By shelz.
Mixing past with present should be so easy for everyone. The futuristic stream of Nick Rhodes’ mid-80’s synth is probably more at home now than it ever was during Duran Duran’s heyday. The odd mixture of pop, funk and rock that simmered underneath the keys is a common mix in 2010. John and Roger Taylor’s precision has stood the test of time and Simon LeBon still has those pipes.
Even with so many things working in the bands favor, including Mark Ronson’s production skills, claiming they just made their best album in 20 years is a big declaration. Did they do it? Possibly.
All You Need Is Now is a succinct collection of songs that manage to marry Rio and Duran Duran (the first one) with today’s sonic constructs. They don’t sound forced or awkward and actually, the production is pretty damn good. That’s probably because even though the lineup has changed; Duran Duran has been around, evolving with the times. Most of us just stopped paying attention.
The title single leads with a blast of that extra synthetic sound they have cozyed up to; wailing synth, digital percussion and random blippity bloops. Once you get to the hook, Duran Duran’s signature sound comes through full force. LeBon’s lyrics wax a bit nostalgic, but that’s just a detour. Now is at hand and the past was just practice for the present.
The band’s New Wave roots are displayed proudly on “Blame The Machines.” It’s a bit more retro than expected and features some odd, murky lyrics about the machines preventing the full bloom of a love affair. Next is “Being Followed,” which could easily be mistaken for a spy movie theme song parody. It conjures images of handoffs of mysterious packages in French alleyways by folks wearing trench coats and Fedoras. This song’s literal take on the subject of surveillance comes off a bit campy, especially when Mrs. Smith’s 5th grade recorder orchestra shows up on the bridge. It’s still an enjoyable listen. “Leave A Light On,” the album’s lone attempt at a ballad is tedious and the one song that doesn’t make use of Duran Duran’s unique sound making it pretty generic.
The power of this album is really found in it’s second half and it starts ramping up with “Safe.” The disco element sits front and center and Scissor Sister’s Ana Matronic’s stoic feature seals the dance deal. “Girl Panic” with riffs loosely reminiscent of “Rio,” dramatic digital horn stabs and tribal drums chronicles love at first site and carries the elevated sense of urgency that would accompany such a moment. Well done.
“The Chauffeur” is channeled on the intro to “The Man Who Stole a Leopard” which transitions to its own unique angle. The feeling of the song is detached, obsessing over something while the rest of life passes. Dramatic strings ribbon through an eerie synth foundation making the piece quite striking.
The album closes with the slyly upbeat “Runaway Runaway,” a song about a fear of intimacy and “Before the Rain” a haunting song about the calm before the storm. The swirling strings, staccato drums and music box synth capture the apprehension and foreboding the song intends perfectly.
Duran Duran never really disappeared, so you can’t really call this a comeback. It’s the tail end of an evolution that has put them back in the industry spotlight. All You Need Is Now is a good album. The critics never liked Duran Duran so suggesting this is their best album in 20 years isn’t far-fetched. You can go ahead and give that co-sign. It’s true.
4 out of 5
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this album is ridiculously good. i never thought they’d pull it off.