Katherine Witts
After a six-year hiatus, Paramore is back with their new album ‘This is Why’. Full of poetic lyricism and upbeat melodies, the album takes us on a whirlwind ride of love and anxiety.
Since their last album ‘After Laughter’ in 2016, the trio comes roaring back to the spotlight. This is a genre-blending album that showcases their thoughts on the fast-changing world.
“If you have an opinion. Maybe you should shove it. Or maybe you could scream it.” – This is Why
The album – released February 10 – begins with a self-titled track, the first track to be released back in September. ‘This is Why’, along with ‘C’est Comme Ça’ and ‘Running Out of Time’, have an earworm effect on their listeners. They don’t let us forget their catchy choruses.
‘This is Why’ encapsulates the anxiety and unease that most of us feel post-pandemic. However, with a closer look, the track also reflects how the industry, and more broadly society, is quick to make assumptions and cancel artists and celebrities.
“Exploitative. Performative. Informative. And we don’t know the half of it.” – The News
The album continues with ‘The News’, a comment on how society is obsessed with ‘doom and gloom’ news. The band’s singer-songwriter Hayley Williams states how we all feel a sense of ‘heartbreak’ when we see this across the globe. The song is a commentary on the fact that these disasters will never go away. It doesn’t matter how much we ignore them.
Vulnerability
As we move through the remainder of the album, Williams’ soft voice becomes more evident with tracks six and eight. As can be heard, both songs – ‘You First’ and ‘Liar’ – emulate Williams’ 2020 studio album, ‘Petals for Armor’.
‘You First’ utilises the trio’s iconic dancey rhythms to create a deeper commentary on what the best way to ‘get revenge’ is. They suggest it’s by living your best life. Williams’ chillingly eerie voice and the calming melody in ‘Liar’ manages to show the band’s more vulnerable side. The song is rumoured to have been inspired by Williams and guitarist Taylor York’s relationship over the years.
“Only I know where all the bodies are buried. Thought by now I’d find ’em just a little less scary.” – Thick Skull
Finally, we end the album on ‘Thick Skull’. This final track feels like a love letter to the band’s past musical selves. Clearly the song’s overall sound provides a nostalgic feeling. It also incorporates elements of their past albums, such as their 2013 self-titled album and 2009’s ‘Brand New Eyes’.
Reception
This album has been received by many as a refreshing new start for the band and has been described as a ‘triumphant’ record. Anthem after anthem, it never lets up, and listeners are all the happier for it.
Paramore as a band have evolved over the years from having definitive emo sounds to more experimental pop-punk and indie sounds. They’re a band who have grown up with their audience, and this album fully reflects their growth in their musical style. All in all, it’s clear that Paramore still remains one of the most influential trios in social commentary and poetic lyricism.
Featured image courtesy of Florencia Viadana on Unsplash Image license found here. No changes have been made to this image.
Katherine Witts
Kath is a native Welsh-speaker and learning support assistant. She has a background in journalism, working for Upday News, a branch of Samsung, as a junior news editor. As a former entertainment editor for Empoword and co-founder of Empoword's 'Pop Babble' podcast, Kath loves all things music, film, TV, and literature.