Paramore: Brand New Eyes

Paramore's latest album is definitely a step in a new direction. If you're wondering if this is a good thing or not, I honestly can't really tell you; it comes down to a matter of your opinion on what this band's best is. Their 2005 debut record, "All We Know Is Falling" was more of a solid rock album that garnered them some popularity, which was completed with the great hits of 2007's "Riot!". So while some will view this new record as the band's maturing, or a re-establishment of themselves as actual artists, not just radio/chart-topping single-mongers. Because this new album really doesn't have that many radio-worthy songs, just good rock songs. This is an album made for Paramore fans, not casual listeners who tend to follow the general population's taste in music. This is not to say that the new album is bad, it's just different. I personally prefer "Riot!" because although some fans will say it was too mainstream-oriented, the truth is that "Riot!" was just a great album that appealed to a larger audience; their music didn't change and still embodied the energetic and fun nature of their music, and it just packs more of a punch. Their last album seems to have more feel to it, both lyrically and musically. A lot of the fun that came with listening to Paramore was generated due to their clever and outspoken music, but this new effort is more reflective mellow as a whole. The album shines when it shows glimpses of its old spunk and energy, but tends to disappoint when things slow down. Lead singer Haley Williams' vocals stand out once again, but I don't think the band utilized the talent of the other musicians as well as "Riot!" or "All We Know Is Falling". Zae Farro's drums are the closest second here, but I don't think there was a chance for this drummer's talents to really stand out. It is true that there are some tracks where the recognizable Paramore guitars kick in and do their part, but these small sections are limited by the album as a whole. I see a lot of untapped potential not only in bassist Jeremy Davis and guitarists Josh Farro and Taylor York, but in "Brand New Eyes" overall. This is not the album Paramore fans were waiting for or expecting, but I'm not ready to jump on the "this album is awesome, it shows Paramore's maturity and their love for music" bandwagon along with a lot of the other Paramore fans just yet. I'll be waiting patiently for a return to their roots, because while this new effort shows a more mature side, Paramore is known for being fun to listen to, and that's what they do best.
1. Careful- This is more along the lines of what Paramore fans were expecting in terms of actual rock music. The drums shine brightest here, and Haley's vocals are impressive as well, even though I don't particularly care for her bellows of the word "more". The guitar and bass are spot on here as well, but the lyrics aren't really anything to write home about. A solid beginning track, but it would have been better if it this style had been further explored and expanded upon throughout the album. 9.5/10
2. Ignorance- The first single from Paramore that is the closest thing to radio-worthiness. The lyrics are the most noteworthy on the album, but do not come anywhere close to the mark reached by "Riot!" That being said, this is still a catchy song and could be considered a typical Paramore song. I didn't really care for the melody of the chorus at first, but it really grew on me, and for someone who didn't like it at first, I can only imagine how much people who are initially hooked will like this song. Best song on the album. 9.5/10
3. Playing God- This song marks the turning point of the album, and really, the turning point of Paramore's music in general. That's not to say there weren't songs of this type in the past, but the impact of this type of song can be seen throughout the rest of the CD. Keeping that in mind, I actually like this song a lot. The guitar and bass is very laid-back, chill, and reminds listeners of how relaxing music can be. Haley's vocals are great, and the lyrics of the chorus are good, dealing with someone playing God and being hypocritical, but they are lacking in the witty one-liners that helped put them on the map. A very good song, just not what one would expect from Paramore three tracks in. 9.5/10
4. Brick By Boring Brick- This track doesn't really know what it wants to be, having an upbeat rhythm in the beginning accompanied by a more relaxed.....everything else. Then for the chorus, everything switches, and while the chorus is pleasant in its own right, the calm music doesn't really match up with Haley's fervent screaming. And the "Ba da ba ba da ba ba da" is annoying to be honest. This is not really my thing, but it might appeal to some. Lyrically, I have no idea what this damn song is about, it's all just a bunch of fancy words meant to draw people in but don't make sense and rely on the use of "Ba da ba ba da ba ba da"s. An ok song, but in the grand scheme of things, a waste of track space. 7.5/10
