Duran Duran: Seven & The Ragged Tiger - 1983

 

This album, released at the height of Duran Duran "mania" was basically more of the same (as described in the review of Rio) but with the addition of a few contemporary dance-ish sounds - programmed rhythmic breaks, scratching sound effects and the like. 

It was best showcased on the huge number one, The Reflex and the non-album single Is There Something I Should Know? - both of which had "scratchy", extended 12" mixes, all the rage in those days - and the group were praised at the time for being musically adventurous. In retrospect, that was something of an overstatement, wasn't it? They just incorporated a few dance sounds into their well-used existing sound, that was all. It was an effort to go "sexy" and "cool dancefloor" and opposed to just new romantic pop. Duran Duran wanted to portray themselves as dancefloor sophisticates but they still retained much of their trademark sound. 

The album's other big hit, New Moon On Monday, featured a more archetypal, hooky Duran sound. The same applies to the also extremely catchy single, the vaguely Bowie-esque Union Of The Snake. (I'm Looking For) Cracks In The Pavement showed a desire to produce a poppy, romantic ballady, synthy sort of sound, a bit Human League while hints of that group can also be found on the jaunty, tinny synth pop of I Take The Dice. Of Crime And Passion has an upbeat vibrancy to it and more depth of sound and I really like the once more Bowie-inspired instrumental, Tiger Tiger. 

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