The Band
Duran Duran is an English new wave band formed in 1978, super popular in the 80s with big production videos and catchy songs.
Band Members:
- Simon Le Bon – vocals
- Nick Rhodes – keyboards
- John Taylor – bass
- Roger Taylor – drums
The Album
Danse Macabre is Duran Duran‘s sixteenth studio album. Released on October 27, 2023. This work was inspired by a Halloween show that they did in Las Vegas, in 2022. It’s intended to be a Halloween-themed album. A twist into the dark side.
It has three new tracks, covers, and new versions of older Duran Duran songs. It features two ex-Duran Duran guitarists, Andy Taylor and Warren Cuccurullo. Also has guest musicians like Nile Rodgers and the bassist from Måneskin, Victoria De Angelis.
The whole album has that dark horror movie vibe, the music as much as the lyrics.
The Songs
1. Nightboat. The first track of the album. It’s a song from their first album, their self-titled from 1981. It has an ambient vibe, that makes you imagine the situation that is described in the song. Waiting for a nightboat, like in a mystery movie, surrounded by a thick fog.
Simon‘s voice sounds impeccable, as well as the keyboards, guitar, and drums. Plus, John Taylor‘s bass gives it a suspenseful tone.
2. Black Moonlight (featuring Nile Rodgers): a funky song. Led by John Taylor‘s funky bass lines and Nick‘s keys, the song has a spooky vibe, that reflects also on the lyrics.
3. Love Voudou, about a toxic love, pop song. It’s from their 1993 record, The Wedding Album. Great bass line.
4. Bury a Friend. It’s a cover of a Billie Eilish song, and that shows because it has a weird, dissonant vibe.
5. Supernature. It’s a cover of a French disco musician, Cerrone. It’s about a kind of Frankenstein’s creatures.
6. Danse Macabre. The title track. It’s about this idea that we don’t know what happens after we die. Simon sings in a rap style and Nick‘s synthesizers here are amazing, love it. The video is animated, and it’s like Tim Burton, but in a creepier style.
7. Secret Oktober 31st. It’s a b-side of their 1983, Union of the Snake single. Starts and ends with the keyboards of a musical box. A softer song.
8. Ghost Town. A cover song of a British Ska band, The Specials. A town that has lost its vibe, nocturnal life, no jobs, etc.
9. Paint It Black. A cover of the iconic song of The Rolling Stones, but with somber synthesizers.
10. Super Lonely Freak. The first part of the song is Lonely In Your Nightmare, from their 1982 album Rio. And the second part is Super Freak by Rick James.
11. Spellbound. A cover, of the British post-punk band Siouxsie and the Banshees. Classic and well done.
12. Psycho Killer (featuring Victoria De Angelis). A legendary song by the American rock band Talking Heads. Starts with an amazing bass, bringing the funk. It features Victoria De Angelis, bassist of the Italian rock band, Måneskin. Animated video.
13. Confession in the Afterlife. Beautiful ballad. It conveys the idea of what if we’re forgiven for everything we’ve done, in an afterlife.
Final Thoughts
Being an 80s kid, I’ve always loved Duran Duran. In fact, they were the first band that I got obsessed with. I owned most of their albums, at one point.
I think they’re amazing musicians. Especially John Taylor. He is one of my favorite bassists of all time.
So I had to review this new album. I think it’s a good album, to have a good time. To play at a Halloween party, like they intended to.
Also, I think that these songs would work out great for a live show, so I hope they add some of them to their setlist.