With bands born from the Y2K era desperately searching for the same spark they had when they first burst onto the scene, it's exciting to see Paramore drifting apart from its generational counterparts by sonically evolving each release. Evident in the contrasting sounds of the last record After Laughter, an album rooted in upbeat dance-pop and post-disco before the 80s pop trend started to reemerge in the mainstream, influencing a second-coming of artists with recent work is not a feat a lot of the bands birthed alongside Paramore can relate to.
This Is Why continues that sentiment of change, heading in a post-punk/alternative rock direction but with occasional influences of younger modern artists, which is ironic considering the record is Paramore's most mature yet. On titular track and intro “This Is Why”, Hayley Williams compares themes of mental health with the act of expressing opinions, which might work to some as a sendoff to former member Josh Farro (who was kicked out of the band for homophobic comments), but the song has its own purpose in the form that the track proposes a duality in its opening lines. Williams encourages those to either yell out their opinion, or to shove it. This duality is later explored through the line “You're either with us or you can keep it”, which insinuates that if your judgment is not one out of support, then there's no need to voice it. Williams elaborates on the detriments of negative comments and irrational criticism by relating it to the desire of not wanting to leave the house because of it, which is a feeling that is also reciprocated in “The News”. Though this time, not leaving the house is related to safety from violence and danger like the Ukraine war the song is referencing, and frustration with not having much power over anything despite putting in an effort to make a change. “I'm safe inside but I worry and I give money and I feel useless behind this computer” Hayley sings. Sonically speaking the song does great in expressing that feeling of frustration, as the chorus compliments Williams’ yelling vocals with a distorted electric guitar. “The News” is one of the best and most cohesive songs the band has ever created.
At first listen when released as a single, “C’est Comme Ca” was a song that I thought was just okay. But in the context of the album and the rest of the track list, it's one that has grown on me a lot. Besides having a catchy new wave influenced chorus, Williams’ realization that chaos is inevitable while also occasionally necessary is a gratifying conclusion considering the mental health issues alluded to in previous tracks. “Big Man, Little Dignity” continues this switched up pace. Instead of singing about personal self-demise, Williams expresses her criticism with the patriarch, touching on how toxic masculinity both encourages and dismisses problematic behaviors. What’s fascinating about this track however is that despite being a commentary on troubling men, Hayley finds a way to reconnect it to the consistent theme of self-demise, as the line “I can't look away, you're like a movie I love to hate” refers to the fact that she's seeking something that makes her feel anguish. “Crave” is one of the duller moments in the record. Despite Williams carrying her weight with a great chorus and vocal performance, the foundation chords the track is built off aren’t too interesting, sounding like something you’d hear off a random generic indie pop song playing in Urban Outfitters. The bridge is also not that exciting, with the guitar performance yet again being the weak point.
The album however ends off on a high note. “Thick Skull” was the first song recorded for This Is Why but is the closer in the track list, appropriately so as it compiles the commentary within the album through the expression of accumulated insecurities throughout Williams’ career. Despite having similarities to something Phoebe Bridgers would make, Hayley’s beautiful songwriting personal to her own experiences distinct the song. And that influence acts as a support piece for Williams to work off and show her unique vocal range, with a variety of vocals capping off an incredible performance throughout the entire record. Although the entire project isn't as lyrically complex as “Thick Skull”, the simple songwriting is a strength for the band as they get across their theme of self-anguish in a way that's relatable and universally applicable for the listening masses.
This Is Why is Paramore's most ambitious album yet.
Favorite Tracks: This Is Why, The News, C’est Comme Ça, Big Man, Little Dignity, You First, Figure 8, Thick Skull
Least Favorite Tracks: Crave
Rating: 9/10