Red Carpet Massacre

iTunes Review

You might hate to admit it, but one listen to Red Carpet Massacre tells you it’s true: Justin Timberlake and Duran Duran make perfect bedfellows. The strongest tracks here are a result of Mr. Timberlake and his production guru Timbaland infusing them with a pulsating, sexy groove, all satin and smoke and mirrors. While the buzzing electric rock of “Red Carpet Massacre” and the perfectly classic sounding “The Valley” and “Last Man Standing” contain their own Duran charm, it’s the mesmerizing beats and smooth rhythms on tracks featuring their American guests that really get under your skin. First single “Falling Down” has a deeply soulful feel, with Simon LeBon’s limber vocals reaching for high places alongside Timberlake’s, arcing and falling atop fluctuating, piercing guitar notes. A Timbaland rap adds another dimension to the cool and edgy “Skin Divers,” and the insanely catchy “Zoom In” should be a dance club staple. Second single “Night Runner” is all slink and mystery, thanks again to the touch of both J.T. and Timbaland.  That said, a surprise treat here is “Box Full o’ Honey,” with its shimmering acoustic guitars and bright synths, nary a dark beat to be found.