It would seem that Paramore, the pop-punk band originally formed in Franklin, TN, was on top of the world when their sophomore effort, RIOT!, was released. With the help of the hit single “Misery Business”, and other guitar-driven anthems such as “That’s What You Get,” the band achieved mainstream pop – and alternative – success. The album eventually went on to go platinum and, that same year, they earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist with company such as Amy Winehouse and country music superstar Taylor Swift. For the fans and the band alike, life couldn’t have been better. On the surface. Unbeknownst to the band’s adoring fans, they were dangerously close to breaking up. Rumors were flying around that Paramore was no more. Fast forward to 2009 and despite the hardships, Brand New Eyes was born. The album, which is the band’s most personal to date, opens with the explosive “Careful,” a head-banging, guitar-driven anthem about achieving your goals. Fiery red-head Hayley Williams sings with conviction and believability, making it not only a phenomenal album track, but it grabs it’s listeners by the throat and lets them know that the album will latch on and not let go until the very last chord. “Ignorance,” the first single and the second track on the record, is without a doubt the best opening single from any Paramore offering, although it burns out rather fast. There’s no doubt it’s catchy, and the vocals are indeed great – but in comparison to the other tracks, this one doesn’t quite compare. Another standout includes the second single “Brick By Boring Brick,” which, on the surface, might resemble something you’d find on a Taylor Swift record – but is in fact much more. This is one of the best vocals on the album, and ingeniously crafted – it’s so good, it’ll make the hairs on your arms and neck stand up.No, really.Williams, who without a doubt has one of the best voices in pop-punk today, chants with power “Make sure to build your house brick by boring brick/or the wolf’s gonna blow it down/keep your feet on the ground/when your head’s in the clouds.” If I were to look at these lyrics before listening, I would have thought it was a step back for the ever-so-popular band. But in fact, it’s quite the opposite – Williams’ vocals are top notch here. The other members of the band pull their weight, as well.Even better than “Brick by Boring Brick” is the fifth track, “Turn It Off.” The song, probably one of the band’s most personal to date, was written about their struggle to keep believing in God. ‘It’s getting harder to believe in anything’, belts Williams, who sings with so much emotion that you can feel it in your bones. It starts off slow, but slowly builds up to the chorus, where her vocals shine. But it’s the bridge that truly makes it great.During this little bit of ear candy, the singer’s voice reaches new heights. In one massive, five-second wail, she again establishes herself as the current queen of pop-punk.Soon after, the band ventures into new territory – with an acoustic ballad. “The Only Exception” tells the story of a girl who, for awhile, doesn’t believe in love. That all changes, though, when she finds someone she considers to be ‘The Only Exception’.I do applaud the band for trying something new here. It’s different from their usual rock influenced fare, but other than the verses, and the bridge especially – it just doesn’t work. The chorus about as repetitive as it can get, and repeats the same lyric throughout. There’s no doubt the vocals are good, especially considering what the band is capable of, but there’s nothing here that makes the song memorable. “Looking Up,” the eighth track on the record, is very reminiscent of “Miracle,” taken from their sophomore effort, “RIOT!”- not only in vocals, but in message. Those familiar with that song will see a pattern, and those who enjoyed it will likely enjoy this. It also makes a reference to the band’s near-breakup in the chorus, where Williams sings with believability, “I can’t believe we almost hung it up/we’re just getting started”. “Misguided Ghosts”, the tenth track, is yet another acoustic ballad.I know what you’re thinking. After the mediocre “The Only Exception” this surely can’t be any better. Right?Wrong. Not only is this a great acoustic ballad, but it’s probably one of the band’s best ballads, period. Everything about it – the lyrics, the instrumentation – and most importantly, the vocals – it just works.And did we mention the vocals?They may not be the best technically, but her delivery is so tender and piercing that it’ll send chills up your spine. The album’s closer, “All I Wanted”, is without a doubt the best vocal on any Paramore record. Move over, Avril Lavinge – Hayley Williams has arrived. At first listen, this song doesn’t really have you jumping out of your seat. But by the time you hit the climax – the song’s chorus – Williams makes it clear that she isn’t messing around. She showcases a part of her voice that most Paramore fans have probably never heard before, using new vocal textures and range – with fantastic results. The song is without a doubt the best display of her powerful instrument since they hit the scene in 2006 with their-now gold and critically acclaimed record “All We Know is Falling”, and, as if they didn’t before - made new fans along the way. Most people came to know Paramore via their sophomore effort “RIOT!.” What most of us didn’t know, though, is that they were just scratching the surface of their many talents. As the band tells listeners in the anthem ‘Looking Up’, what could have potentially been the breakup of the band turned out to be a blessing, as this is Paramore’s best and most cohesive offering to date.
I didn't care for The Only Exception, but it's grown on me. I reaaaally love Playing God and Looking Up now too.
