Exploring Paramore’s “This is Why” Album: An In-Depth Review
Paramore has been a driving force in the alternative rock scene for over a decade, known for their electrifying live performances, gutsy lyrics, and catchy hooks. The band’s fifth studio album, “This is Why,” released in 2021, marks yet another evolution in their sound, taking it in a more mature and introspective direction. In this article, we’ll explore the making of “This is Why”, analyze the lyrics on the album, compare it to Paramore’s previous work, rate the best tracks of the album, and spotlight the album artwork.
A Review of Paramore’s Album “This is Why”
The sound, production, lyrics, and themes of “This is Why” are distinct from Paramore’s previous work, immediately engaging listeners and pulling them in. The album opens with “All I Wanted (Interlude),” introducing a more stripped-down and acoustic sound than their previous work. The following tracks, “Comfortable,” “Fences,” and “Forgiveness,” continue this musical shift. Each song has a story told through its intricate lyrics that are both personal and relatable, especially for longtime dedication members of the band.
In a recent interview, lead vocalist Hayley Williams talked about the band’s decision to explore a more subdued sound on “This is Why.” Williams says, “I found myself leaning more towards acoustic guitar than I ever have before. It just felt like the right tool. It helped me get more intimately involved with my own voice.” This sentiment is evident in the album’s production, where the vocals are layered and used to great effect.
The band squeezed in recording and finishing the album during the pandemic, which has been a time of reflection and self-discovery, leading to a sense of emotional depth and weight to many of the songs. As Williams stated in an interview with Rolling Stone, “As the world came crashing down around us, and everything was so uncertain, we still had music. It’s impossible to downplay how crucial creativity was in getting us through the last year.”
An Analysis of Paramore’s Lyrics on “This is Why”
Paramore’s lyrics have always been a significant part of the band’s appeal, and “This is Why” is no exception. The lyrics on the album are raw, honest, and emotional, peering into the artist’s deepest and darkest feelings. Each song on the album tells its story, adding a unique dimension to the album.
“Good Grief” is a prime example of the band’s honest lyrics, with Williams singing about her depression and how she feels about pouring her heart out in music. “Over yet” highlights the impact of mental illness, with lyrics like “I don’t wanna die, but I don’t want to live living like this.” The album concludes with “Just like a ghost,” dealing with the fragility of relationships.
The band’s overall message is pretty clear; the album is about self-discovery and navigating through difficult times, and the lyrics are carefully crafted to represent these themes.
A Feature on the Making of “This is Why”
“This is Why” was recorded at various studios, including Williams’ house. The band took their time to experiment with different sounds on the album, with recordings stretching back years. Unlike their previous albums, where the band was primarily responsible for songwriting, “This is Why” had different producers helping craft the sound of the album. The result of this collaboration is an album that is geared towards its overall message.
For the album’s production, the band worked with Daniel James and Taylor York, who have been long-time collaborators working on the albums since 2011’s “All We Know Is Falling.” They focused on the most significant change in the album’s production, where the band’s signature aggressive guitar riffs and progressions often drop to more pensive and mellow progressions and use more acoustic instruments.
Williams talked about how the band’s collaboration influenced the songs on the album, saying, “It’s interesting because the way we recorded this record and the way we worked on the songs, it was more of a one thing after another. We didn’t get bogged down by production stuff, and we just played as if we were on stage to get a vibe for what the song was gonna be.”
A Listicle of the Top Tracks on “This is Why”
The following are the top tracks on the album, rated based on their sound, lyrics, and popularity:
- “Good Grief” – A moving track that deals with depression and how one navigates negative emotions. The use of acoustic instruments and layered vocals elevates the track even further
- “Rose-Colored Boy” – A high-energy track with an infectious beat. The lyrics deal with mental illness and self-discovery while maintaining an optimistic view of the world
- “26” – A soft yet moving ballad where Williams reflects on the band’s journey and the passage of time. The lyrics portray a sense of nostalgia and reflect on the changes that come with growing older.
- “No Friend” – This seven-minute experimental track features Aaron Weiss’ (of MeWithoutYou) spoken-word vocals. At the end of the track, we hear a sample of Williams- seemingly laughing uncontrollably- when the recording setup was left on.
- “Pool” – The track features a laid-back tropical vibe, which stands apart from the rest of the album. The lyrics focus on relationships and how the past often impacts the future.
A Spotlight on the Album Artwork
The artwork on “This is Why” was created by longtime Paramore collaborator, Zac Farro, who is also the band’s drummer. The artwork features subtle and nuanced design elements that give insight into the sound and themes of the album. The album cover shows Williams sitting inside a dingy room with a crown-type hat atop her head and a rose nestled in a vase. The faded colors and distressed walls portray a sense of wear and tear, a nod to the struggles the album explores.
Farro commented in an interview with Alternative Press that the album artwork was influenced by surrealist art. “The surrealist movement had a massive influence on us, from Salvador Dali and René Magritte to less conventional work like Quay Brothers films,” he stated. “We wanted to set a dreamlike tone with the visuals to match the feeling of the music.”
A Comparison of “This is Why” to Paramore’s Previous Albums
When compared to Paramore’s previous work, “This is Why” is a departure, featuring a more acoustic sound with introspective lyrics. Still, it’s evident that the album is not completely divorced from the band’s previous work. “Hard Times” and “Told You So” were the first singles released and feature a nod to Paramore’s previous pop sensibilities. The album’s production also reflects the band’s growth and maturity, with more focus on layered vocals, experimentation with subtle synths, and acoustic guitars.
It’s clear that the band has evolved both musically and lyrically with each of their albums, and “This is Why” is no exception, representing the band’s growth into more personal and emotional topics. The album’s sound and production reflect the band’s growing maturity, and it’s certain that it will be appreciated by newer and older fans alike.
Conclusion
“This is Why” is yet another brilliant entry in Paramore’s discography, representing a more mature and reflective sound and lyrics than their previous work. The album’s introspective nature and well-crafted lyrics will resonate with many listeners, as well as the overall message of self-discovery, growth, and reflection. “This is Why” not only marks an evolution in the band’s sound and lyrics but also showcases their ability to experiment with different sounds and production methods. It’s undoubtedly a must-listen for any Paramore fan and worth a spot in any alternative rock lover’s music collection.