Duran Duran Release 'Paper Gods' Featuring Nile Rodgers, Janelle Monae

Legendary British band Duran Duran, who first came to the limelight in the 1980's have released the group's 14^th, yes 14^th, album Paper Gods. The 12-track (15-track in the Deluxe Edition) LP features some of their contemporaries like Nile Rodgers and Jonas Bjerre as well as more modern artists such as Kiesza and Janelle Monáe. Mr. Hudson makes a comeback as a named feature.

Paper Gods does a good job of bridging the gap between their timeless 1980s roots and a more modern electronic sound that is heard right away on the socially conscious opening track "Paper Gods" with its 808s and snare rolls. There are the soft ballads and the more upbeat funky dance tunes like lead single "Pressure Off," which will be the biggest hit from the album.

In a statement on the Duran Duran website, Simon Le Bon explained a little how the album came together back in 2013.

When we began back in 2013, we soon realised that we were going to have to dig deep into the soul of Duran Duran. And about a year on in, we started getting down to the good stuff," he starts..."We have enjoyed working with fellow Midlander, Mr Hudson; the extremely talented Mark Ronson; and our true friend of long-standing - Nile Rodgers."

"Once John Frusciante had completely upped the ante with his magnificent guitar work, the gates were open, and invited guests: Janelle Monae, Keisza, Jonas Bjerre and Davidé Rossi helped us bring the musical concepts out of our collective subconscious, and into the twenty first century. And then there is Lindsay, who deserves a special mention. Nobody else could have done for "DANCEOPHOBIA" what you did girl. For that you'll be in our hearts forever!"

Stream the album below on Spotify and purchase it on iTunes or Amazon.

Duran Duran are in the midst of a long world tour in support of their new LP. They are playing Bestival tonight on the Isle of Wight before heading out to the West Coast for some gigs in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and at Red Rocks. They then head home for massive arena shows all over the UK in cities like Glasgow, London, Cardiff and Manchester.

Tags

Duran Duran, Kiesza, Janelle Monae, Nile Rodgers