At this point in Paramore’s two-decade career, the beloved pop-punk/emo band has far surpassed their early expectations of fame. They have influenced a new generation of artists, from Soccer Mommy to Lil Uzi Vert. Interestingly, Paramore no longer plays pop-punk or emo and has little interest in looking back, except for special occasions like Billie Eilish inviting Hayley Williams to perform “Misery Business.” Instead, they reflect on their journey and how far they’ve come.
No longer identifying with the Warped Tour scene that launched them, Paramore has evolved far beyond their small-town, Christian-adjacent beginnings. They are now in good company with their 2023 tourmate Taylor Swift, who also started in one genre (country) and transitioned to trailblazing pop. Paramore’s self-titled 2013 album featured pop singles like “Still Into You” and “Ain’t It Fun,” their only top-10 hit. The real shift in their sound came with 2017’s After Laughter, which embraced new wave and afropop influences.
Like Swift, Paramore draws inspiration from various genres and experiences, letting their music evolve with them. They are trend-setters, not followers. The rise of younger artists who grew up listening to Paramore’s early albums, like Soccer Mommy, Snail Mail, and Billie Eilish, is a testament to their enduring influence. Young female artists, especially those of color or from less privileged backgrounds, face challenges in the music industry. Williams, who dealt with sexism in the emo and punk scenes, has always supported female and LGBTQ+ artists, inviting them on tour with Paramore.
Paramore’s early hits like “crushcrushcrush” and “Misery Business” were sincere and original, never pandering to trends. This authenticity continues to define them. Six years after After Laughter, Hayley Williams, Zac Farro, and Taylor York are now in their 30s, far removed from their teenage years. Emo has become an aesthetic, and while Paramore could capitalize on its resurgence, they choose to stay true to themselves.
Their new album, This Is Why, produced by longtime collaborator Carlos de la Garza, addresses contemporary issues like media overload (“The News”), political polarization (“This Is Why”), and the struggles of the burnout generation (“Running Out Of Time”). Williams, an early adopter of social media, announced in 2021 that she would step back from personal accounts to maintain a healthier boundary between her public and private life.
This Is Why reflects the world outside while delving into how we internalize these external pressures. Tracks like “Running Out Of Time” capture the feeling of setting intentions but always falling short. The album is influenced by the indie-sleaze 2000s, with dance-rock melodies and tight drumming. Bloc Party is a key influence, and Paramore’s tour includes Bloc Party and Foals. Songs like “You First” and “Figure 8” showcase this influence, while the ballad “Liar” and the reflective “Crave” offer different tones.
The album closes with “Thick Skull,” where Williams reflects on past mistakes. Paramore has grown, but part of them remains tied to their past, an occupational hazard of performing old songs. While This Is Why is a strong album, it might not be my favorite. Williams’ emotional and personal lyrics resonate more deeply when dealing with human emotions rather than social and political issues. Nonetheless, Paramore’s innovative songwriting and Williams’ powerful vocals ensure they continue to captivate audiences. I look forward to whatever they do next, whether it’s in one year or six.