This Is Why...I Love This Album

10/10. There’s really not much more I can say. Listen to this album. If you’re a music lover, of any genre, LISTEN TO THIS ALBUM. Especially if you’re into 80s, Talking Heads-ish, anthems. But there’s also a perfect mix of modern twists and turns to keep you on the edge or your seat.

It’s classic Paramore and it’s not. “This Is Why” still has Hayley Williams’ flawless vocals with lyrics that really say something.

This is the band’s first album in five and a half years and what a way to comeback.

I’ve been a fan of Paramore since ‘The Only Exception’. That song perfectly captured my pre-teen angst and at eleven years old had me crying over the boyfriend I didn't have. However, last year when the band released the first single, ‘This is Why’, I became a superfan. And each new single was an equal hit in my book (see my Top Songs of 2022 for my first nod to the band). The second single, ‘The News’, captures a feeling of mutual stress that most Americans have today: “Turn on/turn off the news”. And musically, the song rocks hard.

On Friday, the full album was released. Each new song I listened to, I kept saying to myself “no, this one is my favorite”. That’s a good album. ‘Running Out of Time’ is similar to ‘The News’ in that it explores a collective experience of wanting to do better as a human being. Taking flowers to neighbors, showing up to a party not empty handed, walking the dog a little longer. Things we all want to do and then…we don’t. This, dare I say, laziness of today’s culture is perfectly addressed in the song. And if Hayley is calling us selfish pricks…maybe we are? “Intentions only get you so far”.

‘Thick Skull’ reminds me of “The Wall” era Pink Floyd, and an overall older era of rock music. This one might be my new favorite…

I believe this album has something for everyone. If Paramore’s usual style isn’t for you, I think “This Is Why” is enough of a departure to earn the band a new fanbase. And if you’re a diehard fan, love the ‘Misery Business’ era and their emo sound, this album has enough of their usual flare as well.

Favorite song on the album: I can’t decide!

LISTEN TO "THIS IS WHY": https://open.spotify.com/album/6tG8sCK4htJOLjlWwb7gZB?si=GMMyweF7RF-6tHxGmPgMdA

My Top Songs of 2022: https://www.thehotchildinthecity.com/post/topsongsof2022