ALBUM REVIEW – Paramore – Paramore

Paramore – Paramore
Released 4/9/13 – Fueled By Ramen
Written By Richard Ramirez

It’s been about four years since the release of “Brand New Eyes“, and almost two years since “The Singles Club” was released. After a few releases, line-up changes, as well as some growing pains, Paramore have now unleashed their self-titled album onto the world. As Paramore was included in our “Most Anticipated Albums Of 2013” list, expectations were high for us. The first single released, “Now“, was a fantastic hors d’oeuvre to the main course that is the seventeen songs packed album. The big question that was raised, as with all first singles on new albums, is the song a good representation of what the album was going to sound like? The opening track, Fast In My Car, showcases from the get-go that Paramore have taken experimentation and grabbed it by the horns. Throughout the whole album, the group shows experimentation and growth. Most notably, Hayley Williams vocals as well as lyrics have shown substantial maturity.

The one thing that may discourage the listener is the fact there is about seventeen songs on the album. While that may sound overwhelming, it is essential to listen to the whole album as it is one grand journey for Paramore as well as the listener. As we previously stated, Paramore have shown maturity in terms of musicianship. Tracks such as “Part II, Grow Up, & Daydreaming” showcase the band’s ability to transcend their sound to the next level. Sprinkled in between are poppier songs such as “Still Into You, & Ain’t It Fun” showcase the band’s ability to create upbeat songs that will have you tapping your foot as soon as the song begins. The album also features three interludes that, in my opinion, serve as checkpoints for the album and serve well as setting the tone for the songs that follow. The album closer, Future, perhaps the most ambitious track on the album which appropriately closes the album on a high note. In what could almost be described as an experience rather than a listening session the track starts off slowly then crescendos in the middle of the song then stops gradually then picks up once again and ends the album remarkably.

In conclusion, Paramore have created an album that shows growth in all aspects. Furthermore, the band created this album without sacrificing the signature Paramore sound they have created with their first three albums and have set the bar for future releases. Fans of Paramore should take the journey and dive into the album with open-minds to see the stepping stones that will be the new era of Paramore. Despite the problems the band has withstood in the past four years since the release of Brand New Eyes, Paramore have proven that they are here stay.

SCORE:
9/10

Paramore Is:Hayley Williams
Jeremy Davis
Taylor York