Paramore - Paramore

"Pop-punk band Paramore has been through a lot these past few years. After the release of Paramore's third album, Brand New Eyes in 2009, tension led founding members Josh and Zac Farro to leave the band. After a few years of inactivity, Paramore has returned to the scene in 2013 now as a three-piece with a new record, appropriately self-titled Paramore.

"In the record, Paramore strives to move forward. The band makes this clear with the leadoff song 'Fast In My Car,' featuring a tighter sound as a tough band unafraid to face what lies ahead.

"Right from its first three tracks — 'Fast In My Car,' 'Now' and 'Grow Up' — Paramore introduces a completely new mold for the band. Paramore previously crafted anthemic singles such as 'Now.' The song has a huge build of arena-rock and the offbeat raw music is satisfying. After the stadium single, the band throws another curveball with fuzzy pop rock 'Grow Up.' In 'I told them all to stick it,' Williams sings with a fun hip-hop-like cadence, before the song concludes with a synth-pop sweep. Compared to Paramore in its polished punk days, this is a huge leap.

"Paramore does include tracks following more of the pop-punk sound of the band's past — 'Last Hope' has the band digging in a more somber place with an exhausted guitar riff. 'Be Alone' rocks away in an edgy punk guitar. Both of the tracks could fit in the band's previous record Brand New Eyes. 

"But reinvention does not mean complete abandon for Paramore. The switch-up in sound may be radical, but the band's excellent songwriting welcomes both new and old fans. In 'Ain't It Fun,' Paramore brings back a funk reminiscent of ‘90s pop mixed with the band's signature pop punk. It's easily one of the most upbeat and feel-good songs on the record, as it hones in on the band's playful personality. Although Paramore remains serious throughout the record, it's exhilarating to hear the band members loosen up and have fun as they try out new ideas." — The Daily Aztec