Review: “That’s Why” Paramore continues to exceed expectations

Paramore’s long-awaited sixth album reminds us that the pop-punk band isn’t going anywhere.

My first interaction with Paramore was in elementary school. My older cousin was obsessed with the band and I was obsessed with my older cousin, so the Paramore became the coolest band for me. She downloaded “Still Into You” to my iPod Touch, where she accompanied the “High School Musical 2” soundtrack, and called it “real music.”

Paramore have released six albums in the last 18 years, the latest of which, This Is Why, was released on February 10th. Paramore, consisting of lead singer Hayley Williams, guitarist Taylor York, and drummer Zach Farro, is one of the few bands in the 2000s emo scene. left standing. His new album speaks volumes about the band’s musical prowess, retroactively justifying Paramore’s five-year hiatus.

“This Is Why” consists of 10 songs and was released five years after Paramore’s last album “After Laughter”. IN interview with VilaWilliams said the new record “summarizes the many ridiculous emotions, the roller coaster of life in 2022, surviving even the last three or four years.” The rage and unbridled emotions one feels as a result of experiencing this time period are evident in the lyrics of the title track, which speaks to the isolation of the quarantine and the chaotic nature of the pandemic.

Throughout the album, Paramore remains close to its rock and punk roots, with heavy drumming and powerful guitar riffs. Williams said rolling stone that when creating the album, two main goals were pursued: “We are still in the thick of things, but some things have remained the same since the beginning. 1) More emphasis on guitar, and 2) Zach needs to play like Animal the way he wants, with drums.” The band’s signature animalistic sound hasn’t changed, which is perhaps why fans have remained loyal to them even after a five-year drought.

Williams’ vocals are stunning on every track. Her range is consistently unmatched and the passion she brings to her music has always set Paramore apart. On “You First”, the verses and chorus are quiet and muffled, while the chorus itself is chaotic and upbeat. The level of control she maintains over her voice throughout the album is admirable, especially given the level of emotion she conveys.

While this album continues the band’s previous patterns, the lyrics show just how much time has passed since Paramore entered the music scene. Williams’ lyrics no longer focus on vindictive ex-girlfriends – instead, they sink into the paranoid anxieties of growing up in times of social unrest and political turmoil, as seen in “C’est Comme Ça”, “Thick Skull”, and “You First.” For example, ” Fat Skull” offers the lyrics “Fat Skull Never Did / Nothing for Me / Same Lesson Again? / Come on Give Me Give Me”. The nonsensical syllables in “C’est Comme Ça” may be due to the backlash against “Misery Business”, one of Paramore’s most popular songs that has been hated for years due to supposedly anti-feminist rhetoric. afraid to make mistakes in his texts again.

The album itself is a combination of Paramore’s storytelling prowess and the band’s unique musicianship. The flow of “This is Why” helps smooth the transition into the pop-punk music scene. The first half of the album is about how the band finds its footing in this uncharted territory, while the second half is where it really shines. Williams’ vocals are elegant, while Farro and York make beats that seem out of place at first but eventually blend together. The act of abandoning its previous hot and heavy sound in favor of something slightly different was a bold one. After all, Paramore lasted 18 years because the band is good at what they do.

Evil guitar riffs, hard drums and unrealistic raucous vocals create a unique sound of rock mixed with pop punk. “That’s why” ultimately still reminiscent of the band’s past work because Paramore knows what its fans want. This selfless loyalty. The self-esteem of the band’s craft is evident in the enduring popularity of the band’s music – “All I Wanted” went viral on TikTok years after its release, and “Hard Times” is on every pool party playlist.

One can only hope we don’t have to wait another five years for the next album, but if that’s what Paramore needs to live up to its legacy, then so be it.

Contact Giulia Diorio by phone [email protected]