Unless you’ve been living under a rock-music rock for the past few months, you will have noticed that the band Paramore has made their return to music after a 5-year break following their last album After Laughter in 2017. I am a huge fan of both the band Paramore and their lead singer Hayley Williams, so this was exciting news. (I had already dyed my hair with Ms. Williams’ hair dye brand in her signature orange shade, so needless to say I was prepared!) Despite the band’s break, Hayley Williams still released some solo albums over the past few years, which kept us fans excited for more once the band returned.
And what a return it was! “This is Why” released as a debut single and title track to Paramore’s 6th studio album which is set to be released in early February of next year. After listening, I was pleasantly surprised to see they are trying to meld the style they’re known for from previous albums with the more artistic, indie vibes of Hayley’s individual work. The intro to “This is Why” seemed to pull from the 1960s “surf-rock” motifs, wasting no time jumping right into bass and drum-driven beat. The vocals are where Hayley’s style really shines. She’s known for being a vocal powerhouse, but as her career has progressed, it’s obvious she has developed unparalleled levels of control over her voice. Throughout the song, and much of her solo discography, she has a lightness and tenderness to her voice while still packing a punch where it counts.
For now, “This is Why” is a stand-alone single. There were rumors that a second single is coming before the album releases, but all we’ve seen are some behind-the-scenes sneak peek videos of Paramore in the recording studio. From what is audible in these videos, “This is Why” is a good representation of how the whole album is going to sound. Personally, I think this is a fantastic next step in their evolution as a band. With a lot of groups that were a part of the early 2000s emo boom, it’s difficult to predict how they’ll progress as all of their members age and their musical inspirations evolve. It seems that Paramore has mastered the goal of sticking to its roots while maturing and developing its sound enough to keep it new and fresh for its audience and themselves as musicians.
Since there is only one song from the album out so far, it’s hard to tell exactly what’s in store, but I have high hopes for the album. They’re currently on tour, and it has been great to see the band members finding joy and freedom in performing again after so many years. I hope the joy that comes through all of the tour videos is going to be reflected in the songs on the album. Hayley has said in interviews about her solo work that it was a healing process for her. In interviews about this upcoming album, the band has said they are going through some healing and development as well. The band has been on the scene for almost 20 years, so all of the members account for some sort of personal growth attached to the band’s music. All of this being said, I’m excited to hear this growth personified via “This is Why,” the album. It looks like it will be a genuine celebration of where they are now as a band, as well as pulling from themes of the state of the world. Between statements about personal growth, they have also been clear in interviews, specifically one with The Guardian, that their experience throughout the COVID pandemic and the political state of the US, especially since they’re from the south, has been a main inspiration of the album.
No matter how this album turns out, I know I am going to be first in line to stream it when it releases! And I am super jealous of anyone who lives in Arizona because it was recently announced that Paramore will be performing one show on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in March of next year!
