“Kingdom” Charli XCX Feat. Simon Le Bon: Reviews

Press
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"But two of the best songs come from heroes with ancient New Wave heydays. Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon plays the posh hook boy alongside U.K. troublemaker Charli XCX on the Victorian-crunk cut "Kingdom."

- ROLLING STONE

"The highlight of what’s been released so far is “Kingdom” by Charli XCX, the light piano loops and rolling snare drum keep the mood light and the focus on Charli XCX and Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon provides great background atmosphere with his voice."

-THE STONY BROOK PRESS

"On “Kingdom,” Charli XCX arguably provides listeners with her most stripped down effort yet. Void of nearly all production, Charli XCX’s voice transcends over far simpler beats than her traditional sound. Emotion is provoked as her vocals are paired with those of Duran Duran front man, Simon Le Bon."

-THE OSWEGONIAN

"UK pop princess Charli XCX who is known for her in your face, edgy pop vocals, shows off her more emotional singing talents on "Kingdom," accompanied by Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon, who adds his own melancholic verse."

-MUSICTIMES

"In its own unique way, Charli XCX collaborating with Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon is kinda punk - largely because at first it makes no logical sense. All echoey twinkling pianos and airy, skating melody lines, it’s certainly no ‘Fancy’, and mini-bar trashing and other such japes are not on the agenda with this one. Oddly and somewhat surprisingly, though, it’s a partnership that works."

-DIY MAG

"Synth-pop hero Duran Duran’s Simon LeBon sings on Charlie XCX's standout track “Kingdom.”"

-LOS ANGELES TIMES

“ “Kingdom” displays the more docile side of the UK pop princess (Charli XCX). Her hushed, gentle croon is especially crisp over the slightly menacing groove of crunchy synths and heavy drums, creating a really impactful sense of emotional dichotomy. Le Bon’s involvement is saved for a brief, ending interlude, but his extra anthemic croon really brings home the song’s inherent drama and theatricality."

-CONSEQUENCE OF SOUND

"Duran Duran‘s Simon Le Bon is joining Charli to make it a sweet, but heart-wrenching duet that has him singing about not being able to change her mind."

-RADIO.COM

Simon Le Bon, The Hunger Games, Lorde, Charli XCX, Mockingjay