Paramore’s “This Is Why” Might Be Their Best Album Yet
It's been over six years since Paramore’s album “After Laughter” made its debut. Now, Paramore is finally back with their newest album “This is Why.” “This is Why” is an explosive and short-lived LP, which has sounds reminiscent of late 90s alternative rock bands such as The Cardigans and Garbage. It also blends the sound of their earlier albums such as “All We Know is Falling” and “Brand New Eyes” and some of the frontwoman Hayley Williams’ newer solo music. All the past influences help create the unique, dark sound that we had yet to hear from the Nashville natives until now.
The title track “This is Why” begins with the lyrics “if you have an opinion, maybe you should shove it or maybe you could scream it, might be best to keep it to yourself.” This seems to call out critics of the band straight out of the gate and really sets the tone for the rest of the record. Accompanied by the loud, intricate guitars and group vocals on the chorus, this song stands out amongst the rest of the track list as a quirky, fun earworm.
The third song on the album, “Running Out of Time,” shows a different side of William’s songwriting. She writes from a more conversational perspective. It's as if she’s speaking straight to the listener the entire song. There’s no filter or embellishment, she’s simply “running out of time.” This is also the most unhinged vocally Hayley’s been on a Paramore album since "Brand New Eyes." The track toys with new vocal sounds like the little squeals coming into the chorus and a more soulful approach to the melody. Paired with the syncopated, off-meter guitar riffs and beautiful bass work, this song is sure to grab the attention of any music lover.
“Big Man, Little Dignity” is a pretty self-explanatory song title. Williams expresses her opinion of a certain person on this heavily Cardigan’s inspired track in a less-than-favorable way, to say the least. Lyrics that showcase these emotions include “you’re so smooth, it’s a pitiful” and “smooth operator in a shit-stained suit.” The loose, open instrumental compliments the soft, syrupy sweet vocal delivery. This leaves the listener hanging on to every line and note. To top the song off, it ends with a beautiful flute solo as the song gently fades out like fleeting anger.
“You First,” is the climax of the album and the best song both lyrically and instrumentally. “Just like a stray animal/I keep feeding scraps/I give it my energy/And it keeps on coming back/But just like a stray animal/I keep feeding scraps/I give it my energy/And it keeps on coming,” may be one of the best lines to come out of any Paramore song. The instrumental is also incredible. It ebbs and flows like a river throughout the song. It knows exactly when to be loud and abrasive and when to simmer down and let the vocals carry the tune. The bridge may also be one of the best bridges to come out of a Paramore song. It builds and builds until the listener's met with the loudest chorus. To finish out the song, the intro guitar riff comes back for a brief moment.
“Liar” is a beautiful love song from Williams to the band’s guitarist Taylor York. Dating rumors have circulated around the two since the end of the last album cycle. Hints of their relationship are on many songs from William’s solo music. The song is a slow burner. It encapsulates the feelings of finally being able to express your love to somebody. It’s gentle, kind, and heartfelt and invites the listener to go through the journey with the band.
“Crave” is a nostalgic song, not just lyrically but also sonically. It’s a dreamy, silky smooth song about living in the present and being thankful for what you have now instead of obsessing over what’s going to happen in the future. The twinkly guitars and rough vocals make this seem like a song straight off of “Brand New Eyes.” This song genuinely makes me feel like I’m floating. It gives me nostalgia for something that I’m not quite sure I’ve ever experienced.
After all the ups and downs of the album, the listener is met with the tenth and final track, “Thick Skull." This song puts William’s insecurities as an artist, friend, and public persona on full display. “Thick skull never did/Nothing for me/Same lesson again?/C’mon/Give it to me.” The dark sound on this closing track is a sharp contrast to everything else on the album. It reiterates the feelings of isolation and shame that come with the themes in this song. Zac Farro’s drums on this song are particularly stunning. He plays with the perfect amount of force and finesse to beat life into this song. Taylor’s guitar solo leaves the listener hanging on to every second of his jarring non-diatonic solo over the chorus chords. Once the final chorus hits and the guitars and drums are in full force, Williams belts out her feelings of self-loathing and merciless dissection of her psyche.
Paramore closes the album out with a reflection on the band’s history. Williams sings the following: “I pick 'em up and now my fingers are bleeding/And it looks like I’m caught red-handed.”
After all this analysis, you’re probably wondering, “Lucas, how does this compare to their other works???” The answer: I don’t know!! While I do love this album and all the risks it takes, it’s hard to compare a brand-new album to an entire discography that I’ve loved for years. Only time will tell how it stands in their extensive catalog. But one thing's for sure: this is a damn good album and definitely worth the listen.