Paper Gods cover

Paper Gods

Duran Duran · 2015

70 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant fusion of electronic textures and melodic hooks that captures Duran Duran's enduring pop sensibility.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Paper Gods Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Pressure Off — This track exemplifies the album's collaboration spirit, intertwining lush production with infectious grooves and guest vocals that elevate its appeal.
  • →
    Danceophobia — An energetic anthem celebrating nightlife, this track showcases the band's knack for crafting danceable tunes while maintaining lyrical depth about escapism.
  • →
    Last Night in the City — With its vibrant beats and reflective lyrics, this song encapsulates the album's themes of urban life and fleeting moments, making it a standout piece.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends contemporary sounds with nostalgic elements, showcasing strong production and varied songwriting.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a title track that features layered synths and a driving beat, establishing a vibrant sound immediately.
  • The last three tracks feature slower tempos and more introspective lyrics, providing a contrast to the earlier upbeat songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • vibrant sound for late nights
  • engaging rhythms for dance floors
  • reflective moments amid lively beats
  • synth-driven energy for celebrations

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, instant gratification
  • seek short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows Duran Duran's continued relevance and evolution in sound.
Themes
neon-lit nightlife· collaborative creativity
Career context
Released in 2015, Paper Gods marked Duran Duran's 14th studio album, showcasing their evolution since the 1980s. Following the commercial success of All You Need Is Now in 2010, this album further solidified their relevance in the contemporary music landscape by collaborating with modern producers and artists.
Stylistic neighbors
Depeche Mode· The Human League· Spandau Ballet

Tracklist

  • 1 Paper Gods Start here 7:02
  • 2 Last Night in the City 4:44
  • 3 You Kill Me With Silence 4:29
  • 4 Pressure Off 4:19
  • 5 Face for Today 3:52
  • 6 Danceophobia 4:14
  • 7 What Are the Chances? 4:56
  • 8 Sunset Garage 4:43
  • 9 Change the Skyline 3:58
  • 10 Butterfly Girl 3:16
  • 11 Only in Dreams 6:05
  • 12 The Universe Alone 6:03
  • 13 Planet Roaring 3:50
  • 14 Valentine Stones 3:30
  • 15 Northern Lights 5:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata