Paramore – Paramore

It was just eight years ago that Paramore released their debut album All We Know Is Falling, and after the 2009 release of their third studio album Brand New Eyes (which went Platinum in the U.K and Gold in the States) the band have taken the world by storm with massive hits such as The Only Exception, Misery Business and Emergency.

The 9^th April 2013 marks the release of their latest highly anticipated self-titled album, produced by Nine Inch Nails bassist Justin Meldal-Johnsen.

First track Fast in My Car opens the album with a dance-able drum loop, crashing cymbals and unusual, bit-crushed techno sounds. The song features a catchy chorus and is a great feel-good song – the sort to be blared out of your car window on a summer road-trip.

Now is the first release off the album, a powerful, teenage anthem in which Williams declares with conviction: “There’s a time and a place to die, but this ain’t it.”

The second release, Still Into You contains sweet, romantic lyrics, in which the singer accepts the bad parts of her relationship (“even on our worst nights”), acknowledging that after all their time together, she’s still “into” her lover.

Meanwhile, penultimate track (One Of Those) Crazy Girls is amusingly ironic with a 50s, sweetheart, rockabilly sound and crazy ex-girlfriend/stalker lyrics: “as soon as you walk out my door, I’m gonna call a hundred times,” while the singer insists “…I’m not one of those crazy girls”.

Future is the final eight-minute track on the album, and summarises the general feeling of the whole work: a theme of new beginnings, looking to the future and forgiveness. “Think of the future, think of your dreams”, Williams preaches with high optimism.

Overall, there is an eclectic mix of emotions invoked in Paramore, with a strong sense of independence, maturity, and hope. Even the slightly sadder songs aren’t all doom and gloom, aided by the cheery guitar sound: this is a definite summer album, for fans old and new. Paramore…we’re still into you! 

Verdict: ★★★★★

Gemma Whitfield

Paramore is released on 8^th April 2013, but you can pre-order the album here.

Watch the video for Now here: