Duran Duran, Chic & Nile Rodgers

Duran Duran could easily coast through the rest of their career, playing just their ’80s hits, but they continue to make ambitious new albums, such as 2015’s Paper Gods. Working with such varied guests as Janelle Monáe, Mr. Hudson, Kiesza, John Frusciante, Lindsay Lohan and their old producer Nile Rodgers, the English band aren’t always successful, but at least they’re trying, with lead singer Simon Le Bon adventurous enough to put his voice into a variety of rock and dance settings. Le Bon sounds most coolly assured on “Pressure Off,” his vocals intertwining with Monáe’s over an irresistible mélange of funky bass and slinky Chic-style guitar, and coated with production from Rodgers and Mark Ronson. Chic co-founder Rodgers has produced numerous other stars (Diana Ross, Madonna, David Bowie), but he’s also a brilliant, curtly grooving guitarist.