Billboard single reviews: Duran Duran, Manilow

ARTIST: DURAN DURAN

SINGLE: FALLING DOWN

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Justin Timberlake was not yet 2 years old when Duran Duran bombarded the charts with debut "Hungry Like the Wolf" in 1982. The generations collide on "Falling Down" -- the group's launch single from 12th album "Red Carpet Massacre," due November 13 -- which Timberlake produced, co-wrote and contributes vocals to. At first glance, such a proposition seems tenuous: DD has remained relevant enough without any outside help through the years; is this kid going to contemporize the band into an object of ridicule? Thankfully, "Falling" demonstrates surprising versatility from Timberlake. The song is true to Duran Duran's beloved melodic imprint, demonstrating that Timberlake is the one who's learning new tricks here. Lead singer Simon Le Bon's lyric addresses a tragic motorcycle accident he endured -- though, as usual, it's cryptic enough to leave much to the imagination.

ARTIST: JAY-Z

SINGLE: BLUE MAGIC

When Jay-Z announced he was coming out of retirement, many questioned if he could return to the charts with platinum plaques. With "Blue Magic," the debut single from November 6 release "American Gangster," he still sounds like the same hitmaker who arguably is the best rapper of all time. With help from longtime production partner Pharrell and Neptunes partner Chad Hugo, the combination of a smooth arrangement and Jay-Z's confident, laid-back flow shows that his music gets better with age. With Pharrell's sample of En Vogue's "Hold On" as a finishing touch on the hook, "Blue Magic" is a mature, albeit nostalgic single that reminds of the best that Z can be.

ARTIST: BARRY MANILOW

SINGLE: IT NEVER RAINS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

While radio may be less indulgent than fans, "It Never Rains in Southern California" (a No. 5 Billboard Hot 100 hit for Albert Hammond in 1972) is the ideal blend of Barry Manilow's earnest signature meshed with a modicum of kitsch. The arrangement is true almost to the note, while the idol of millions adds his own touch with well-placed modulation at the peak, accompanied by a swirl of cotton candy strings.