• Record Label: Epic
  • Release Date: Nov 13, 2007
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 20
  2. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Timberland gives the Fab Five a sleek funk track on 'Nite-Runner,' which could have been a leftover from "FutureSex/LoveSounds." Justin Timberlake even arrives to gloss it up--as far as Duran Duran are concerned, the union of the Timber-Snake is on the rise.
  2. The group's decision to concentrate on what keyboardist Nick Rhodes calls "the groove factor" has resulted in one of their more adventurous releases, in the sense that there's plenty of groove, but not much of the tunefulness that was behind their biggest hits.
  3. Simon LeBon and company have a lot of baggage, and their latest effort doesn't match the neon-lit glory days of yesteryear.
  4. Between the odd pretty guitar motif ('She's Too Much') and marching drum roll ('The Valley') the pile-driving beatwork and rapping cameos only highlight the fact that the weakest element here is Duran themselves.
  5. 60
    If you’re willing to overlook Simon Le Bon’s always peculiar lyrics and occasionally strained singing, 'Red Carpet Massacre' is actually pretty impressive.
  6. Red Carpet Massacre sounds like a remix of a great Duran Duran album, and for that it’s merely good.
  7. So, Danja hooked up Duran Duran with some seriously dope beats and nasty Neu-ish grooves for Red Carpet Massacre, way hipper stuff than they even know. The downside is that Simon LeBon is still singing and writing all the lame lyrics.
  8. Spin
    60
    Justin Timberlake, Timbaland anf Timbo's partner Nate "Danja" Hills, provide a reasonably good return on investment. [Dec 2007, p.118]
  9. Q Magazine
    60
    Less impressive are the band's own art-rock statements. [Dec 2007, p.116]
  10. 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]
  11. Vibe
    50
    When all three work with the group, they invigorate Red Carpet....But when Danja is left to his own devices, problems arise. [Dec 2007, p.108]
  12. Red Carpet Massacre is largely just a ham-fisted example of what happens when fame, ego and squandered major label cash equate to a sad, missed opportunity.
  13. Red Carpet Massacre feels almost like a weird sort of jam session between band and producers, and the quality is about as patchy and uneven as that description implies.
  14. And it sounds... bloated and uncomfortable. Time for another re-think.
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 81 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 81
  2. Negative: 7 out of 81
  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! Full Review »
  2. HelloYou
    Nov 24, 2007
    10
    I'm 21 and never owned a Duran Duran album. I've downloaded their most popular songs like Ordinary World and Hungary Like A Wolf I'm 21 and never owned a Duran Duran album. I've downloaded their most popular songs like Ordinary World and Hungary Like A Wolf and love them. But I must say I luv this entire album. Very nice. My parents were making fun of me for buying it....calling them old and stuff....but that doesn't negate the fact that they are still a good band and sound as good if not better than any of the new bands out these days. Full Review »
  3. RV
    Nov 23, 2007
    10
    This release is just mega.