Paramore's sixth studio album, This Is Why
, made waves upon its release on February 10, 2023. Serving as a follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2017 album After Laughter
, this new offering explored uncharted emotional territories while still paying homage to the band's roots.
This Is Why is not just another album—it's a confession of sorts, capturing the tumultuous feelings that have arisen in a rapidly changing world.
After years of exploration in personal projects, discussions regarding the next Paramore album sparked in 2020. With a visual identity reshaped on social media and a potent announcement of new tour dates, excitement built up among fans. The trio—Hayley Williams, Taylor York, and Zac Farro—delivered an album colored by an intense nostalgia for their formative years in music. The members felt a pull towards more guitar-driven sounds and found themselves drawing inspiration from older bands. Williams remarked that the influence of Bloc Party was significant, citing their urgent sound as a major motivator in the creation process.
This Is Why stands as Paramore's first album with a title track, which has been described by critics as "jittery" and "urgent." Outlets like Rock Sound and Pitchfork have noted influences ranging from post-punk to dance-punk, and even the unmistakable flavors of New Wave. In probing the depths of anxiety born from a global pandemic, the album unpacks feelings of uncertainty, change, and a longing for connection.
“It tackles millennial malaise really well and realistically,” observed critics, highlighting the grounded nature of the album's lyrical themes.
As anticipation grew, Paramore unveiled their first single in four years with the title track, This Is Why
. The initial launch involved strategic maneuvers across platforms, culminating in a live performance that showcased the band’s revitalized energy. As part of the promotional efforts, new singles like The News
and C'est Comme Ça
emerged, each spotlighting a different facet of the album's overarching narrative.
“It’s a bold and brilliant transformation for the trio,” remarked a critic, praising the evolution captured in their latest work.
Upon release, This Is Why
received immense acclaim, scoring an impressive 85 on Metacritic. Critics lauded the album for its artistic maturity and coherent emotional narrative. Commentators noted that the songwriting delves deeper than any previous albums, weaving together experiences of societal upheaval and personal reckoning.
“The agitated drumming and angular guitars meld with big riffs, tackling the complexities of modern life," noted The Guardian, encapsulating the album's essence.
After the rich exploration of emotional landscapes and sonic experimentation, This Is Why
stands as a hallmark of Paramore's artistic evolution. The album doesn't just reflect the band members' experiences; it resonates with a broader audience grappling with similar feelings of uncertainty and hope. Its success at awards, including winning Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards, further solidified its impact on listeners and critics alike.
As Paramore steps into a new phase, remixed versions of their songs—including an unreleased demo—will continue to build upon the emotional groundwork established with This Is Why
. The album not only revitalizes the band's signature sound but also captures the essence of contemporary angst. In a world filled with challenges and transformations, how can music continue to serve as a vessel for personal and collective catharsis?