Today’s video of the day is Duran Duran – "Electric Barbarella" released in 1997.
Duran Duran brought their futuristic pop vision to life with “Electric Barbarella,” a synth-driven single released in 1997. The song takes inspiration from the 1968 science-fiction film Barbarella. Interestingly, the band also borrowed its name from the film’s villain, Dr. Durand Durand. Moreover, the group played at Birmingham’s Barbarella’s nightclub early in their career. Therefore, this track connects directly to their musical origins. Formed in Birmingham in 1978, Duran Duran helped define the New Romantic movement. They later became international stars through hits like “Rio,” “Hungry Like the Wolf,” and “The Reflex.”
“Electric Barbarella” appears on Medazzaland, the band’s ninth studio album, released in 1997. The record embraced electronic experimentation and darker themes while retaining Duran Duran’s polished pop sound. Consequently, it stood apart from the guitar-driven direction of their earlier work. The track explores a man’s relationship with a female robot, blending playful science fiction with sensual electronic pop. Additionally, the song features sound effects sampled from the original Barbarella film. It also made music industry history when Duran Duran offered it online for purchase in 1997. This pioneering release preceded the digital music revolution led by platforms like iTunes. However, selling the download before the physical single sparked backlash from traditional music retailers.
Directed by fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth, the “Electric Barbarella” video pushes the song’s provocative concept further. Model Myka Dunkle plays the robotic woman, whom the band’s characters purchase and activate. Meanwhile, the futuristic imagery and suggestive scenes reflect the track’s playful, technological fantasy. Nevertheless, the video proved controversial. The BBC banned it in the United Kingdom, while Canadian music channel MuchMusic also pulled it. Furthermore, MTV and VH1 required edits before airing it. Despite the controversy, “Electric Barbarella” remains a distinctive entry in Duran Duran’s catalog. It captures the band’s willingness to experiment with technology, visual style, and electronic pop during the late 1990s.
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