Nathaniel Clark – A&E Editor 

nuc5002@psu.edu

On Feb. 10, alternative rock pioneers Paramore returned with “This Is Why.” Coming back almost six years after “After Laughter,” the band left behind the new wave and dance aesthetics of their previous record and restored closer to their pop-punk origins. 

While this is a return to form, Hayley Williams and company have grown up and their music has as well. Involving elements of post-punk and dance, the band presents itself in its most mature form. 

Between the last record, Paramore has grown, but less in a visual sense. For the first time for the group, the members have not changed between record releases. Instead, the trio has grown as people. 

The member with the most growth has evidently been Hayley Williams. Coming off “After Laughter,” a record that acted as a catharsis for Williams post her divorce, the singer-songwriter was set free during the band’s interim. 

In 2020 and 2021 respectively, Williams released her first two solo records: “Petals for Armor,” and Flowers for Vases.” Both records had Williams working on her lyricism and songwriting. These records are similar in tone to the work of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker. Comedically, the three musicians collaborated on both projects with backing vocals.

Additionally, Williams became a businesswoman, starting the brand Good Dye Young with longtime stylist Brian O’Connor. In essence, Hayley Williams has shown personal growth during these six years, making the return of Paramore very interesting. 

Paramore announced this new record on Sept. 28 along with releasing the lead single “This Is Why.” The album’s title track, the song acts as a perfect antithesis to the project. With bombastic vocals, Hayley details the challenges that come with being the frontwoman of a world-famous band. Whether it is the constant pressure from the public eye or having personal issues broadcast worldwide, this is why Williams does not leave the house. Underneath the vocals is some energetic guitar strumming from Taylor York and expressive drumming patterns from Zac Farro. The single was enigmatic that Paramore was back and stronger than ever. Unsurprisingly, this is the record’s first song. 

Moving onto “The News,” Williams moves from publicity to the cycle of modern knowledge. While there is no clear connection, there is a likely chance this war “on the other side of the planet” is the Ukraine-Russian conflict. Even though she is donating money to various causes, the singer feels “ feel useless behind [her] computer,” leading to additional stress on her already fractured mental state. In the bridge, Williams breaks down the lies and mistrust of the current news zeitgeist. Labeling their practices as “exploitative” and “deplorable” but also stating that as a society “all along, we called it normal.” 

Moving into more light-hearted matters, “Running Out of Time” details Hayley’s poor time management skills. This track and the following, “C’est Comme Ça,” detail her frustration with not being in control of things and her resistance to change, a theme laid on throughout the rest of the record. 

“Big Man, Little Dignity” has Williams dissecting the modern traditionally masculine man. Inside, the singer finds a ridiculous level of crassness, causing her to wonder what allows them to continue their tirades. Eventually, she concludes that the social and political patriarchy still prioritizes men over women and other gender minorities.

Picking up the pace is “You First.” Revolving around the central theme of choosing good over evil within yourself, Paramore sounds their most nostalgic on this track. The way Williams delivers her vocals feels pulled directly from the “Riot!” Assisting in the nostalgic feel are York and Farro who nail the pop-punk flair with ease. Using metaphors of wild animals fighting over scraps and slasher films, the band crafts the perfect picture of internal conflicts.

Similar to the previous track, “Figure 8” uses another metaphor as its lyrical basis. Referring to the infinite loop, Williams feels like her life is out of control and constantly revolving around the same motions. 

“Liar” is a slowdown compared to the previous songs. Lyrically, the track details Hayley’s denial of falling in love with fellow Paramore member Taylor York. Originally, she fought her feelings because she thought she was wrong to feel them. Perspectives switch at the end of the chorus with Williams coming to terms that even when she tried to hide her emotions, York always knew. 

“Thick Skull” is the album’s thematic culmination. With self-blame flowing, Hayley lets out all her fears. Released along with the rage is an absolute barrage of instrumentation. Mixing in elements of drone and shoegaze, the band crafts the perfect explosion to send off the record. 

After all is said and done, “This Is Why” is Paramore’s tell-all album. After growing through personal and emotional growth, the band has returned to show itself in a new light. 

While they may be different internally, Hayley Williams, Taylor York, and Zac Farro can still craft a fantastic record. You do not want to miss this.