Ordinary World (song)

"Ordinary World" is the first single from Duran Duran's self-titled 1993 album, commonly known as The Wedding Album. The single reached number one on the US Billboard Mainstream Top 40, the Canadian RPM Top Singles chart and the Italian Singles Chart. It also peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, number two in Iceland and Sweden and number six on the UK Singles Chart.

For the 1986 Chinese novel, see Ordinary World (novel). For the 2016 American film, see Ordinary World (film). For the Get Set Go album, see Ordinary World (album). For the Green Day song, see Revolution Radio.

"Ordinary World"
Single by Duran Duran
from the album Duran Duran (The Wedding Album)
B-side	"My Antarctica"
Released	19 December 1992 (US) 18 January 1993 (UK)
Studio	Privacy, London[1][2]
Genre	Alternative rock
Length	5:39 (album version) 4:43 (single version)
Label	EMI Capitol
Songwriter(s)	Simon Le Bon John Taylor Nick Rhodes Warren Cuccurullo
Producer(s)	Duran Duran John Jones
Duran Duran singles chronology
"Serious" (1990) "Ordinary World" (1992) "Come Undone" (1993)
Music video
"Ordinary World" on YouTube

The song won an Ivor Novello Award in May 1994. Lead vocalist Simon Le Bon sang the song with Luciano Pavarotti at a benefit concert for War Child.

Background

By the early 1990s, Duran Duran's popularity had faded. Their album Liberty had proved a commercial failure, its two singles failing to make a significant showing on the British or American charts. It was not until Capitol leaked "Ordinary World" to a radio station in Jacksonville, Florida during the second half of 1992 that it seemed like Duran Duran would find a resurgence in popularity. To their surprise, the single proved so popular that Capitol had to push the US release date up, ultimately releasing it in December.

The keyboards in the song were arranged and performed by Nick Rhodes and John Jones. The drums were played by Steve Ferrone at Maison Rouge. The guitar solo that characterises this song was arranged and performed by Warren Cuccurullo, former player with Frank Zappa. His instrumental rock trio version became a staple of his solo shows and was included on one of his solo albums "Roadrage".

The music video was filmed by director Nick Egan at Huntington Gardens in San Marino, California and the song later featured in the soundtrack to the film Layer Cake in 2005.

Simon LeBon later performed the song with Luciano Pavarotti at a WarChild benefit.[3] The performance featured new lyrics in Italian, written especially for the show by producer Michele Centonze, most of which were a very free adaption (rather than a translation) of LeBon's original lyrics; the title "Ordinary World" was rendered as "mondo umile", i.e. humble world. The duet, along with the whole show, was released on home video as Pavarotti & Friends: Together for the Children of Bosnia. Later on, in an interview featured on the DVD release of the show, LeBon stated that he loved singing in Italian because of the very open vowel sounds in the language.

The lyric to "Ordinary World" were written by Simon Le Bon as the second of a trilogy of songs for his late friend David Miles; the others being "Do You Believe in Shame?" (1988) and "Out of My Mind" (1997).

Critical reception

In a retrospective review of "Ordinary World", AllMusic journalist Donald A. Guarisco praised the song for having what he described as "a warm ballad feel, matching elegant verses full of entrancing repeating-note hooks with a rousing chorus built on soaring runs of ascending notes." Guarisco described Simon LeBon's vocal as being "rich in emotion but tastefully restrained".[4]

Live versions

"Ordinary World" is one of two Cuccurullo-era songs ("Come Undone" being the other) which were played when Duran Duran did their reunion tour, both Andy Taylor and Roger Taylor insisting on playing it. Cuccurullo was brought in to teach Andy Taylor how to play it. It has remained in the set list ever since.

B-sides, bonus tracks and remixes

"My Antarctica", a song from the band's previous album Liberty, featured as the main B-side of the "Ordinary World" single.

Many other older singles were also used as B-sides. To capitalise on the success of "Ordinary World" and the new Duran Duran fans it was finding, EMI used the single's release to lure these new fans to the band's back catalogue. This mini-Decade was spread over the two CD singles released during the campaign.

Other mixes

There were several other versions of "Ordinary World" released:[5]

• The "Single Version" or "Single Mix" was a differently mixed and edited version, sent to radio stations, used for the promotional video, and available on the CD single release in certain countries outside the US.
• The "Acoustic Version" was more correctly the "Acoustic Mix" and was created using the studio guitar & vocal tracks and adding specially arranged string orchestration. An alternative live acoustic performance was recorded at the 15 May "No Ordinary Tour" live performance at Tower Records in Hollywood, which was simulcast to Hard Rock Cafés around the world. This live version was found on a number of "Ordinary World" releases outside the UK, most notably the Canadian and American cassette single and featured additional musicians, Gerry L and AD'A. It would eventually be released in the UK on the first CD single for "Come Undone".[6]
• The "AC Edit" was featured on a US promo CD that came packaged with the Decade album.
• A live version recorded on Simon Mayo's Radio 1 show featured as a B-side to the band's later 1995 single "White Lines".
• An extended version recorded at Sony Studios in New York City for Hard Rock Live was included on a promotional 2-track CD in June 2000 by the band's new label Hollywood Records, running at 6:08.
• Live version released on From Mediterranea with Love, a promotional EP digital release in December 2010

