"My Own Way" is the fourth single by English new wave band Duran Duran, originally released on 16 November 1981. The single was a follow up to the UK top 5 hit "Girls on Film", and was another hit, peaking at #14 on the UK Singles Chart and at #10 in Australia. Despite its success, the single has often been cited by the band as one of their least favourite and is rarely played live. The band subsequently re-recorded "My Own Way" for inclusion on their second album, Rio. The newer album version dispenses with the "disco" feel of the single version in favour of a more electronic style.

Background

The single release of "My Own Way" has a fast tempo and "disco strings" arranged by Richard Myhill and Duran Duran. A slower version was later recorded for the Rio album, with slightly different lyrics. This version dispensed with the disco strings in favour of a new wave style with echoing synths and was later remixed by David Kershenbaum for the Carnival EP, and this altered track appeared on the American re-issue of the Rio album on vinyl and cassette late in 1982. All CD pressings of Rio have used the original UK album mix.

Music video

The video for "My Own Way" was directed by Russell Mulcahy, who also directed several other videos for Duran Duran.

B-sides

The B-side of the UK 7-inch was "Like an Angel". The B-side of the UK 12-inch was "Like an Angel" and the "night" version of "My Own Way".

Versions and remixes

Formats and track listings

7": EMI / EMI 5254 United Kingdom

12": EMI / 12 EMI 5254 United Kingdom

CD: Part of Singles Box Set 1981–1985

CD: Part of Rio (2009 Collectors Edition)

CD: Part of Rio (2009 Collectors Edition) (digital download/streaming)

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Covers and samples

In 2002, "My Own Way" was sampled by José Nunez, American music remixer and producer, for the dance song "Air Race", which became a sizeable club and airplay hit.

Personnel

Duran Duran Technical