Paramore – Paramore

It’s always nerve wrecking for the fans (and of course the band themselves) when members change around before a new album is released....
Paramore : Paramore
7.0 Fueled by Ramen
2013 

Paramore : ParamoreIt’s always nerve wrecking for the fans (and of course the band themselves) when members change around before a new album is released; would they sound the same?  Would they attempt to vary their style?  Or would there be a new look entirely – a makeover so to speak?  After a sour split from former founding band mates Josh and Zac Farro, it’s clear that the direction in which Paramore is now headed has changed fairly drastically.  Gone are the heavier riffs, and punchy sounds of previous albums.  In its place are songs that follow a more mainstream route through mellow and ‘poptastic’ tunes, which can be seen to comment upon the split of the band members.

Pieces such as “Moving On”, “Ain’t It Fun” and “Grow Up” prove the new direction of the band and contrast quite proportionately with past albums such as Riot! and even Brand New Eyes – which had already begun to drift in style from their earlier titles.  It is hard to move away from the thought that some of these songs may have been created in order to show off a new, creative side to the band, now that its past members have moved on.  With acoustic ukulele interludes, synthesisers and even a gospel choir – certainly stirs things up a bit.  However, whether it’s for the better is another question, as all of these contrasting styles make the album into too much of a mismatch of styles that it simply seems messy and full of filler tracks.

Having said that Hayley Williams’ vocals are still on form as ever (though partially unrecognisable in some songs through the changes of style) and there are still the hand-full of pieces which resonate that familiar Paramore style we all know and love; “Still Into You”, “Fast In My Car”, “Day Dreaming” are included in the select few – the sure fire singles that will have you singing along before you know it.

Paramore – Still Into You

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