3. Duran Duran, All You Need Is Now

The pioneering British synth-pop band found the perfect producer in Mark Ronson (known for his work with the late Amy Winehouse, among others), who urged them to use vintage instruments and channel the old-school vitality of 1982’s Rio. Simon Le Bon held his own alongside guest vocalists Kelis and Ana Matronic of Scissor Sisters. Meanwhile, the musicians whipped up a sharp, frothy mix of future classics. (Note: Though the album was released digitally in December 2010, the standard physical/deluxe CD versions came out early this year, which is when I first heard it in full.)

-Courtesy George Paul/Orange County Register

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