Duran Duran Notorious CD

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 John, Nick and Simon
Before I start to review this album I would just like to say that John Taylor is my favourite member of Duran Duran. His bass lines are sexy, creative and give Duran their distinctive sound which is why I was disappointed to find that much of that distinctiveness was gone on this album. Instead it does what most bass lines do - fall into the background and become the "unheard instrument". Boring. I understand that this was all part of Duran's coming of age but the band changed too drastically with this record which is why they fell out of the public favour. When your fan base are 13-16 year old girls you don't want to do anything to alienate them as they are easily swayed. It's bad enough to lose two members but then in addition to this, gone are the lavish videos, the imagery lyrics and the exciting sound that was prominent on their first three albums. Truth is "Notorious" could have been done by anybody. There's nothing remotely special about it and the band knew this. On the bright side it is actually a good album. Although the song writing isn't as confident it has some nice moments. It also marks the end of Simon's goofy and funny nonsensical lyrics as we move into a more "mature" and moody atmosphere. First off "Notorious" - a sexy, well written track but carries none of the excitement as say "the Reflex" or "Hungry Like The Wolf." The lyrics are great though: "Don't monkey with my business!" "American Science" is a pointless song. So pointless that it's not actually worth me telling you how absolutely pointless this song is. "Skin Trade" I did not like the first few times I heard it and still don't like. The verses are weak and it's painful to listen as John tries to do a decent bassline. The chorus has a good horn hook but that's not enough to keep me listening throughout. "A Matter of Feeling" is a beautiful ballad. Nick's (my second favourite member)haunting keyboards sends chills through me and compliment Simon's melodic vocals as always. The only problem that I have with this song is remembering it! I don't know why but as soon as it's over I can't even remember the title. "Hold Me" is another forgettable song but a good forgettable song. I think the "na na na na nas" are a prime example of Duran's fading confidence here. "Vertigo" is an overrated number. Don't know why this song is given so much credit. Does absolutely nothing for me. "So Misled" is a good track. Although the drums manage to irritate me I love the pre verses: "Bust my head to say lose it Now my body's gotta use it"/"I can't see the solution to this state of confusion" "Meet El Presidente" has a good beat and John's bass line is fairly decent but the song writing isn't all that. "Winter Marches On" makes me cringe. It sounds like an eerie Christmas carol or something. "Proposition" is a good but awkward song. It's awkardness is mainly due to John's horrible bass line. It's obvious to see that he and Nick were fighting with different creative ideas throughout the whole album and this is the prime example. I'm thinking that John probably couldn't take it anymore and just decided to do what he was gonna do - managing to ruin the verses and nearly succeeding in destroying the whole song until we reach the chorus which-although still awkward-is saved by Simon's vocal and the guitars, overruling John (and Nick) in the end. Overall "Notorious" is a good album but not one for the fans. If you're a die hard Durannie or a John fan steer clear of this one as you might be a little disappointed.
Submitted by HungryLikeTheWolf_98 (London, UK)
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 Tight! Smooth & Delicious!
By far, their best album ever, every song satisfies from start to finish, not a hint of filler in the bunch. If you love horns n' rock, this is your masterpiece!
Submitted by dturner (San Diego, Ca, USA)
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 funkiest cd they have
up until this cd they had great hits, but this cd offered some funky music and a talent that finally showed.
Submitted by missymom72662 (omaha arkansas) 
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 Side One Magic, Side Two Tragic!
CHIC producers Nile Rogers and the late, great Bernard Edwards both worked with DD at one time or another, and though Edwards production work with the boys was admirable, it is Rogers who hits it out of the park with NOTORIOUS....at least with the Side One tracks. From the opening title track, to the infectiously funk-driven "Hold Me," the songs that comprised the first side of the original LP are worth programming for "Repeat All." Side Two, however, tends to lose the head of steam built up by the songs that preceded it, which may result in Side One withdrawal symptoms. Diagnosis? Go back to all of Side One, repeat as needed, especially "Skin Trade," which may be the finest post-Eighties cut the boys ever turned out.
Submitted by dcscribe (Arlington, VA) 
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 Duran at their most atmospheric
Despite it's moderate sales, this is by far Duran's best album. My favorite tracks are Skin Trade, A Matter Of Feeling, So Misled, and the eerie, brooding Winter Marches On. Why their cds from 1986 on have not been recently remastered is beyond me.
Submitted by bill (Placentia,Ca USA)
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