"Duty Now for the Future" is the second studio album by the American new wave band Devo. Released in 1979, the album continues Devo's exploration of social, political, and philosophical themes. Characteristic of Devo's musical style, "Duty Now for the Future" incorporates electronic synthesizers and a unique mix of punk, art rock, and post-punk sound.
Produced by Ken Scott, the album's title comes from the band's concept of 'Devo,' a theoretical de-evolution of the human race. The album cover, featuring an image of a Neanderthal-like figure in Devo's signature energy dome hat, underscores this vision.
With songs like "Secret Agent Man," a cover of Johnny Rivers' hit with Devo's distinct style, and "Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA", a fan favorite, the album reinforced Devo's reputation as a pioneering band of the new wave genre.
"Duty Now for the Future" produced several singles, including "The Day My Baby Gave Me a Surprise" and "Secret Agent Man". Although the album was not as commercially successful as the band's later work, it was hailed by critics for its innovative blend of electronic and punk rock sounds. Additionally, the album is considered instrumental in shaping Devo's music and establishing a clear musical direction for the band.
