Paramore - "This Is Why"

Yes, but why WHAT? I wasn't paying attention

It’s been a while since I’ve stopped to listen to Paramore, so I’m not wholly familiar, anymore, with what they typically sound like. But I expect a certain sound, along the lines of Pop/Alt Rock, infused with some Punk elements, based on what I recall from the ‘00s and “Misery Business”. That sound is present, but it also feels like it’s warped or evolved somewhat, and I’m firmly reminded of Williams’ solo albums from the last few years, which were more firmly in the Art Pop space.

This Paramore, with their unique ‘Art Pop Rock’ sound, feels more fully evolved than the Paramore I was vaguely familiar with at the end of my high school years. There are some incredibly fun riffs and hooks in many tracks, and Williams’ vocals are a blend of practiced and whimsical.

The album is held back, in large part, by the amount of repetition on several tracks, such as “C’est Comme Ca” and “Big Man, Little Dignity”. I cannot stand having one or two lines repeated twenty times. But the title track, “This is Why”, and a few others, such as “Figure 8”, “Liar”, and “Crave” are just incredible.

Rating: Teal Blue