Critical Voices: Paper Gods

Duran Duran took off in the 1980s thanks to catchy hits and risqué music videos. With upbeat tempos and memorable lyrics, the group was able to remain a part of the musical world for decades, despite touring less over time. The band’s latest offering, the star-studded Paper Gods, is an excellent return to form after previous underwhelming efforts like 2010’s All You Need is Now and 2007’s Red Carpet Massacre.

The number of guest stars who are featured on the album is striking. Mark Ronson, Mr. Hudson, and Kiesza are a few of the big names on Paper Gods. Thankfully, these artists contribute more to the album than just their name. Mr. Hudson belts an extremely catchy and meaningful chorus on “Paper Gods,” while Kiesza injects “Last Night in the City” with fist-pumping energy. “Pressure Off” is perhaps the most fun song on the album, as guests Janelle Monáe and Nile Rodgers give it a feel-good, funky vibe that makes dancing along easy.

The songs that don’t feature guests also hold their own. “You Kill Me With Silence” is a slower, more pensive track that successfully combines old-fashioned disco with modern house beats. This combination of old and new styles helps the album succeed. “Danceophobia” could probably have come straight out of the 80s, but Duran Duran’s commitment to the song’s beat makes the song work. The upbeat style is reminiscent of the classic “Hungry Like The Wolf,” and the chorus is bound to cement itself in the listener’s head.

Unfortunately, not all tracks on Paper Gods are as likeable as others. “Only In Dreams” sounds far too similar to both “Paper Gods” and “You Kill Me With Silence” to stand out in comparison to the other tracks. “The Universe Alone” is a lackluster effort, as the vocals sounding too tired to give the song any energy.

Still, these are minor flaws within an otherwise solid album that longtime Duran Duran fans will undoubtedly enjoy. Paper Gods succeeds with its wide range of guest stars, and the majority of the songs are extremely fun to listen to.Paper Gods will leave previous fans’ appetites for more Duran Duran pleasantly satisfied.