Paramore: This Is Why
Photo Credit: Zachary GrayIt’s been a little over two weeks since alternative legends Paramore dropped their 6th studio album, This Is Why and it is arguably the most emotionally mature album in their discography.
Paramore first came onto the scene in 2004, with lead singer Hayley Williams signing a 6 album record deal and This Is Why being the last album to complete that deal.
Being a Paramore fan since I was an impressionable young pre-teen, I’ve learned FAST that bands change their sounds and the types of stories they tell through their music. These aren’t the angsty 16 to 23 year-olds that we were first introduced to and that’s okay, maturing is realizing that not every song needs to sound the same.
This Is Why is the first and title track for the album as well as their first single, this song was like a culmination of how a lot of us felt during the global pandemic, disappointment in the human culture towards each other and maybe staying in the house is the better idea. Guitarist Taylor York’s intricate guitar melody shines not only in this title track but the rest of the album.
You First is my personal favorite off the 10 track album, Hayley’s stream of conscious type writing in this song rains supreme. With nods to her solo songs back in 2020 ‘Thought I’d simmer down as I got older’ and unforgettable lyrics that blew my mind ‘Turns out, I’m living in a horror where I’m both the killer and the final girl’.
Photo Credit: Zachary GrayFigure 8 was a shock to my system, with Zac Farro’s percussions holding the song together on this solid foundation as Hayley’s lyrics a vocals tell a story running yourself dry on a situation that will never change, a warning to stop while you're ahead before you forget who you are and there is no end in sight.
This album was made to be pressed into a vinyl and played at full volume with your eyes closed just so you don’t miss anything in the stories that Hayley, Zac and Taylor weave.
This Is Why Tracklist:1. This Is Why 2. The News3. Running Out Of Time 4. C’est Comme Ça5. Big Man Little Dignity6.You First 7. Figure 88. Liar 9. Crave10. Thick SkullThis Is Why is out now on all platforms.