Red Carpet Massacre
by Duran Duran
  • Record Label: Epic
  • Release Date: Nov 13, 2007
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 81 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 66 out of 81
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 81
  3. Negative: 7 out of 81

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  1. nomank
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    Underrated album someone my fav songs, night runner, box full o honey, falling down, tempted, red carpet etc.
    It's a different take and DD switched their direction from traditional sounds but still not bad at all. This band is not afraid to experiment and doesn`t always play safe which most bands do.
  2. dprkforum
    Nov 17, 2013
    5
    The collaboration with Justin Timberlake did not work out at all. In the past, Duran Duran had suffered from overcooking their songs, and this album is no exception, but stepped up more than usual. The songs feel unfinished, thin and it seems the organic feel coming through the electronics completely lost its way. What redeems this album from the likes of Liberty or Thank You is avoidingThe collaboration with Justin Timberlake did not work out at all. In the past, Duran Duran had suffered from overcooking their songs, and this album is no exception, but stepped up more than usual. The songs feel unfinished, thin and it seems the organic feel coming through the electronics completely lost its way. What redeems this album from the likes of Liberty or Thank You is avoiding the weak lyrics that plagued worse albums in their catalog. Otherwise, this is an annoying album, even for a die-hard Duran Duran fan like myself.… Expand
  3. Insatiableone
    Dec 31, 2010
    9
    With Red Carpet Massacre, Duran Duran are back with a collection of sophisticated, shimmery pop songs. They are as always flavoured bittersweet with regret and an occasional manly tear.
  4. TerryS.
    Apr 11, 2008
    9
    Duran Duran achieves the best of both culture and nature here. They deliver high art and innovation but not at the expense of a rhythm that hooks into your visceral substrate and raises your blood pressure. I prefer DDs own tracks (The Valley; Box Full O Honey ; Tricked Out ; and Last Man Standing) to the collaborative works but Skin Divers is a seamless work. I do think DD is overrating Duran Duran achieves the best of both culture and nature here. They deliver high art and innovation but not at the expense of a rhythm that hooks into your visceral substrate and raises your blood pressure. I prefer DDs own tracks (The Valley; Box Full O Honey ; Tricked Out ; and Last Man Standing) to the collaborative works but Skin Divers is a seamless work. I do think DD is overrating Falling Down and I'll never really understand who Nite Runner is supposed to appeal to. These tracks strike a juvenile chord that shows Timberlake's handprints (sound very Boy Band), but I loved the album overall. I just wish DD produced more tracks like The Valley (my new favorite). I don't understand why the album received such negative reviews by the music pundits. However the album might deviate from the ideal (and our high standard for DD), even their 3rd or 4th best track is better than anything else I hear on the billboard charts.… Expand
  5. Fran
    Mar 15, 2008
    9
    Fresh and contemporary Durans groovin' on the 21st century!
  6. jefff
    Feb 18, 2008
    8
    i listened to this album free, 8 times before buying itbecause i havnt liked an entire duran duran album since notorious. And even though i wanted a harder rocking more mysterious sound from them, i couldnt help but fall for the infectious melodies and footmoving rhythmns. This is just a really fun, dance-pop record, with a few slow songs thrown in, and theres not a bad song in he bunch, i listened to this album free, 8 times before buying itbecause i havnt liked an entire duran duran album since notorious. And even though i wanted a harder rocking more mysterious sound from them, i couldnt help but fall for the infectious melodies and footmoving rhythmns. This is just a really fun, dance-pop record, with a few slow songs thrown in, and theres not a bad song in he bunch, theyre all as catchy as hell. Couldnt keep up my resistance, i had to buy it!… Expand
  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. ObjectiveGuy
    Jan 19, 2008
    6
    Hmm...an example of how user reviews can't really be used since too many dedicated fans bias the score....
  9. ImrichL.
    Jan 11, 2008
    10
    The best one since Notorious.
  10. 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 favorites are She´s Too Much, Tricked Out, Zoom In and Nite-Runner.
  11. MaciejK.
    Dec 12, 2007
    10
    It's excellent!!! Good Work!!! THS from Poland.
  12. PauloS
    Dec 7, 2007
    7
    I think this album it's good but not brilliant. I prefer Notorious to Nite Runner and I prefer Ordinary World or Come Undone to Falling Down... But there are some new songs that I like very much, Tempted, The Valley, Skin Divers... Before the album was edited I knew it will be not successful, as we know now... Astronaut was much more successful, but I think this one it's better. I think this album it's good but not brilliant. I prefer Notorious to Nite Runner and I prefer Ordinary World or Come Undone to Falling Down... But there are some new songs that I like very much, Tempted, The Valley, Skin Divers... Before the album was edited I knew it will be not successful, as we know now... Astronaut was much more successful, but I think this one it's better. The problem is Duran Duran confused many fans and the new ones who are in the Timberlake, Nelly Furtado, Timbaland route aren't interested in Duran Duran, because DD aren't a new band and for that reason I think this new direction it's a failure. I think the way of Duran Duran it's more close to Bowie than to Justin Timberlake ( not a brilliant composer in fact, just a teen sensation). I'm very curious about the Reortage album and I'm always thinking about the Duran Duran's future.… Expand
  13. Luc
    Nov 30, 2007
    10
    Great Album!
  14. LeninS.
    Nov 27, 2007
    10
    Great! The sound is fresh!
  15. 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. The more I listen the more I love it. Thanks guys!
  16. 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 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 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.… Collapse
  17. RV
    Nov 23, 2007
    10
    This release is just mega.
  18. Ale
    Nov 22, 2007
    10
    Just brilliant and lots of fun.
  19. 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 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.
  20. DianeJ.
    Nov 19, 2007
    9
    Can't understand why Duran Duran get such bad reviews, their new album is different and has a much more modern edge to it but sounds great. Have listened to it loads now and it just gets better and better. Love it!!!
  21. AliG
    Nov 19, 2007
    10
    I was skeptical of the collaborations behind this album, mostly due to over-saturation in the market by Timbaland. But after hearing the album, I find that, thankfully, there is just enough T&T to know there was some collaboration, but not enough to overpower the sound that is Duran Duran. Fabulous album from beginning to end!!
  22. FS
    Nov 19, 2007
    10
    This album is pretty damn good. Listen it to it more than once before you pass judgment. I recommend Tempted, Skin Divers, Box Full of Honey, and Falling down.
  23. dd
    Nov 19, 2007
    10
    After initial worries about the timberlake/timbaland thing (I don't like them) I can say the album itself surprised me with how damn catchy and edgy it is. As a long time DD fan (since 1982!) I can honestly say this is one of their best as a complete album, zero fillers, much better than half of their albums and up their with Notorious and Meddazzaland. Only the first 3 classic DD After initial worries about the timberlake/timbaland thing (I don't like them) I can say the album itself surprised me with how damn catchy and edgy it is. As a long time DD fan (since 1982!) I can honestly say this is one of their best as a complete album, zero fillers, much better than half of their albums and up their with Notorious and Meddazzaland. Only the first 3 classic DD albums (81-84) are unbeatable, but they will never better them, this album however is as good as I'd hoped but feared it wouldn't be. There are some concessions to being contemporary which they don't need (minimalistic arrangements, jerky beats, lack of soaring music) and would prefer to have more 'real' DD sound backing up some of those glorious vocal melodies but taken in context of what an older group like DD can do to please old fans while still be 'exciting' this album gets a ten. :)… Expand
  24. GerardD
    Nov 19, 2007
    9
    Synths: perfect 10. Sketchy, vivid, tasteful. Nick Rhodes is a genius. Album as a whole sounds experimental while still sticking it's choruses into my head right away. I don't think this album is going to add any evergreens to DD's cv, but as an album it's one of their most inspiring, challenging, not neccessarily comfortable, but oh so well made.
  25. MennoD.
    Nov 18, 2007
    10
    I love it, after some doubts I'm happy with their new album!
  26. SimonN.
    Nov 18, 2007
    8
    Best album since Meddazaland, the collaborations on the whole work well, quite a lot of variety in the music, and not really a bad song, though varying levels of quality. For me, the standouts are Dirty Great Monster and Skin Divers.
  27. KlausH.
    Nov 18, 2007
    8
    One of their best they have done so far
  28. MarcD.
    Nov 18, 2007
    10
    Best Duran album since Rio. Great from start to finish!
  29. JensS.
    Nov 17, 2007
    9
    Great album. The best since BIG THING.
  30. solangeno
    Nov 16, 2007
    10
    No, comments...i m very happy!!! I love DD!!!
  31. AMacDonald
    Nov 16, 2007
    10
    Quality and a true return to form!
  32. DianT.
    Nov 16, 2007
    10
    Excellent!
  33. DevanS.
    Nov 16, 2007
    9
    Faboulous Album!
  34. path.
    Nov 15, 2007
    10
    simply a fun album from start to finish, dncable tunes throughout and great ballad with "Falling Down" Last Man Standing" is a great way to finish and the title track, well it is an all out jam. Justin's addition on "Nite Runner" should be a hit on the dance floors. All in all a very solid album, one of the years best.
  35. josei.
    Nov 15, 2007
    10
    modern, organic & silly, it brings all the things that Duran stand for plus new sounds & thrills. Great
  36. MattD.
    Nov 15, 2007
    8
    It grew on me quickly, Good to see Duran Duran branching out a bit. The usually solid pop hooks are all here, and the album echoes the funkiness and fun of Notorious. Here's hoping they keep things this fresh and inventive on future albums!
  37. Scott
    Nov 15, 2007
    2
    Ugh, why anyone would CHOOSE to work with Timbaland or Timberlake is beyond me. They should've done this album with Richard X. That's a marriage waiting to happen.
  38. 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 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 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
  39. SB.
    Nov 15, 2007
    10
    Quality - Best album since Notorious
  40. CassandraR.
    Nov 15, 2007
    9
    New ideas, same great vocals, D2 continues to innovate & evolve.
