When I heard that Duran Duran, who I have been fan of for 24+ years, were going all R'n'B, my heart sank. Andy Taylor left the band and it seemed that the world of Duran Duran was falling apart. How wrong could I have been!! RCM is easily the BEST Duran Duran album since 'Big Thing' back in 1998. For the first time since that very album, I have a Duran Duran album that I can listen to without skipping a single track. This album will not sell in great numbers and will be tagged a flop, but this Duran Duran fan doesn't not care about sales figures. This is all about the music. Never before have Duran sounded so slick, polished and melodic. This is very much Duran Duran evolving into something new and exciting. This band doesn't stick to one sound, they change with the times. As I said before this R'n'B vibe didn't sit well with my mindset, and I was more than just concerned. The idea of Duran working with Timberlake & Timbaland filled me with dread. But, as much as it pains me.....it… more »

When I heard that Duran Duran, who I have been fan of for 24+ years, were going all R'n'B, my heart sank. Andy Taylor left the band and it seemed that the world of Duran Duran was falling apart. How wrong could I have been!! RCM is easily the BEST Duran Duran album since 'Big Thing' back in 1998. For the first time since that very album, I have a Duran Duran album that I can listen to without skipping a single track. This album will not sell in great numbers and will be tagged a flop, but this Duran Duran fan doesn't not care about sales figures. This is all about the music. Never before have Duran sounded so slick, polished and melodic. This is very much Duran Duran evolving into something new and exciting. This band doesn't stick to one sound, they change with the times. As I said before this R'n'B vibe didn't sit well with my mindset, and I was more than just concerned. The idea of Duran working with Timberlake & Timbaland filled me with dread. But, as much as it pains me.....it works! Of the 3 tracks they work on 'Skin Divers' is the winner for me, although 'Nite Runner' is not far behind. Only the languid 'Falling Down' disappoints a little and was a bad choice as the first single. Opening track 'The Valley' sets the tone and the title track blows the whole thing wide open. 'Box Full O' Honey' is very simple and laid back and is just fabulous. 'Tempted' has to be a single, upbeat, catchy (stuck in my head!) and could fill the dancefloor, great stuff. 'She's Too Much' is a great melodic ballad written by Simon for his daughter and it just gets better with every listen, it is classic Duran. There really isn't anything weak here, and I say that swallowing my pride with a large slice of humble pie. As I said before, I wasn't going to buy this album 6 months ago as I thought that the band were selling out, but I got it so so wrong.

Open up your ears.....give it a try!!!!