Kings of new-wave pop

More than 30 years after the band was formed, it has survived its new-wave pop. Their biggest commercial success by far came during the MTV era with videos like Rio, Hungry Like the Wolf, Save a Prayer, and Union of the Snake. And now, Paper Gods is Duran Duran’s 14th studio album. The band has retained its vibrancy with a little help (special appearances) from the new generation of musicians.

“Bow to the paper Gods in a world that is paper thin/ The fools in town are ruling now,” sings Simon LeBon in the opening title track. The 7-minute song is laced with spacey electronica and a good collaborative sonic effort. “Last Night in the City” is a thrilling rocker with a melodic hook, featuring vocals by Kiesza. The EDM-infused song is about living it up. “You Kill Me With Silence” is a moody reflection on a fading relationship, with sombre synths and distorted guitar to match.

“Pressure off”, a funk-pop track, features New Age soul queen Janelle Monae. For variety we have “Danceophobia”, featuring Lindsay Lohan. The track is a hard-charging dancefloor epic with a pulsating rhythm and bright flares of shimmering keyboards. In “What Are The Chances?”, the former Red Hot Chili Peppers’ axeman John Frusciante plays a melancholic and searing guitar.

The 1980s pop stars never really went into the cold. Despite a change in line-up over 3 decades, the core team comprising Simon LeBon, Nick Rhodes, Roger Taylor and John Taylor has remained the same. Perhaps the lyrics of “Sunset garage” sums up the band’s survival (“Whatever happens, we’re OK / Hey, we’re still alive.”)