally - verses/instrumental in E Lydian and Choruses (with the magic minor V) in B Mixolydian.

So surprised and pleased to see Duran Duran featured here! One of my top 5 all time favorite artists. They were always dismissed as pretty boys and never got the respect they deserved until recently. So many good songs from them over the last 40 years.

This song has always hit me emotionally. I believe it’s about trying to cope after a loss in a world where suffering rules the headlines. The lyrics are hauntingly sad, the instrumentation is gorgeous and the vocal is heartbreaking. Definitely DD’s best, IMO.