Four decades after its release, The Power Station remains one of the most electrifying albums of the 1980s. Born out of excess, experimentation, and a collision of musical worlds, the project fused rock, funk, and glam-pop into a sound that continues to inspire.
Origins in Chaos The band formed in 1985 when Duran Duran’s John and Andy Taylor teamed up with Chic drummer Tony Thompson and producer Bernard Edwards. Their collaboration attracted Robert Palmer, whose soulful yet versatile voice gave the project its defining edge. What began as a loose experiment quickly evolved into a full-fledged album.
The Breakthrough Album Released in March 1985, The Power Station climbed to No. 6 on the Billboard 200. Its singles—“Some Like It Hot” and a fiery cover of T. Rex’s “Get It On (Bang a Gong)”—captured the era’s decadent energy. The gated reverb drum sound, engineered by Jason Corsaro, became iconic and influenced countless records of the decade.
Robert Palmer’s Influence Palmer’s contribution elevated the project beyond a side gig. His ability to channel gritty R&B and delicate bossa nova tones gave the album depth. Though he left the group shortly after its release to record Riptide—home to his career-defining hit “Addicted to Love”—his imprint on The Power Station was indelible.
Behind the Scenes Turmoil The band’s excess mirrored the era. With Duran Duran at the height of fame, cocaine and reckless spending fueled the sessions. Palmer, wary of the chaos, stepped away before the tour, leaving Michael Des Barres to fill in as vocalist. Despite the turbulence, the album’s artistry endured.
40th Anniversary Celebration Rhino Records is marking the milestone with a deluxe box set. Fans will get a remastered LP, instrumental outtakes, the group’s Live Aid performance, and a full 1985 Philadelphia concert recording. It’s a chance to revisit the raw energy that defined the project.
Enduring Impact Though the band reunited briefly in 1996 for Living in Fear, their legacy rests on the debut. Palmer’s death in 2003 cut short any future collaborations, but his influence—and the chaotic brilliance of The Power Station—still reverberates.
The album remains a testament to the wild creativity of the ’80s: a fusion of funk grooves, rock swagger, and pop glamour that continues to inspire musicians today.
