Duran Duran, Astronaut (* * *) On their first studio album in 21 years, the five original members of Duran Duran journey to a faraway planet called the 1980s, where blithe beats, bonny hooks and pure kitsch can still be enjoyed free of self-conscious irony. Mercifully content not to repackage themselves as a more serious or progressive outfit, the former teen idols serve up impeccably produced guilty pleasures suitable for pop fans of all ages, from the bubbly title track to funk-laced confections such as Bedroom Toys and Taste the Summer. Not all acts improve with age, but some are at least well-preserved. Elysa Gardner
DANSE MACABRE
In Stores October 27, 2023