Duran Duran Works with More Collaborators Than Ever on “Paper Gods”
Duran Duran, famed for its 80s pop stardom, 90s resurgence, and love of art rock and Chic, has released its 14th studio album, Paper Gods.
Bassist John Taylor told San Francisco’s Radio Alice that the album’s title refers to the “temporary obsessions” most people are guilty of indulging. He also said that work on the record began two years ago, with the band’s initial efforts focused on trying to found the album’s sound and style. “It’s more than just writing songs, you know. It’s redefining the sound of the band for a new era.”
Paper Gods features the band working with more collaborators than ever, Taylor told the radio station. Superstar producer Nile Rodgers (Chic), who remixed the band’s smash 80’s hit, “The Reflex,” the single “Wild Boys,” and the group’s 1986 Notorious album, co-produced several tracks on the new record, as did top producer Mark Ronson (producer of Duran Duran’s 2011 album All You Need Is Now) and producer Mr. Hudson (Kanye West, Jay-Z, Paloma Faith). Other musicians on the album, aside from Rodgers and Mr. Hudson, include Janelle Monáe (on “Pressure Off”), former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante, Kiesza, and Jonas Bjerre. Actress Lindsay Lohan even makes an appearance.
Take a listen to how Duran Duran defines itself in 2015 on the title track, co-produced by Mr. Hudson and the band:
Paper Gods is available on CD, vinyl and as a digital download (iTunes and Amazon MP3).
Paper Gods Track List:
- Paper Gods (feat. Mr Hudson)
- Last Night In The City (feat. Kiesza)
- You Kill Me With Silence
- Pressure Off (feat. Janelle Monáe and Nile Rodgers)
- Face For Today
- Danceophobia
- What Are The Chances?
- Sunset Garage
- Change The Skyline (feat. Jonas Bjerre)
- Butterfly Girl
- Only In Dreams
- The Universe Alone
- Planet Roaring (Bonus Track)
- Valentine Stones (Bonus Track)
- Northern Lights (Bonus Track)
Paper Gods is an Interesting track, with a groovy bass line – as it’s usually the case with John Taylor and Duran Duran – but I find it a bit too electronic to my taste. Made me wanna check out the rest of the album, though.