duran duran all you need is now preview

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Everyone's favorite new romantics return next week with the release of All You Need Is Now. It's Duran Duran's first album since 2007's Red Carpet Massacre, and looks to be their most relevant since 1988's Big Thing — unless you were really into "Ordinary World".

Although the physical release of the new album isn't until February, you can get a digital copy a week from today exclusively on iTunes, which is currently offering a free download of the title track.

Produced by Mark Ronson, All You Need Is Now is billed as a return to form. Unabashedly pop with a rush of keyboards and hi-hats, it's certainly an improvement over their guitar-based sound of the 90's and their recent left turn into R&B.

Have a listen to some leaked tracks and judge for yourself. "Blame The Machines" has Simon Le Bon sounding like the fresh-faced disco cherub from "Girls On Film":




Another keeper is the paranoid and pulse-pounding "Being Followed":




And with the guitar stabs, slap bass and soaring synth of "Girl Panic" you'd swear you were listening to a Rio B-side:



With only a couple ballads, plus guest spots from Ana Matronic and Kelis, All You Need Is Now is pretty bereft of filler and delivers the goods Duran Duran fans have been missing. It seems Mark Ronson will succeed in restoring the tarnished legacy of "the prettiest boys in rock".