Formats and track listing

7": Parlophone / DD 16 United Kingdom

1. "Ordinary World" (Single version) – 4:41
2. "My Antarctica" – 5:06

CD: Parlophone / CD DDS 16 United Kingdom

1. "Ordinary World" (Album Version) – 5:49
2. "Save a Prayer" (Single Version) – 5:25
3. "Skin Trade" (Radio Cut) – 4:25
4. "My Antarctica" – 5:00

• This CD comes in a 2-CD case that also houses CD DDP 16.

CD: Parlophone / CD DDP 16 United Kingdom

1. "Ordinary World" (Single Version) – (4:41)
2. "The Reflex" (The Dance Mix-Edited) – (4:25)
3. "Hungry Like The Wolf" (130 B.P.M. single version) – (3:25)
4. "Girls On Film" – (3:30)

• This CD was released as a picture disc.
• This CD comes in a 2-CD case that also houses CD DDS 16.
• The Dance Mix-Edited is the same version as the regular 7".

MC: Parlophone / TCDD 16 United Kingdom

1. "Ordinary World" (Single version) – 4:41
2. "My Antarctica" – 5:06

CD: Capitol Records / C2 0777-7-15894-23 United States

1. "Ordinary World" – 5:39
2. "My Antarctica" – 5:06
3. "Save a Prayer" – 5:33
4. "UMF" – 5:31

CD: Capitol Records / DPRO-79607 (Promo) United States

1. "Ordinary World" (Single Edit) – 4:28
2. "Ordinary World" (AC Edit) – 4:31
3. "Ordinary World" (Acoustic Version) – 5:05
4. "Ordinary World" (LP Version) – 5:39

• Two-disc US compilation promo. Second CD is Decade. Housed in exclusive sleeve.

MC: Capitol / 4KM 0777-7-44908-49

1. "Ordinary World" – 5:39
2. "Ordinary World" (Acoustic version) – 5:05
3. "Save a Prayer" ('Till The Morning After) (Live) – 6:11

• Also released in Canada (Capitol / C4-44908)
• Track 3 is from the album Arena.

12": Parlophone / 8-80457-6 Italy

1. "Ordinary World" (Single Version) – (4:41)
2. "Save a Prayer" – 5:33
3. "The Reflex" – (4:25)

CD: part of Singles Box Set 1986–1995 box set

1. "Ordinary World" (Single version) – 4:43
2. "My Antarctica" – 5:00
3. "Ordinary World" – 5:49
4. "Save a Prayer" (Single Version) – 5:25
5. "Skin Trade" – 4:25
6. "The Reflex" (7" Version) – 4:25
7. "Hungry Like the Wolf" – 3:25
8. "Girls on Film" – 3:30

Other appearances

Apart from the single, "Ordinary World" has also appeared on:

Albums:

• Duran Duran (1993)
• Greatest (1998)
• Singles Box Set 1986-1995 (2005)
• Layer Cake OST

Singles:

• "Come Undone" (1993)
• "White Lines" (1995)

EPs:

• From Mediterranea with Love (2010)

In Italy, the song is used as background music during the opening and closing credits of Rai 1's documentary magazine LineaBlu, which focuses on seafaring and underwater diving.

Personnel

• Simon Le Bon – lead vocals
• John Taylor – bass guitars
• Nick Rhodes – keyboards
• Warren Cuccurullo – acoustic and electric guitars
• John Jones – keyboards
• Steve Ferrone – drums

Charts and certifications

Weekly charts Chart (1993) Peak position Australia (ARIA)[7] 18 Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[8] 15 Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[9] 20 Canada Top Singles (RPM)[10] 1 Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)[11] 10 Denmark (IFPI)[12] 7 Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[13] 10 France (SNEP)[14] 6 Germany (Official German Charts)[15] 16 Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[16] 2 Ireland (IRMA)[17] 3 Italy (Musica e dischi)[18] 1 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[19] 6 Netherlands (Single Top 100)[20] 16 New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[21] 3 Norway (VG-lista)[22] 5 Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[23] 2 Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[24] 11 UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[25] 6 US Billboard Hot 100[26] 3 US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[27] 14 US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[28] 2 US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[29] 1

Year-end charts Chart (1993) Position Canada Top Singles (RPM)[30] 7 Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)[31] 72 Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[32] 26 Germany (Official German Charts)[33] 69 Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)[34] 19 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[35] 94 Netherlands (Single Top 100)[36] 84 UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[37] 65 US Billboard Hot 100[38] 34 Certifications Region Certification Certified units/sales United Kingdom (BPI)[39] Silver 200,000 United States (RIAA)[40] Gold 500,000[41] sales+streaming figures based on certification alone

