Paramore’s new self-titled album, introduces a new style for the band while still keeping some of the classic Paramore feel.
After four years of not releasing a new album, Paramore has returned with a few new band members and a bit of a different sound in some tracks.
While the band members and the songs may be new, the sound of the album is distinctly Paramore.
“Paramore” starts off strong, similarly to Paramore’s previous albums, with “Fast in My Car” The song has a catchy drum beat, a matching lead guitar, clashing sound effects and lead singer Hayley Williams’ distinct voice and lyrics.
Some of the more notably different songs are the three interludes spaced throughout the album.
These songs feature Williams’ vocals and the relaxing sounds of a ukulele.
The sound of the interludes can be described as similar to the song “Misguided Ghosts” from the previous album “Brand New Eyes.”
Other songs that stray a bit from Paramore’s better known sound include “Grow Up,” “Ain’t it Fun” and “Hate to See Your Heart Break.”
“Grow Up” has a beat that makes its listeners want to dance as opposed to banging their heads like most of Paramore’s previous songs.
The lyrics have a bit of a more intense message, which can help remind old fans that Paramore is still the same band.
Despite the differences in the band’s normal style, Paramore makes it work well.
“Ain’t it Fun” deceives the listener into thinking the song may just be something dance to, but the title is rather facetious. The “fun” refers to “living in the real world,” as mentioned in the chorus. Still, similar to “Grow Up,” the song has a beat that’s easy to dance to.
Later during the song a gospel choir harmonizes with Williams for the bridge to add an even more interesting sound to Paramore’s album.
“Hate to See Your Heart Break,” on the other hand, does not have a dance beat at all.
This song makes the second of Paramore’s love songs, the only other one being the hit “Only Exception.”
“Only Exception” doesn’t seem like a love song at all compared to “Hate to See Your Heart Break.”
This track oozes sweetness and love from the instrumentals to Williams’ gently sung high notes.
Despite this, very few other artists could produce this song and make it sound so unique.
Fans who have been keeping tabs on the band will recognize singles “Now” and “Still Into You.” These songs are well-placed throughout the album; therefore people who buy the album get a bit of a taste of the other songs on the album in between the singles.
Songs on the album that will remind fans of the Paramore they know and love include “Part II,” “Anklebiters” and “Be Alone” to name a few.
The album ends on a powerful note with the song “Future,” as a contrast to the single “Now.” The song starts off with a melancholy rhythm with lyrics, but the instrumentals begin to build about half way through the song, fade out and then reappear.
“Paramore” has a quality that can be difficult for bands to reach after so many years spent on an album hiatus. If all goes well with this album, Paramore may continue to produce more albums, hopefully before 2017.
