<\/p>\n
After the departure of founding band members, brothers Josh, lead guitarist, and Zac Farro, drummer, it comes as a welcome surprise that Paramore has come back fiercer than ever with a strong self-titled album. After previous albums highlighting the struggle and fight to make it on to the music scene, their new album, simply titled Paramore, is a reflection of how comfortable they are now with their presence and influence. In an interview with \u201cRolling Stone\u201d in January, front woman Hayley Williams said after the split with the Farro brothers the band \u201cjust really wanted to enjoy the process of making an album,\u201d which is strongly reflected in the new sounds and themes implemented in its fourth studio album.<\/p>\n
The album, consisting of 14 tracks and three minute-long interludes, highlights the challenges of growing up, long-distance relationships and finding self-acceptance.<\/p>\n
The first single, \u201cNow,\u201d brings back into play the fighting spirit that has helped Paramore get this far in its career. Williams goes all in, challenging the rumors that said Paramore would disband after the Farro brothers left, singing, \u201cIf there\u2019s a future, we want it now,\u201d and chanting, \u201cDon\u2019t try to take this from me \/ Don\u2019t try to take this from me.\u201d After finally finding its footing, it feels as if the band is ready and excited to tackle the future, with the amount of passion and fire behind the first single.<\/p>\n
The three interludes, consisting of Williams\u2019 voice and a ukulele, lighten up the album. Simple minute-long verses, playing on different concepts that leave you wanting a little more or a full track provide a break from the lengthier songs. In \u201cHoliday,\u201d Williams sings about the perks of growing up and getting out of high school. \u201cNow I can move on to facing \/ Big girl problems \/ No more high school drama,\u201d Williams\u2019 sultry voice pours through, creating a vision of a young girl who feels as if she has all the answers, but has yet to learn what the right questions are.<\/p>\n
In another track simply titled \u201cProof,\u201d the band goes into an upbeat tempo, while singing about the heart-wrenching struggles of a long-distance relationship.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really hard \/ I can\u2019t cry in your arms cause you\u2019re not here,\u201d Williams sings with bittersweet sass, not wanting to completely admit how much she misses her man, but letting him know she\u2019s thinking of him.<\/p>\n
Rolling into the chorus, Williams sings, \u201cBaby, if I\u2019m half the man I say I am \/ If I\u2019m a woman with no fear just like I claim I am \/ Then I\u2019ll believe in what you say \/ There\u2019s nothing left for you to do \/ The only proof that I need is you,\u201d as if trying to talk herself into remembering how strong she can be while missing her boyfriend.<\/p>\n
The peculiarly titled track \u201c(One of Those) Crazy Girls\u201d plays in to a different side of Paramore\u2019s writing talent and ability. Opening with soft, playful tones, a completely smitten and borderline-obsessed Williams sings to her lover, \u201cNow when you say you want to slow down \/ Does it mean you want a slow dance? \/ Maybe you just want a little extra time to focus \/ On our romance.\u201d<\/p>\n
The song turns around once Williams realizes the love of her life actually wants to slow down their relationship. She goes on to sing about how she will go into his apartment with, \u201ca key that I copied,\u201d and how, \u201csoon as you walk out my door \/ I\u2019m gonna call a hundred times.\u201d<\/p>\n
The album was a great comeback for a band that most critics assumed would disband after founding members left on bad terms. Some of the themes are a bit recycled, but it\u2019s nice to hear the band making music for fun. I give \u201cParamore\u201d three and a half out of five stars<\/p>\n
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After the departure of founding band members, brothers Josh, lead guitarist, and Zac Farro, drummer, it comes as a welcome surprise that Paramore has come back fiercer than ever with a strong self-titled album. After previous albums highlighting the struggle and fight to make it on to the music scene, their new album, simply…<\/p>","protected":false},"author":88897,"featured_media":8425,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"staff_name":[624],"class_list":["post-8424","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arts-entertainment","staff_name-mary-carpenter"],"yoast_head":"\n