The very first album I ever bought was Paramore’s Riot! back in 2009. While the album came out in 2007, I had only just heard of them due to my brother getting into the pop-punk genre. “This band has a girl singer. I think you’ll like it,” he said. And I did. I would watch their music videos on the family computer, and wish I could have orange and yellow hair just like Hayley Williams. Something I have always admired about Paramore is the band’s ability to become a genre chameleon of sorts. I became a passive fan, listening to a few songs here and there, but it was 2017’s After Laughter that roped me back in and now here I am in 2023, bopping to their new album This is Why.
The title track is a strong opener. “This is Why” somehow blends the multiple genres Paramore has mastered all into one; it feels pop-punk and just plain pop. Repetitive and friendly, it is easy to see why this song was chosen to welcome listeners back. If early-career Paramore is your favourite, I recommend listening to “The News.” While it isn’t full old school Paramore, it is probably the closest fans will get to it. The song is angsty and a great nod to the past.
Instrumentally the album isn’t breaking any barriers, although “Figure 8” is arguably the best in this category. Every instrument shines on its own in this track, but the band’s ability to harmonize comes through in their cohesive sound. This was the song where I didn’t solely focus on Williams’ vocals or the lyrics being fed to me. I imagine it’s a great song to see the band perform live.
The album can feel repetitive at times. It isn’t doing anything wild and different from past releases from the band. In recent years I have made peace with being slightly disappointed by music released by artists I love. The mindset is almost like hey, the world is burning, let them groove to what they want, and that is exactly how I feel about this album. Is it my favourite Paramore album? No. Am I happy the band is making the music they want to? Yes!
Lyric-wise, a few of the songs are simple. “Crave” gives me relatable sad girl vibes to an upbeat tempo with basic lyrics which I can’t deny that I love. Yet, the track “Thick Skull” shows the band’s vulnerability, with Willliams crooning “I pick ‘em up and now my fingers are bleeding / And it looks like my fault / And it looks like I’m caught red-handed.” It’s demure and slow; the complete opposite of “This is Why” and an emotional closer for the album.
With a runtime of just over thirty-six minutes This is Why gives fans a slice of where the band’s lives are at right now, or at least their mindsets on the world. The album is short and sweet (and kinda sad) making it a digestible listen for casual fans and a few die hard ones.
Eva Davey is a UFV student majoring in English Literature and minoring in Media Communications. She is a fan of poetry, oat milk lattes, and the final girl trope. Currently, her worst enemy is the Good Reads app.