5. Turn It Off- Another mellow song, but they actually execute this one quite well. This would be right at home on one of their older CDs as a change of pace from the normal aggressive tracks. The guitar and bass are pleasant here, and despite the fact that the song has a slower tempo, the drums still give listeners glimpses of skill. The vocals are simply induce feelings of sweetness in the verses, and the lyrics, while only dealing with one metaphor, are not bad. Once again, trading in witty and punkish lyrics and sound for deeper and more mature music. While I don't appreciate what this song represents as a whole for the band, I can't deny it is a great song 9.5/10
6. The Only Exception- The first song that actually crosses over from mellow territory into legitimate slow, acoustic lands. For the first three minutes or so, there isn't anything other than Haley's voice, and acoustic guitar, and a tambourine in the background, and while the lyrics don't evoke a lot of thought processing from a listener, that's not the point of the song, and the idea that is expressed about someone being an exception to the rest of the disappointments of love is a very solid base. Some will not really care for Haley's lower and deeper voice during the chorus, but I think it works, and when the drums come in to finish off the song, the listener is left with something enjoyable. 9.5/10
7. Feeling Sorry- Closer to the punk rock fans are used to, but the truth is, this is more alternative rock than anything. This song also continues the streak of dabbling in pleasantry rather than delivering substantial, but this song isn't bad either. The guitar has a good rhythm to it, and the chorus reinforces the mood set up by it. Lyrically sound, and it could fit in with a previous Paramore album, but once again, only as a track whose purpose is to give the album a break from the normal and deliver a strike in the form of a change of pace. It doesn't really work as an effective change of pace if this is the pace of the whole record. 9/10
8. Looking Up- A positive song that has some good guitar and shows some promise on the drums, but if you're not careful, you will mistake this track and the last one as one song, because they are pretty similar. I like this song, but it is so similar to the track that precedes it, its value is kind of diminished, despite the fact that the closing lyrics about the band itself are uplifting and shed some light on the song as a whole. 9/10
9. Where The Lines Overlap- Another mellow yet upbeat song that screams alternative rock. However, after two consecutive songs of the same genre, this song is sure to get lost in the shuffle, and while I would normally oppose such a thought, I'm not sure I really mind that much. This isn't a bad song; it just doesn't stand out and doesn't really have anything special to offer. Lyrically simplistic and pretty intangible for listeners to relate to comparatively, this song shows Paramore having fun and loving their music and what they do, but I think if they had expressed it in a way fans are used to, it would have been better understood. 8/10
10. Misguided Ghosts- This song is just downright different. Haley has never sung like this before, and she has never sung about anything like this before either. The acoustic guitar is agreeable enough, and the rhythm is enjoyable and relaxing, but I just don't really click with this song for some reason. Despite its length being three minutes, it goes by extremely fast and kind of undermines its lasting effect. I would be incredibly relaxed if I was sitting around a campfire and Haley Williams suddenly just appeared and pulled out a guitar and started playing (and not just because she's hot), but other than that, this song doesn't really reach out and grab my attention. 8.5/10
11. All I Wanted- Great guitar in the beginning along with soothing vocals from Haley accompanied by bass picks up tempo and shows off some rock power that hasn't been seen since the beginning of the album. This is a more dramatic song that makes people realize Haley still knows how to scream with the best of them (especially at the 2:45 mark and on), and that this group still knows how to rock. There is a lot of raw emotion that is translated well into great music, even if the lyrics are slightly bland and simple. A solid finisher however. 9.5/10
Overall: 99/110
This newest Paramore album is not bad, and certainly one can understand why the title "Brand New Eyes" is appropriate, because this is not the same Paramore fans are used to, and to be honest, I don't think this is the Paramore that Paramore is used to. One can tell that the band was really into the music they created this time around, but it doesn't translate well into something that the fans will enjoy as much as last time. Paramore fans will be appeased for now, but don't be surprised if you find yourself rocking out to "Riot!" or "All We Know Is Falling" a few weeks from now. This is enjoyable music, but this isn't the aggressive, clever, fun Paramore rock that fans identify with the band, but I guarantee you I will be awaiting their next outing an anxious, excited anticipation to see where they go from here. That's it for Paramore, coming this week will be Mayday Parade and Relient K. Thanks for tuning in. Rock on.