My infatuation and love affair with Duran Duran dates back to when I was about 5 years old and living outside Corpus Christi, TX. My oldest sister was a huge fan, in love with Simon LeBon, and I took one look at John Taylor and instantly fell in love and have been in love with him and the rest of his mates since then. Now, nearly 30 years later, they still hold my heart. I've seen them live in concert only twice, sadly. But that will change this year as they embark on another world tour in support of their 13th studio album, All You Need is Now.
Produced by Mark Ronson, All You Need is Now takes fans back to the band's golden years of the early 80s when Rio and Seven and the Ragged Tiger were in heavy rotation in everyone's tape deck and record players. MTV was still in its infancy and Duran Duran was plastered on every young girl's walls.
Setting the mood of nostalgia, is the album's first track and first single to be released, "All You Need is Now" featuring some of Nick Rhodes' best electronic synth-pop sounds. The song's lyrics talk about going back to a time when "you were younger". Simon's voice still sounds as strong as ever after a nearly four decade career. This song certainly has that element that makes you want to cruise down the highway with the roof down and the moon guiding your way.
From there, the album just continues it's momentum with "Blame it on the Machine" and "Being Followed". "Being Followed" is one of my favorite tracks on the album. I don't know what it is. Maybe Dom's guitar licks and JT's driving bass lines mixed with Nick and Roger's beats coming together makes you feel like you're being chased in a James Bond flick. One of the things I love about Duran Duran is they write great songs that can easily be turned into great videos. They were made for MTV when that channel used to live up to it's name and actually play videos. I guess I love that because I always wanted to make music videos and DD's sounds certainly fuel that creative energy in my head, but I digress.
"Leave A Light On" slows down the mood for a bit. Honestly, I can't really name too many Duran Duran ballads, but this one certainly is a touching piece and I have a feeling many Duranies will be utilizing it in any upcoming nuptuals. If I were getting hitched any time soon, I certainly would!
Then, just when you think you've heard it all, the boys throw you for a loop and bust out with a funky disco vibe called "Safe (In the Heat of the Moment)" featuring Ana Matronic from electro-pop band The Scissor Sisters. I do have to say that I really like this song as well! It's fun, it's funky and you think that at any moment the floor is going to start lighting up and John Travolta will bust out some of his famous dance moves.
And from there, the party is just getting started. "Girl Panic" is classic Duran Duran and hard hitting and certainly fun with lyrics like "In a girl Panic, This driving naked through my mind, It's a crush panic she's got me atomized". Remember "Girls on Film"? This could be it's long lost cousin coming back to remind all of us why we fell in love with these fabulous Brits in the first place.
Now we come to my absolute favorite track on the album. Up until hearing this gem, I was obsessed with only one other Duran Duran track, "The Chauffeur". The moment "A Man Who Stole a Leopard" begins, the hair on my arms stood up, I got chills and was quickly intrigued. The song describes a story of a hunter capturing a leopard and becoming obsessed with the creature, living with it and never leaving her side until he is caught. It is such a mysterious song. I don't know if it is based on a true story or not, the new broadcast at the end only add to the song's beauty. I love when Simone says "thought I could resist but the leopard in you silently preyed on me". I don't know what it is about this song, but I have become quite obsessed with it. It reminds me of "The Chauffeur" and I think it is just a beautiful story. Of course I have the video mapped out in my head of how I would love to piece it together if in another universe I was given that chance.
The album is rounded out with the last two songs, "Runway Runaway" and "Before the Rain". A catchy, upbeat tune followed by another ballad-like anthem.
This album encompasses everything that Duran Duran have always stood for when it comes to their sound. I was disappointed with the last few albums, but this album certainly redeems them. Mark Ronson did an absolutely amazing job at getting these to get back in touch with what fans have been missing for years. I can't stop listening to All You Need is Now, it's all I need. Go get it now!
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