100 ’80’s Songs #21: Duel – Propaganda

In April 1985 the German group Propaganda released their second single Duel. It reached number 21 in the UK charts and was their second top 30 hit in the UK following their equally excellent debut single Dr. Mabuse which had reached number 27 in the spring of 1984. It also got to number 30 in Germany, number 5 in the Netherlands and it’s highest chart position was in Italy where it reached number 3.

There are many songs that have stood the test of time since they were released in the 1980’s but Duel is one of those songs that still conveys the energy and brilliance since we first heard it almost 30 years ago. Claudia Brücken’s vocals were perfect alongside the synth pop sound that defined Propaganda. Duel was written by Claudia, Ralf Dörper and Michael Mertens and it was produced by Stephen Lipson.

It has been covered a couple of times including versions by Mandy Smith in 1987 and then twenty years later in 2007 by Sophie Ellis Bextor.

Duel was a work of art in 1980s pop and still is today.

Below are four music videos and versions of Duel. Click on each link for original Youtube link and as ever thank you to each person who uploaded the music clips.

Here is the original music video.