Top Albums of 2023: Paramore - This Is Why

The longevity and consistency of Paramore is quite impressive. Not many emo/pop punk bands from the 2000s have maintained the same success and relevance as Paramore. This may be due, in part, to the band's willingness to reinvent themselves throughout their career. Their album, This is Why, sounds equally like a reinvention and a return to form, with the band shifting back to their guitar-driven sound. The influence of bands like Bloc Party and Foals can be heard throughout the album; bands that Paramore has stated were significant influences on this record. But the band makes it their own by merging the sounds of the 2000s post-punk revival with the catchy and pop-rock sound they are known for.

The album kicks things off with the title track, "This is Why." If the dancing drums of Zac Farro don't get you moving, the funky bassline is sure to. Haley Williams's cheeky sarcasm is as endearing as ever.

"If you have an opinion

Maybe you should shove it

Or maybe you could scream it

Might be best to keep it to yourself."

The groovy verses transition into a hard-hitting chorus, complimented by Taylor York's catchy and sharp guitar work. The track sounds like a paranoid anthem for introverts who'd rather stay inside and seek refuge, shielding themselves from the chaos and destruction of the modern world.

"This is why I don't leave the house

You say the coast is clear

But you won't catch me out."

The second track, "The News," gives the album an excellent one-two-punch introduction. The track holds the same fiery aggression that ignited the band on their 2009 album Brand New Eyes. Hayley sings about the struggles with her mental health while also witnessing chaos and destruction in the world on the daily news.

But it's not all dread on the album! The band has some fun, danceable tracks with excellent grooves and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. "Running Out of Time" is about Hayley's inability to be anywhere on time. This song perfectly resonates with those of us who send the text "On my way!" ten minutes before we've actually left.

"C'est Comme Ça," is a French phrase that translates to "it is what it is" in English. It is a fun track that takes a cynical yet playful look at self-progression. The track features Taylor York's piercing guitar work and a sarcastic, deadpan delivery from Hayley, giving the impression of a self-aware manic depressive whose life is falling apart but too apathetic to do anything about it.

The band slows things down on a few tracks, some of which are my favorites on the album. "Big Man, Little Dignity" examines the type of smooth-talking playboy that men glorify yet women despise. The song starts with a brooding synth, painting a shadowy and melodic scene before the rest of the band joins, picking up the tempo. The track is a perfect score for a dimly lit nightclub, where you walk to the bar, order a drink, and notice a stranger on the other end of the room trying to get your attention.

"Don't mean to stare at you from across the room

It's like I'm glued to the sheer sight of you

And you're so smooth, it's pitiful

Know you could get away with anything, so that's exactly what you do."

Hayley doesn't find herself in a romantic meet-cute with this man. Instead, she sees him for what he truly is: an overly confident sleaze with no integrity. The song's smooth and intoxicating groove makes it easy to dance along and further showcases Paramore's ability to fuse rock with synth-pop. While Hayley points out these men's selfish and toxic nature, the song ends with the unfortunate reality these men are rarely held accountable for their actions.

"I keep thinking

This time the end will be different

But it isn't

I keep thinking

The end is gonna be different

But you keep on winning."

"Crave" is a mid-tempo track that embodies all the elements that have made Paramore a beloved band. The guitar work on this track is reminiscent of their debut album, All We Know Is Falling, but with a more subdued and mature sound. Listening to it feels like revisiting memories but with more wisdom and experience. This reflective nature is also present in the lyrics, as Hayley looks back at even the troubled past with fondness.

"I romanticize even the worst of times

When all it took to make me cry was being alive."

Lyrics like these seem tailor-made for Tumblr posts and are sure to resonate with emos of all ages.

The final song on the album, "Thick Skull," weaves together all the themes and elements explored throughout the record, providing a powerful and emotional ending to the album. Even after almost 20 years, Paramore still manages to maintain the energy of a band with something to prove. Whether you're a current fan or used to be one, This is Why is sure to have something that resonates with you. The band manages to successfully incorporate the signature flair that made them a driving force in music while adding some new features that keep them sounding fresh.

Fav Tracks:

"This is Why"

"Big Man, Little Dignity"

"You First"

"Crave"

"Thick Skull"

Score: 10 Thick Skulls out of 10 Big Men with Dignity.

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