Paramore - Paramore

Paramore is proof that bands can get better with age. With each record the band's continued to grow and show more maturity. And with each record, my fandom grows. But losing two of your founding members in an ugly public leaving can be tough. And honestly, I wasn't a fan of Monster (the band's single from the Transformer's OST).

Paramore (the album) is a new chapter for the band. It's a coming out party as a three piece. Hayley said the record process was freeing and the band just wanted to leave every idea and song on the table. Nothing was off limits. And it shows.

The seventeen track album is broken up into four sides and includes interludes that break up each side. Each side has a different dimension to it.

Fast In My Car has familiar vibes to some of Paramore's previous work but the song is more groove driven than anything else the band has done. Ilan Rubin's work on drums shines and Taylor York's guitar work final gets the spotlight and he takes advantage of it. Now, the album's first single, is a strong rock song. York's groove oriented guitar riff drives the verse and the hook is strong and extremely catchy. It makes for a great lead single. It not only connects with long time fans but you cam hear subtle shifts in the band's music.

Songs like Grow Up and Daydreaming continue the musical evolution and shift we heard on Brand New Eyes. Catchy rock songs moving away from the band's early angsty emo/punk sound. Both are beautiful songs with great hooks.

It's the second "side" of the record that's my favorite. Ain't It Fun is both keeping with what Paramore's done over their career while completely shifting their sound on it's head. It's more upbeat, fun rock with infectious, groove driver guitar riffs. Hayley's vocals soar. But when the second chorus/bridge hits the song takes a gospel turn. It sounds weird but it work's beautifully. The choir that accompanies Paramore on the song adds another dimension to the song that takes it from a good song to a great song.

Part II is my second favorite track on the record. Like Further SeemS Forever and Dashboard Confessional vocalist Chris Carrabba, Hayley William's faith has been put on question over the past couple years. The public quitting of the Farro brothers only fueled that fire. But Part II is a beautiful song about the need for grace and mercy. The last line of the song is beautiful.

"If you let me, I will catch fire to let your glory and mercy shine."

They're easily Hayley's best lyrics to date.

Last Hope has a great slow build the ends with a gang chorus. Still Into You is a straight forward rock and roll love song. And by rock and roll I mean bubble gum pop.

Future ends the record on an epic indie rock note. It's a super lo-fi song that out of context and even in context feels a little out of place. But the simplicity and subtlety of the song reveal an honesty in William's vocals that we haven't really heard from Paramore before. The song builds beautifully and the epic seven minute track closes out the record with the most beautiful piece of music Paramore has written to date.

This is easily Paramore's best record to date. The songs are beautifully written and extremely catchy. There is something for old fans and potential new fans. There isn't a misstep on this album.