Paramore’s hiatus finally ends

By Mat Bejarano STAFF WRITER

American rock band Paramore’s newest album, “This Is Why,” released on Friday, successfully expands on the group’s versatile discography.

After an almost six year hiatus — including a solo album from lead singer Hayley Williams with contributions from her other bandmates, the Tennessee collective is finally back with their sixth studio album.

“This Is Why” is the band’s second shortest album, and has a run time of just over 36 minutes with 10 songs.

The album opens with the title track, “This Is Why,” which was an early release as the lead single back in Sept. 2022 — serves a catchy and strong beginning.

The instrumentals on this song feel as though the band really took those six years to focus on every single detail, as the bass line rings out in the intro to drive the song.

Williams is known for her vocal ability and she shines once again on this album, especially on the tracks “The News” and “Running Out Of Time.”

“The News” was the band’s second early release for this album and sticks out like a sore thumb.

While the singing is great, it feels out of place and acts as some sort of fan service for

Rating: all of the listeners who have been supporters since their 2007 album, “Riot!”

I’m sure the song will be a fan favorite on their upcoming arena tour, but it is an easy skip for me as it lacks the replay value that their first single does.

Fans of the group can hear similarities from Paramore’s 2017 album, “After Laughter” with up-beat guitar riffs in the track “You First.”

Tracks “Big Man, Little Dignity” and “Figure 8” are standouts because of the fantastic incorporation of wind instruments.

Williams’ vocal performance in both songs really feels as though she is singing with her whole heart.

The eighth track “Liar” is one of the more compelling songs as Williams gets personal about her previous love affairs and how she’s reflecting on her current relationships.

Williams’ vulnerability can be felt through speakers in the bridge, “Love is not an easy thing to admit/ But I’m not ashamed of it/ Love is not weakening if you feel it rushin’ in/ Don’t be ashamed of it.”

This track in particular demonstrates how much the group’s songwriting changed when compared to their edgier punk rock sound at the start of their career, such as their 2007 hits “Misery Business” and

Artist: Paramore Release Date: Feb. 10, 2023

Genre: Alternative

“That’s What You Get.”

“It’s so scary to think that you know what it’s like to be in a good relationship only to find you’ve been fooling or even kidding yourself,’’ Williams said about the song in a Feb. 8 video interview with Zane Lowe.

Williams’ vocals are the first thing to come to mind when thinking about Paramore’s musical ability, however drummer Zac Farro makes big attributes as his drumming is perfect on tracks “Figure 8,” “C’est Comme Ça” and “Crave.”

The band’s guitarist Taylor

York work on the album improves and serves importance as it progresses, especially in the intro of songs “Liar,” “You First” and “Thick Skull.”

“Thick Skull” is the final song on the album and is another emotional ballad from Williams where she self reflects on her connections and insecurities.

The aggressive drums and guitar played in the chorus are perfectly placed and helps develop the theme of self-reflection.

Williams’ pain is felt in the lyrics, “I am a magnet for broken pieces/ I am attracted to broken people/ I pick ‘em up and now my fingers are bleedin’/ And it looks like my fault.”

The album is another milestone for the group and while it doesn’t compare to their previous album, “This Is Why” proves why they have had such longevity compared to other bands that rose to fame around the same time around the same time.

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