Paramore

Different but great!
I have been a Paramore fan for a long time now. They are actually my favorite band. With their previous albums there was tons of energy, charisma, and just plain old good music. When I found out that Josh and Zac Farro left the band I was devastated. They were both major assets to the band.
When Paramore came out with their Singles EP without the Farro brothers I was hopeful. Their sound was still pretty much intact. I wasn't left disappointed. A little later "Now" came out. I liked it but it wasn't quite like the old Paramore. Then "Still Into You" came out and I was left a little disappointed. Both singles were great, but the signature sound was gone.
Well, their CD came out and I bought it anyway. I have to say that the first listen through wasn't doing too much for me. There were some catchy songs here and there, but the Paramore I used to know was gone. Even Hayley's vocals have slightly changed. But the second time listening through it I realized that this album was...

Well Worth The Wait
I must admit that for the longest time, i truly despised Paramore. For no particular reason (except maybe their fans, but that's a stupid reason to dislike something). Finally, I listened to Riot! and was hooked instantly (truly shocking because my fave bands are Marilyn Manson, NIN, Ministry, ect). Around that time I started reading all the articles about how Hayley Williams split with the original dudes and was making a dramatic return. I thought that Paramore was probably over before I could even fully get into them....

Skip forward a couple months to the release of the single "Now", and i downloaded it cuz...well, it's only a dollar right? I put it onto a random playlist and was blown away by how good it was--almost instantly! Later that night i ordered the album.

It was extra tantalizing waiting for the record to arrive, because it took weeks longer than the seller had informed me (that's what i get for going the cheaper route). It was gonna have to be a...

Different sound for the band, but still good
Paramore's self-titled fourth album is a strong follow up to the band's third release "Brand New Eyes". The band's sound has changed a bit. Not surprising, since the band's members have changed. Instead of a straight pop-punk sound, elements of electronic rock, retro new wave, and indie pop have been incorporated into their usual sound. I do miss the band's old sound a bit. Hayley's irresistible attitude is less present and the youthful rebellion has weaned. But bands, especially pop-punk bands, have to grow up. And their new sound works well, and they haven't shed most of the things we've come to love about the band. The guitar riffs and percussion pack a punch, Hayley's voice is still awesome, and often the songs are catchy and have great energy.

The lyrical content isn't as strong as their last album though. The production of this album is their strongest, but the songwriting is a step down. "Brand New Eyes" has many reflective lyrics, but they are lacking on this...

Click to Editorial Reviews