Paper Gods
by Duran Duran
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
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  1. PopMatters
    Sep 14, 2015
    80
    As they prove yet again with their latest triumph, Paper Gods, Duran Duran is one of the most consistently entertaining bands of our generation.
  2. The New York Times
    Sep 9, 2015
    80
    Largely, though, Duran Duran chooses its collaborators wisely here, opting for some from that golden age, like Mr. [Nile] Rodgers, or those who’ve internalized that era’s balance of sleaze and good cheer, like Mark Ronson.... So long as Mr. Le Bon is oozing atop brisk arrangements like this, the specifics of the words don’t much matter. Everyone here has the posture down cold.
  3. Billboard.com
    Sep 18, 2015
    70
    In this age of frivolity, Duran Duran is straight-up thriving.
  5. Rolling Stone
    Sep 11, 2015
    70
    What makes this music fun is its youthful sense of invention.
  6. AllMusic
    Sep 11, 2015
    70
    It's that tension between the good and the bad, the yin and yang of Duran Duran, that makes Paper Gods absorbing.
  7. Consequence
    Sep 4, 2015
    67
    Duran Duran innovate and push further. It may be flawed in parts, but Paper Gods is an ambitious and worthwhile effort that more than justifies its existence.
  8. Entertainment Weekly
    Sep 3, 2015
    67
    Paper Gods leans too heavily on robo-disco froth.

Awards & Rankings

87
#87 Most Discussed Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 45
  3. Negative: 5 out of 45
  1. sk75
    Oct 26, 2015
    9
    "Paper Gods" is a great dance-pop album that sound modern and fresh, with an excellent set of songs, an excellent production and some very"Paper Gods" is a great dance-pop album that sound modern and fresh, with an excellent set of songs, an excellent production and some very special guests. Even after all these years, Duran Duran never missed their ambition to move forward and change their sound and style, to write new music and not sitting comfortably to their past glories. The result is challenging and intriguing with an album that is better than most of the big dance-pop names of the today music industry! If "Paper Gods" was an album by a young new group, critics would rave about it and it could have easily a place in the end of the years lists of 2015. So listen without prejudice and enjoy the ''guilty'' pleasures that DD can still offer us with their new release. My verdict 9/10.… Full Review »
  2. jeff2417
    Sep 11, 2015
    9
    A great follow up to 80s smash hits from Seven and the Ragged Tiger, Rio, and more. 100x better than anything else they call pop nowadays.A great follow up to 80s smash hits from Seven and the Ragged Tiger, Rio, and more. 100x better than anything else they call pop nowadays. While not perfection, certain songs like "What are the Chances" make up for any shortcomings on other tracks. 80s greatness in their 60's? I'm in. 9/10.… Full Review »
  3. Neil_B
    Sep 11, 2015
    9
    I think largely the 'professional' critics haven't listened to many Duran albums. I have. Every one. Whereas All You Need Is Now was a homageI think largely the 'professional' critics haven't listened to many Duran albums. I have. Every one. Whereas All You Need Is Now was a homage to Rio; Paper Gods takes it's influence from the best tracks from all of their albums, some of which were not singles. There are many stand out tracks: Pressure Off leans towards the sound of Medazzaland's Big Bang Generation. What Are The Chances, which for me is one of the best tracks on the album, could easily be a track on Big Thing and The Universe Alone has the huge wall of sound that was present on The Wedding Album. 9/10… Full Review »
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