The first few months of 2013 have unveiled a plethora of new music, but nothing so satisfying, nay, nothing so glorious, as Paramore’s self-titled album that came out April 9.
Two singles from the album were released in March, “Now” and “Still Into You,” but nothing could quench the Paramore drought of four years except the full 17 track album.
In those four years, the band underwent some difficult times with members Zac and Josh Farro, who left in 2010 due to power struggle issues with lead singer, Hayley Williams. With that all behind them now, Williams, Taylor York and Jeremy Davis have come back fierce and ready to move forward.
Songs like “Now” and “Anklebiters” will please the more rocker/alternative fans with the edgier vocals and instruments, along with strong lyrics that bring out some of the emotions of the band.
The words of any song on this album have so much depth compared to other alternative bands like Fall Out Boy who sometimes sound like they are merely singing the same old songs that every band sings about.
Paramore’s songs have more meaning and also more variety. There are songs of love (“Still Into You”), songs of growing up (“Ain’t It Fun”), songs of just having fun (“Fast In My Car”), and even songs of wishing to be somewhere else (“Daydreaming”).
There are three interludes on the album as well. “I’m Not Angry Anymore” and “Moving On” are two that seem to fit perfectly together if played right after each other. Like their titles, they are about getting over something and moving past it, perhaps a relationship or perhaps the Farro brothers leaving the band.
The third interlude, “Holiday,” is completely different from the other two and is about getting a break from stress after graduating high school and getting to just “drink coffee” and “read the newspaper.” It’s a great minute-long song for any graduating senior.
Another song with a getting older vibe is “Grow Up.” It fits anyone of any age, though, because it’s about having to be mature and leaving people behind who can’t grow up and move forward.
There are only two true slow songs on the album; one being “Future.” It may not be the most upbeat song, but the lyrics focus on staying positive and “keeping your eyes on the future.” Luckily it still has the classic Paramore edge in the long instrumental.
The second slow song is “Hate To See Your Heart Break.” It’s from a different perspective than most love songs though. It’s about not wanting the other person to be hurt by anyone and that hearts won’t stay broken forever. It’s not as cheesy as it may seem.
The other songs on the album are just as incredible as the ones mentioned. Every song deserves a listen and though there may be ones that are better than others, there’s not a single song not worthy of being on this album. Every piece deserves the Top 10 on iTunes prestige the album has gotten, and many more praises.
The whole album encompasses the idea that no matter what happens, it’s best to move on and look to the future, just like the band has done after all the feuds. Self-titling the album shows that Paramore is ready to start fresh and though the band may not be the same group as they used to be, the direction they are moving forward seems like the perfect direction for their music.