  41. NeerajJ.
    Nov 15, 2007
    10
    brilliant
  42. KimN.
    Nov 15, 2007
    6
    Although the album contains the usual glimps of Duran genius, it's still rather disappointing and many of the songs simply fail to take off.
  43. 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" 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.
  44. Fitch
    Nov 14, 2007
    8
    Just a great dance album that avoids being overwhelmed by the Tims and still sound like Duran, but a sleeker/sleazier version. This is a similar to the dance/funk music departure Duran took with "Notorius" or 'Big Thing." I hope the youngins will give this a chance, cause much of this album would slam at a dance club. Give it a chance!
  45. MikeV.
    Nov 14, 2007
    10
    This album grows on you
  46. PamelaT.
    Nov 14, 2007
    9
    Great cd ! Love it!!!!
  47. DennisM.
    Nov 13, 2007
    8
    DuranDuran can be brilliant sometimes, and other times they leave you scratching your head and asking 'Why'? Luckily, 'Red Carpet Massacre' is the former. The first Track 'The Valley' provides the most obvious reason why people love this band. Propulsive rhythms over lush synthesizers and gurgling electro-bleeps, John Taylor's Funky bass, and DuranDuran can be brilliant sometimes, and other times they leave you scratching your head and asking 'Why'? Luckily, 'Red Carpet Massacre' is the former. The first Track 'The Valley' provides the most obvious reason why people love this band. Propulsive rhythms over lush synthesizers and gurgling electro-bleeps, John Taylor's Funky bass, and LeBon's distinctive vocals. Amazingly, LeBon sounds exactly the same as he did on their first album. He also deserves credit for having one of the best vocal ranges in pop music. And, although he has an occasional embarrasing lyric, he often employs a tantalizing oblique perspective that remains alluring. DuranDuran are best when their music combines exoticism, eroticism, a sense of humor, a dash of sci-fi, and elements of danger and intrigue. 'Massacre' has all of these and even manages a sincere ballad, 'Box Full O Honey' a warm folky ballad with Rio album era pan flutes. For the most part all of the tracks are solid. There isn't a single song that would rightfully be called 'filler'. This isn't however, an album that will initially unite traditional fans of the band. Duran take some chances here. Listen to 'Red Carpet Massacre'and you will hear a mash-up of electro-pop-punk over-top a backbeat that could be the cousin of OutKast's smash hit 'Hey Ya!'. 'Night Runner', and 'Skin Divers', The more overt Timbaland style tracks are designed for sure-fire chart stability. They are quite good but falter slightly in being carefully conservative. The same might be said about 'Falling Down' but because the structure and mix emphasise the band interplay, it's hard to imagine that it wouldn't be a hit amongst loyal fans - even if it could be a minute shorter. A few critics have slammed the song 'Tempted' calling it 'an easy pro-tools edit', but it has an addictive "Groove Factor" as keyboardist Nick Rhodes would say. And, when the transition drops at 2:57 secs. you will understand that only Simon LeBon can sound tempting in that way. Rhodes keyboards are also set to stun. 'Tricked out' is an instrumental with a quirky personality. Although modern, it keeps with a tradition reminiscent of 'Tiger Tiger' from 'Seven and the Ragged Tiger'. 'Zoom In' again makes use of that trippy backbeat paired with a strong pop melody. 'She's Too Much' is breezy with a pretty melody. The electronic locked-tempo drums here keep the line moving forward wheras it might otherwise whistfully breeze by. Fans of Notorius/Big Thing era Duran will like this one. 'Dirty Great Monster' deserves a few spins. Although the drums keep it tight, it's the piano melodic progression that is the anchor. It makes for an interesting slinky ride.Great harmonies, and the brass is a wonderful touch. The addition of the sinewy sax solo provides the perfect ending climax. The use of saxophone also hearkens back to Duran's Rio glory days, and it still sounds fresh against LeBon's trademark snarl. 'Last Man Standing' is one of the better ending tracks I've heard on a pop album. Great tempo, beautiful harmonies,nice guitar line, and in consistent form, Nick Rhodes nails just the right sonic pallate on the keys. DuranDuran are back. They have again found the essence of their sound. Timbaland may have seemed an odd choice as producer, but with a second listen you will understand why Duran wisely chose him. Smart tempo choices propel and tighten the song structures. With the exception of not having a song like 'The Reflex', the 'Red Carpet Massacre' somewhat resembles 'Seven and the Ragged Tiger'. It's slick and shiny like 'Tiger' was for its time.It has similiar ambitions of dancefloor dominance, and it manages to retain a sence of danger and eroticism. Duran fans will understand when it is said that this album has a few 'New Moon on Monday's...or gems that should be considered among the bands best output but somehow are under appreciated. And so, 'Massacre' is the album that 'Astronaut' should have been. Different, yes- but very 'DuranDuran'.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Most Discussed Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Amazon.com
    80
    The contributions of that tag-team of hitmakers take nothing away from the tightness and characteristic chic of the band--that they enhance the hypnotic sheen of Duran Duran, rather than subjugate it--makes a certain sense.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
    Read full review
  3. Rolling Stone
    60
    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.
    Read full review
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