Aurora version

"Ordinary World"
Single by Aurora featuring Naimee Coleman
from the album Dreaming
B-side	"Ordinary World" remixes
Released	2000
Recorded	1998
Length	4:26
Label	U EastWest Positiva
Songwriter(s)	Nick Rhodes Simon Le Bon Warren Cuccurullo John Nigel Taylor
Producer(s)	Sacha Collisson Simon Greenaway
Aurora singles chronology
"Hear You Calling" (1999) "Ordinary World" (2000) "The Day It Rained Forever" (2000)

In 2000, British electronic group Aurora released a cover version featuring Irish singer-songwriter Naimee Coleman. This version charted at No. 5 in the United Kingdom, No. 6 in Ireland, and No. 47 in Germany. In the United States, it appeared on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, peaking at No. 37 in June 2001.

Track listing

German Maxi-CD[42]

• "Ordinary World" (Original Radio Mix) – 4:24
• "Ordinary World" (Floorfilla Radio Cut) – 3:47
• "Ordinary World" (Club Mix) – 9:06
• "Ordinary World" (Floorfilla Remix) – 6:50
• "Ordinary World" (Gizeh Mix) – 7:01
• "Ordinary World" (DJ Janis vs. Plus One Remix) – 8:04

Charts

Chart (2000–2001)	Peak position
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[43]	26
Germany (Official German Charts)[42]	47
Ireland (IRMA)[44]	6
Ireland Dance (IRMA)[45]	2
Scotland (Official Charts Company)[46]	4
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[47]	5
UK Dance (Official Charts Company)[48]	5
US Hot Dance Club Play (Billboard)[49]	37

References

1. "Reflections on Duran Duran's "The Wedding Album"". Duran Duran. 20 February 2013. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
2. "Popklassikot 1993: #3 Duran Duran – Ordinary World / Nuorgam". Nrgm.fi. 28 October 2012. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
3. Richard John. "Duran's new tour to feature surprises". Canoe.ca. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
4. Donald A. Guarisco. "Ordinary World: Song Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 12 January 2014.
5. "Tom McClintock's Duran Duran discography" (PDF). (216 KB)
6. The Duran Duran Timeline: 1993
7. "Australian-charts.com – Duran Duran – Ordinary World". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
8. "Austriancharts.at – Duran Duran – Ordinary World" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
9. "Ultratop.be – Duran Duran – Ordinary World" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
10. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 100235." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
11. "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 1763." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
12. "Top 10 Denmark" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10 no. 13. 27 March 1993. p. 28. Retrieved 22 March 2018.
13. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10 no. 7. 13 February 1993. p. 19. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
14. "Lescharts.com – Duran Duran – Ordinary World" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
15. "Offiziellecharts.de – Duran Duran – Ordinary World". GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
16. "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (28. jan.–4. feb.)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 28 January 1993. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
17. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Ordinary World". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
18. "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10 no. 13. 27 March 1993. p. 28. Retrieved 24 November 2019.
19. "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 13, 1993" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 Retrieved 14 September 2019.
20. "Dutchcharts.nl – Duran Duran – Ordinary World" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
21. "Charts.nz – Duran Duran – Ordinary World". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
22. "Norwegiancharts.com – Duran Duran – Ordinary World". VG-lista. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
23. "Swedishcharts.com – Duran Duran – Ordinary World". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
24. "Swisscharts.com – Duran Duran – Ordinary World". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
25. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
26. "Duran Duran Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
27. "Duran Duran Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
28. "Duran Duran Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
29. "Duran Duran Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 15 September 2017.
30. "The RPM Top 100 Hit Tracks of 1993". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
31. "The RPM Top 100 A\C Tracks of 1993". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
32. "1993 Year-End Sales Charts" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10 no. 51/52. 18 December 1993. p. 15. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
33. "Top 100 Single–Jahrescharts 1993" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
34. "Árslistinn 1993". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 4 January 1994. p. 16. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
35. "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 1993" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
36. "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1993" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 26 July 2016.
37. "Top 100 Singles 1993". Music Week: 24. 15 January 1994.
38. "Billboard Top 100 – 1993". Retrieved 27 August 2010.
39. "British single certifications – Duran Duran – Ordinary World". British Phonographic Industry. Select singles in the Format field. Select Silver in the Certification field. Type Ordinary World in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
40. "American single certifications – Duran Duran – Ordinary World". Recording Industry Association of America. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH. 
41. "Best-Selling Records of 1993". Billboard. BPI Communications. 106 (3): 73. 15 January 1994. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
42. "Offiziellecharts.de – Aurora feat. Naimee Coleman – Ordinary World". GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
43. "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 17 no. 40. 30 September 2000. p. 9. Retrieved 31 January 2020.
44. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Ordinary World". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 14 September 2019.
45. "Top 10 Dance Singles, Week Ending 14 September 2000". GfK Chart-Track. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
46. "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
47. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
48. "Official Dance Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
49. "Hot Dance Music – Club Play" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 113 no. 34. 16 June 2001. p. 32. Retrieved 3 August 2020.

External links

• Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics