Search - Duran Duran :: Notorious

This Album Recaptured My Ears After The Awful Ragged Tiger

J. Donato | 04/02/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The most unified and thematic DD album. It hangs together so well, it almost sounds like a soundtrack to a stylish film. And this is Nile Rogers only album production that sounds really great [almost as good as former partner Bernard Edwards work] to my ears. I typically dislike his production style. Having gained Warren Cuccorullo on lead guitar for some of these cuts makes a big improvement over Andy Taylor's more ham-fisted playing. They couldn't have attained this level of sophistication without Mr. C. I must point out that "American Science" is one of their best tunes and should have been a single. The net result is a smooth, evocative album that sounds far more sophisticated than their previous work. Great arrangements (The Borneo Horns do fantastic work here) and pacing throughout. This one made me a fan again. Though they would still come up with awful albums throughout their career, this is definitely not one of them. They sound grown up here and fully in control. To me, it's a high water mark along with Rio, (half of) Big Thing and The Wedding Album. But you do have to approach each DD album with open ears for a listen before judging. Their quality varies quite a bit."

Great Album

Jeannie Yonson | Az. USA | 05/24/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love Duran Duran and this record in one of their best. Could never find it in a store and found it on Amazon. Probably will listen to it til it dies. Will recommend this album to all the fans still out there."

This Album is Phenomenal!

99D2Kid | Morton, PA | 09/22/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Notorious is truly one of Duran Duran's best albums of all time. It's funky, upbeat, and perfectly done. A new style gives the boys a more mature, superior sound. Powerful drums, smooth bass, hard-rocking guitars, fantastic synth, and trumpets adding the perfect touch. Simon's vocals are flawless and never disappoint. As for the production, Nile Rodgers is music genius (haven't you noticed everytime DD works with him they do well?) and makes this a masterpiece you'll never forget! Now here's my take on the album:



Notorious- The first single off the album. A clear winner, with all the right beats and lyrics! One of their best singles.

American Science- We take a little time off and slow down with some lighter tracks. A soft, upbeat pop song with catchy lyrics.

Skin Trade- The second single, good pop song with funky beats, but it's not one of my favorites. Can't seem to get into it.

A Matter of Feeling- Beautiful ballad. Almost points in the way of "Ordinary World." Don't miss this one!

Hold Me- Now we get back into the upbeat tracks! Powerful rock track with strong synth. Can easily become a favorite after the first listen.

Vertigo- This should've been a single on its own. Some of Nick's finest synth, rocking guitars, and powerful vocals. The dark lyrics match the mood of this song. Chorus is absolutely catchy and I can say this is my personal favorite from the album!

So Misled- Another track that delivers, a little more rock than "Hold Me." Another powerful track with cool lyrics.

Meet El Presidente- This track is much different from DD's earlier works. Interesting work, a latin-inspired tune. Lots of trumpet playing and female backing vocals. It's a good song, but I wasn't really feeling it.

Winter Marches On- Easily one of the best tracks from the album. A dark song with powerful lyrics.

Proposition- My second best from the album. Another rock track with lyrics that make an argument. Worth the listen!



I recommend this album and I promise you won't be disappointed!



This IS Duran Duran. Drums, guitars, synth, and Simon's vocals. Not one dominates over the other. Everything is in perfect harmony. I hope they do this style again in the future!!



The "Mad Mind" has spoken.



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