This record is already a couple years old and is starting to sound it—but not in a bad way. It isn’t filled with the quantity of hits like “The Wedding” album, but it’s still fun to listen to and finds its place in the Duran Duran family. A lot of the material makes use of electronic laser/videogame sounds and it makes the weaker tunes sound like filler. Track three lifts itself out of the mass of mediocrity and instantly stands out. Track five is clearly my favorite on this record. It has a funk flavor with backing female vocals and makes good use of the surrounds. The groove is infectious and I can’t imagine it not being one of the hit singles. The second half of the record is better and more consistent. Track seven is another winner and track eight reminds me of that bond tune they did a while back. Track 11 and 12 are a bit of departure. They’re slower (especially the last track) and the closest thing to a ballad on this record that is filled with mostly alt pop/rock songs.
Instruments and spatial effects come from the back. Voice comes from the front and that is the focus. Sounds quality is above average yet lands right below the best CDs. Songs included are: (Reach Up For The) Sunrise; Want You More!; What Happens Tomorrow; astronaut; Bedroom Toys; Nice; Taste The Summer; Finest Hour; Chains; One of Those Days; Point Of No Return; Still Breathing.
– Brian Bloom
