After almost six years since releasing music and an indefinite hiatus, beloved trio Paramore have returned with their sixth studio album, This Is Why (Atlantic Records). Much like their last two albums, this is another one that is best experienced with no expectations…meaning it is no Riot! Part 2 or even After Laughter – the sequel, and hoping so will set you up for disappointment.
That said, this album is outstanding.
This Is Why is a top-notch representation of Paramore as a whole – every moment feels so raw and embraces the creative minds of each member. Hayley Williams puts more personality than ever before into her vocals, and whether it be her jeering inflection, comical shrieks or escalating frustration through a lyric, she makes already captivating melodies even harder to resist singing along to.
The album is also more guitar-driven than its predecessor After Laughter, with the band’s secret weapon Taylor York ripping crunchy chord patterns, moving arpeggios and wailing pedal effects. And then there’s the great Zac Farro, bringing the backbone grooves and thundering fills that turn up each track to eleven.
The title track and lead single set a promising first impression for the record, and it is even better in context as the album opener. ‘The News’ is the closest the album gets to the “old Paramore”, yet still fits right into the tracklist with its octave-leaping riffs, pummeling drums, and classic Williams rocker voice. While some of the lyrics feel underwritten, this is saved by the concise bluntness of the spoken word bridge – and the automatic urge to chant along with the instant earworm hook, “Turn on, turn off the news.”
‘You First’ and ‘Figure 8’ are in the running for my personal favorite Paramore songs, both of which are brilliant demonstrations of their evolved songwriting in alternative rock. ‘You First’ gives an insightful perspective on the good versus the bad in human nature, along with an unconventional interlude of what I imagine a guitar would sound like if it could cry. ‘Figure 8’ then starts with a mesmeric guitar loop that somehow sounds like what the infinity sign looks like (seriously, way to paint a picture, Taylor. This guy does not get enough credit). Furthermore, the drop from grating guitar and shouted vocals into the sudden searing belts of the chorus is exactly the kind of moment I was hoping to hear at some point in the latter half of the record, and hoo boy, did they deliver.
While Paramore has their fair share of emotional masterpieces, they have also proven to have a knack for the not-so-serious tunes (looking at you, ‘[One Of Those] Crazy Girls’). ‘Running Out Of Time’, while far more relatable, provides a similar lightheartedness with Hayley poking fun at her lack of time management and its effects on her daily life. ‘C’est Comme Ça’ (French for “it is what it is”) has a playful exterior, but also a deeper meaning if you can look past its repetitive cheerleader chorus.
While the album is fairly short at only ten songs, each track fulfills its own purpose and brings something new to the table. ‘Crave’ beautifully captures the dreamy feeling of nostalgia, and the high note Hayley hits at the end of the bridge is goosebump-inducing. Then there’s ‘Big Man, Little Dignity’, a chill, easy-listening tune with a synth flute outro – then you listen to the lyrics about men not being held accountable for their actions, “You keep your head high, smooth operator in a shit-stained suit” and hear it in a whole new light. ‘Liar’ holds up well against Paramore’s other softer classics, and ‘Thick Skull’ is the perfect slow-burning closer to wrap up the album.
While their last couple of albums were framed as reintroductions following lineup changes, This Is Why reinforces the purity of the remaining golden trio. Combining their rock roots with their pop flair and individual quirks, Paramore is now standing stronger than ever.
Buy the album here:
9 / 10
COLLEEN KANOWSKY