Arjan Writes

Duran Duran Gets Their Sexy Back

November 26, 2007

Duran Duran defined the music and aesthetic of the 1980s with their synthy pop-rock, immaculate sense of fashion and larger-than-life videos. Now, more than 25 years after they first hit the international pop scene, Duran Duran returns with a new album that once again perfectly blends both style and substance.

Their new record, titled “Red Carpet Massacre,” features a contemporary, fresh new sound that was engineering with the help of experienced hitmakers like Timbaland, Justin Timberlake and Nate "Danja" Hills.

Timbaland in particular was essential in bringing new life to Duran Duran. On songs like "Falling Down," "Skin Divers" and "Nite Runner," he applied his big beat production style to Duran Duran's stylish brand of pop rock to serve up a futuristic, hip hop infused new sound that is both hit-worthy and still possess Duran Duran's signature sense of cool and class.

"He's like Tom Ford coming into Gucci," bassist John Taylor explains in a candid interview with Arjan for OutZoneTV.com.

"We had a thing, we had a brand - Duran Duran. Everybody loves Duran Duran. But how do you get across to young people? How can you be something more than just 'we love you guys, we love your hits from the '80s' and whatever. You gotta let somebody in sometimes and let them just what they call in fashion 'refresh the brand.' Take the qualities that you're known for and give it a fucking shake up you know. [Timbaland] is not afraid of doing that."

“Red Carpet Massacre” follows 2004’s much-anticipated reunion CD “Astronaut” that featured all of the group’s original members. Even though the record didn't match the success of their glory days of the '80s and early '90s, Taylor refuses to call the record a disappointment.