Duran Duran Music - Notorious
Notorious, the first DD album released without Andy and Roger Taylor, received at that moment mixed reviews. A way to summarize it all (if this can be achieved!) is saying that it was considered, in general, nice to listen but a) uninspired or b) unremarkable or c) having lost DD identity or d) lacking the innovation edge of previous albums (mostly their two firsts works).
However, I've read in some forums that the album is appreciated by lots of fans, including myself (and that era is also much beloved because of the wonderful pics of the guys taken at that time! I'm digressing, I know).
I really like this one, and even if it lacks some of the bubbling pop that made them famous, I believe it's a solid work, with a good work by the brass section, and the best thing is that I can listen to almost all of the songs without using too much the Fast Forward Button :)
Now to the songs! I'll be actually brief when talking about the songs (hehe, I'll try to!).
- 01-Notorious: Well, what can be said about this one? A true classic! It's sexy and funky! I love it! I was not very enthusiastic about this one at that moment, but now it's one of my favourites. It's strange how perception of things changes through the years...Anyway, "Notorious" is the first one of a remarkable bunch of six songs (for me) that opens the album.
I've heard the Personal Fest 2005 version and it's a blast! They merge the song with "I wanna take you higher" and terrific is not enough a word!
- 02-American Science: A very good and subtle song, and Simon's voice sounds great. The brass section adds a lot to this one. I don't know why but I like the "she can two step and sway".
Someone says that there is a little resemblance between the chorus of this song and the chorus of "Beautiful colours" (just the beginning). I think there is some similarity indeed.
- 03-Skin Trade: Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. It took me a time to like this song (maybe because of Simon's way of singing, not his usual one) but then I fell in love with it. It's a pity that the video is so crappy. I'll demolish it one day (the video, of course!).
- 04-A matter of feeling: Another lovely track! And the lyrics say accurately what I feel sometimes, specially the first part of the song.
- 05-Hold me: Shall we walk shall we run through my head you understand
I adore this line, it has nothing special but it was the first line that I remembered about "Hold me" after listening to it the first times (besides the chorus). I love this song!
When I listen to the instrumental part near the end, I remember a live version, because in this part is when Simon introduces the rest of the band (unfortunately, no Taylors here, though Simon says something about Andy when he introduces Warren -I don't like that bit, frankly-).
- 06-Vertigo: One of my favourites of "Notorious". I find it strong and sexy, and I simply love the chorus! And the "maybe maybe maybe" too. Great background vocals. I've got the 88 live version and it's excellent!
- 07-So misled: This is the only one that I don't like much. I don't hate it and I can certainly listen to it sometimes without skip it, but it does nothing for me.
- 08-Meet El Presidente: Not the best IMO but it's funny, it has rhythm and the melody is there. It's enjoyable and I like it. Uuuh, uuuh, meet El Presidente!
- 09-Winter marches on: This is a song with a somewhat majestic, elegant melody and Le Bon's usual intriguing lyrics. I think his vocal performance suits the song perfectly and I like how "Winter..." is finally delivered.
- 10-Proposition: Not among my favourites but I like it and it closes the album nicely. I love how this song begins with the drums (in fact, the drums sound great here) and it has strength, but the "Proposition" part sung by Simon sounds a bit near the edge.