Lots of people were excited when they heard Duran Duran was stepping into the light with a new album. But when they heard Andy Taylor (guitarist) decided to leave the project and that producers Nate "Danja" Hills and Timbaland were helping out, a lot of people were hesitant to even pick up the album and give it a spin. I can certainly see why. Myself being a HUGE Duranie listened with an open mind as I have with all the others and tried to see what was turning people away from our beloved band.
The album opens up with a track called "The Valley" which is a great start. Even sounding a bit too produced, you can still hear Simon and the others making a twist in a song in sounding familiar to what we love about DD. This track (to me) sounds like it could've fit well on their 1st or 2nd albums. Simon's voice is one that I love and just as great as ever. John and Roger Taylor really shine. John's bass lines are outrageous and Roger's drumming is tight and very fitting. One of my favs off the album.
Track 2 "Red Carpet Massacre" is really neat sounding, but sounds more like it was written like a Nelly Furtado song. This is where people would begin saying this is not Duran Duran. That's until the chorus comes in and then you hear something totally different. Full on guitar - sorry not Andy's playing, but its still worth listening to. Give it a shot!
"Nite Runner" is another song a bit too slick and you can't really hear Duran Duran on this track. Just how much input did DD have on this song? They get lost in the production. Not one of my favs, but new listeners might like this track. Guest stars are Timbaland and Justin Timberlake on this track.
Now coming back with what is familiar, "Falling Down" is THE song that what I feel is Duran Duran at their best. Once again listening to each track, I can see which previous album this track could have fit well on, this time it's a combo of "Medazzaland/Wedding Album". The song tackles Hollywood's rich and famous when they 'fall down' and no one will help them up and when they won't accept help. *hint hint Britney*
"Box Full O' Honey" is an odd track. Just not on par with the rest of the album. Sounds like an afterthought to "Buried in the Sand." Short and forgetful, it gets lost amongst the other tunes on this album.
"Skin Divers" was a interesting track to get into. At first I didn't know if I liked it, but now I have come to enjoy it. It's the moves of Timbaland that was making me want to forget it, but John Taylor knows how to bring you in. Once again John's bass lines shine. He plays the best in this song. Then there are the raps by Timbaland and they aren't too bad. The moodiness on this one reminds me of"Night Boat"
"Tempted" is a cool song and would be an awesome track to see some remixes of. I love Simon's voice so much that I had to listen to this song over and over again. His singing during the chours reminded me of yet again another song of DD's. Figuring out which one was the problem, a combo of "My Own Way" and "I Don't Want Your Love" came to mind. Simon's higher singing was what threw me off. Nicks synths and keys are a knock out on this track. The genius is at work folks.
As always we need one of those instrumentals thrown in for good measure. I don't know what to make of this track. The beginning of the song reminded me of Berlin's "The Metro" - drum line at least. Then all the other instruments fill in and its chaos. Really lives up to the tracks name "Tricked Out." Should have been called "Tripping Out." Nick what were you on when recording this track? :)
I think this next song, "Zoom In" will grow on me more as I listen to it. I think it too could have had more potential to it. Sounds like a 'Big Thing/Liberty' track, but better. After listening to the song more it starts to fit for Duran Duran and their progress to draw in more listeners. The familiarity that is in the song makes you listen again and again. Catchy tune.
"She's Too Much," again another track that sounds like a redone DD song - Brings the 'Big Thing' era to mind, 'Too Late Marlene' anyone? This song has the melancholics of 'TLM' Not bad at all, certainly better than most songs off of 'Pop Trash' in my mind. I like the synths that Nick toys with in this ditty.
Now this track "Dirty Great Monster" has a Beatleness to it. The piano progression paints the Abby Road days for me. Another track that will grow on me I am sure. Would have been a song for Andy Taylor I am sure if he had stuck around.
Last but not least is a wonderful song to close the album off. "Last Man Standing" has remnants of Simon/Nick/Roger's stint as Arcadia playing throughout the song. I really like this song which showcases Nicks keyboard styling of making a emotion float on through the song. Gorgeous to say the least.
Overall the album is a good one but just not up to what we all love about Duran Duran. Not up to '7&Ragged Tiger/Rio' standards, but to me is by far better than 'Poptrash/Liberty/Thank You' albums combined. Even better than 'Big Thing' and most people like 'BT' over 'Liberty' anyways. With that in mind, I am very glad I have this album and gave it the chance I did with all their previous albums. 'Astronaut' was better but maybe it was time for a change and for some new fans to listen in. Go ahead and listen, you just might like a song or 2. It surprised me!
