Album Review: Paramore - This Is Why
Release Date: February 10, 2023
Runtime: 36 min 16 sec
Rating: 79/100
High Tracks: The News, Running Out Of Time, Figure 8, Crave
Low Tracks: placeholder
It's been about a month and a half since Paramore's return with their newest album, This Is Why, and I feel that's just enough time to let a piece of music simmer. Since this has already been a heavily reviewed and analyzed album, I plan to keep it pretty minimal and save the deep dives for other projects. Overall, This Is Why is a very positive album with a number of bright spots, leading to a satisfactory re-emergence of the pop-punk icon. I would not go so far as to say it is the highlight of their discography, but with Paramore already cemented into the hearts of many adoring fans, I don't see the album fading away and being forgotten.
In both theme and style, This Is Why could be divided into two equal length EPs and work just as well. The first five tracks sonically fit closer to some of the group's previous works (Brand New Eyes and Paramore eras), but with a more targeted approach to social commentary. Each of the five tracks pinpoints a specific issue:
1. This Is Why - To me, this song covers the fact that it's incredibly easy to broadcast an opinion these days, and it's often the most unnecessary opinions that are the loudest. In Hayley's context, she has received constant criticism throughout her career for being an outspoken frontwoman for the band.
2. The News - How detrimental the 24-hour news-cycle is for the general public's mental health.
3. Running Out Of Time - Filled with the idea that good intentions mean nothing without action, as well as not taking proper accountability for mistakes.
4. C'est Comme Ca - Literally meaning "It's Like That," this track is a comedic acceptance of the increasing number of physical and mental health issues arising with age.
5. Big Man, Little Dignity - Today's idea of success is often tied to power and wealth, with little regard for anything else. This song calls out that approach and how even acknowledging this fact isn't enough to stop it.
The start of "You First," ushers in the second half of the album and what sounds like an entirely new EP. In this half, there's a fresher sound that aligns closer to frontwoman Hayley Williams' solo work more than anything the group has produced together. The songwriting feels more natural and there's a greater contrast between the louder and softer moments across these songs. A grittier edge appears in "Figure 8," but quickly disappears into the raw and emotional "Liar." Call it a confession, call it testimony, or call it an apology. Whatever it is to you, it's easily one of Hayley's most emotional pieces. Admitting to herself and the world her love for band mate and partner, Taylor York, could not have been easy. She's fought years of pressure and conjecture from thousands upon thousands of fans but was still able to remain true to herself. And from there, the emotions continue to stack with the last two tracks of the album, "Crave," and "Thick Skull." Reflecting on past highs and lows, mistakes made, and lessons not learned, this trio of vulnerability caps off This Is Why in a beautiful sonic and lyrical tapestry. Personally, I am satisfied with Paramore's graceful return and certainly hope the next wait isn't as long.