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Red Carpet Massacre
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Red Carpet Massacre Image
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 81 Ratings

  • Summary: The band's first new album since 2004 finds them without singer/guitarist Andy Taylor and featuring guests Timberland and Justin Timberlake.

Top Track

Falling Down
Once was a man who consumed his place and time He thought nothing could touch him But here and now it's a different storyline Like the straw he is... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Duran Duran have updated their sound just enough to feel relevant, without embarrassing themselves in the process--no mean feat for a band in the throes of a midlife crisis.
  2. Blender
    70
    With Simon LeBon sharpening his typically abstract lyrics and everyone bolstering the contrasting, constant hooks, Timbaland perfects the rock-techno fusion his solo album fumbled, while Duran emphasize their willfully plastic extremes. They’ve never sounded this pretty and severe.
  3. Boston Globe
    70
    While Simon Le Bon's tenor is still in top form, his lyrical prowess remains hit and miss as do some of the late-in-the-album tracks. But this is one record the diehard Durannies should find room for in their collections.
  4. Mojo
    60
    Rather than sounding like an '80s soft-rock rehash, they have worked with up-to-the-minute beat merchants Timbaland and Nate 'Danja' Hills to create a dramtic, contemporary pop concoction. [Dec 2007, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. PopMatters
    60
    Red Carpet Massacre sounds like a remix of a great Duran Duran album, and for that it’s merely good.
  6. Spin
    60
    Justin Timberlake, Timbaland anf Timbo's partner Nate "Danja" Hills, provide a reasonably good return on investment. [Dec 2007, p.118]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Pitchfork
    38
    The problem isn't that Red Carpet Massacre pushes Duran Duran out of their comfort zone. The problem is that they sound just a little too comfortable there to make the most of bad situation.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 47
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 47
  3. Negative: 2 out of 47
  1. EdwinaL.
    Nov 25, 2007
    10
    A much awaited album that has not disappointed. I love the fact that the sound is a little bit different, but still essentially Duran Duran. A much awaited album that has not disappointed. I love the fact that the sound is a little bit different, but still essentially Duran Duran. The more I listen the more I love it. Thanks guys!… Expand
  2. TheAmazement
    Nov 21, 2007
    10
    A fantastic album, every single person who loves music should go to their local HMV and buy this now!!! All of the songs are fantastic in A fantastic album, every single person who loves music should go to their local HMV and buy this now!!! All of the songs are fantastic in their own unique way, last man standing is by far the best track on the album for me, it has so much drama in it. Next to it is dirty great monster which is basically the new louder version of the chauffeur. It is simply the perfect album.… Expand
  4. ArielB.
    Nov 14, 2007
    10
    I thought the Tim's would be a bad fit for the band, but they manage to make it work. From the "The Valley" to "The Last Man Standing" I thought the Tim's would be a bad fit for the band, but they manage to make it work. From the "The Valley" to "The Last Man Standing" it has been a 50/50 collaboration. The DD melodies are still there its just the production that is different. Honestly, I love Nate Hills work. They should think about making another album with him with a lot more rock element to it. Enjoy.… Expand
  5. Majo
    Jan 11, 2008
    10
    Great, I like it!!! Best album since Big Thing! All songs are fantastic except Falling Down, because this track is too sweet for me. My Great, I like it!!! Best album since Big Thing! All songs are fantastic except Falling Down, because this track is too sweet for me. My favorites are She´s Too Much, Tricked Out, Zoom In and Nite-Runner.… Expand
  6. CassandraR.
    Nov 15, 2007
    9
    New ideas, same great vocals, D2 continues to innovate & evolve.
  7. Rayne
    Feb 9, 2008
    9
    It seemed that Timbaland's help did pretty much good to DD sound. These songs are just next to perfection!!!
  8. Dignan
    Nov 15, 2007
    2
    Duran shows their age by jumping on a Timbaland/Timbalake bandwagon, like the former mousketeer and plodding beatmaster are actually Duran shows their age by jumping on a Timbaland/Timbalake bandwagon, like the former mousketeer and plodding beatmaster are actually relevant. I've stuck up for Duran for years for being innovators and completely underrated, but this time I can't. It's hard to imagine them back in the day making a "new jack swing" record with Teddy Reilly or a sterile obnoxious metal record with Mutt Lange. Duran seemed to follow their own path (for better or worse) without the help of the Uberproducer of the day. Here we have what is easily the worst album of their careers. This record has big beats, but no hooks. And where did the great choruses go? The sing-songy "Falling Down" is as close as we get and that was co-written by Justin Timberfake. What's next guys co-writing with Desmond Child and Diane Warren? It's apparent the lack of a guitarist has hurt the writing. Bring back Warren dudes! I know I will be lambasted by fellow Duranies for not "Getting it" but this is a sh*t sandwich.… Expand

See all 47 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Most Discussed Album of 2007

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