Duran Duran-Redcarpet Massacre

Record Label:
Year: 2007
Track Listing:
01. The Valley
02. Red Carpet Massacre
03. Nite Runner
04. Falling Down
05. Box Full O Honey
06. Skin Divers
07. Tempted
08. Tricked Out
09. Zoom In
10. She’s Too Much
11. Dirty Great Monster
12. Last Man Standing

Red Carpet Massacre is the much-anticipated 2007 return of 80’s rockers Duran Duran. On first listen the sound of Simon Le Bon’s familiar whine is present, although the sound is surprisingly different.

For fans expecting Mach II of 'Hungry Like A Wolf', and 'Girls on Film' think again. While the first two tracks get as close to the old Duran Duran as possible, the rest of the album takes a different turn.

Fans of the band may be scratching their heads at ‘Nite Runner’and wonder if they bought a Justin Timberlake album instead of a Duran Duran one. That’s not surprising since he wrote, produced and features on ‘Nite Runner’ and ‘Falling Down’.
The same can be said for Timbaland with 'Skin Divers’ and ‘Zoom in’, two songs he wrote, produced and featured on.

The truth is, adding these two brilliant artists to a Duran Duran album was not particularly a savvy idea by the band, as their strong dominance complete overshadow Duran Duran.
Duran Duran seemed more concerned with being a hit with the younger generation, which may be one of the reasons they have brought in Timberlake and Timbaland.
They definitely have some catchy club tunes, and have replaced Andy Taylor with electronic beats was an interesting choice.

That’s not to say I don’t like this album, I do…as long as I listen to it without thinking of classic Duran Duran. That, or concentrate too hard on it.

For those who are die-hard fans just take away the tracks Timbaland and Timberlake contribute to, and the distinct vocals of Le Bon are loud and clear.
The only difference is that these days Le Bon’s whiny vocals have been altered electronically on some tracks, and on others left well alone.

Personally, I’d say, to most Duran Duran fans and newcomers, save your money.

Red Carpet Massacre is not worth it, and certainly a huge disappointment for such a highly anticipated comeback.

I give it 1/5

Buy Red Carpet Massacre

Official Site

Duran Duran on myspace