Considering that audiences had been anxiously awaiting new music since Paramore’s sophomore album “Riot!” came out in 2007, expectations were high and patience was dwindling. But now that it has been released, it should be unanimously agreed that the group’s new album, “Brand New Eyes,” was worth the wait.
Audiences had tasted a sampling of the band’s new sound with “Decode,” an instant hit from the soundtrack of the popular movie, “Twilight,” the sound continued to improve as expected with the new single released in July titled “Ignorance.” It seemed the band was just as edgy and rock-driven as they had always been.
However, with the album now available in its entirety, it’s evident that each song is unique and truly a depiction of growth in the band’s sound as well as their writing. Paramore never fails to define themselves perfectly with each song they create. “Brand New Eyes” is a fitting title for the new album, as it retains the band’s foundation yet explores a new perception of their original sound.
This is the band’s first record that features guitarist Taylor York, who has been a long time friend and co-writer, as well as an extra guitarist for tours. He has only now just become an official member, and he fits right in with the band. As expected, there are still plenty of the power vocals executed by lead singer, Hayley Williams, as displayed in such songs as songs “Careful” and “All I Wanted.” Fused in with her unfathomable belting are the rest of the band’s talents: Zac Farro’s competent drum beats, brother Josh Farro’s guitar leads with York, and last but not least, bassist Jeremy Davis’ skills as well.
It’s easy to tell which tracks are sure to become crowd-favorites, as “Brick by Boring Brick” and “Looking Up” feature fun audience sing/clap-alongs. Throughout the album, Paramore finds the right balance between optimistic vibes and the thrilling and riveting notes that power each song. “Looking Up” features the most positive thematic elements of the album and puts older tracks such as “Misery Business” to shame.
Williams and Josh Farro are the two lead writers for the band’s songs, and as such, some of the most vulnerable and honest lyrics on the album come from their true experiences. “Feeling Sorry” is one that audiences will easily connect with as it comes from relatable emotions of pride and frustration with lies within a relationship. The best feature of the new album is that it is evident that Paramore took risks, seen in the song “Misguided Ghosts,” which has an unplugged John Mayer-styled twang to it.
“But now I’m told that this is life and pain is just a simple compromise so we can get what we want out of it,” Williams croons. As the band discovered more of themselves as artists with the album, it is clear the acoustic roads they took were fulfilling and worthwhile. “The Only Exception” is another ballad that takes on the “glass half full” view of life and love.
Another track that will hit home with most of Paramore’s fans is “Playing God.” To the average listener, it is often easy to point out which bands are Christian regardless of their place within the secular world such as Relient K, The Fray and The Afters,. Paramore has never been the kind of band to rub their moral values in the face of the listener or blatantly intertwine Jesus within their lyrics. However, Paramore counteracts all of that in “Playing God,” as they fight against the hypocrites within the Christian community who are criticizing them for “changing.” Hayley sings, “If God’s the game that you’re playing well we must get more acquainted because it has to be so lonely to be the only one that’s holy…”
All in all, ”Brand New Eyes” is a true hit for both Paramore fans and those searching for new, refreshing music tastes. If you haven’t already, I’d urge you to pick up the record and support the band that continues to do what they love while glorifying God at the same time.
