Paramore announced their sixth studio album, “This Is Why,” at the end of September 2022 along with a music video release of the title track. Their intergenerational fanbase was immediately enthralled- many have been waiting six years for a new album, and some have been waiting ten for a good one. Finally, after four months filled with interviews, song leaks, and frenzied fan speculation, “This is Why" was released on February 10.
Ultimately, “This Is Why” is a step in a new direction, but a welcome one. After Paramore’s longest hiatus (yet), the combination of old and new sonic styles provides a sense of familiarity for long-term fans while also bringing a fresh, genre-bending sound to their audience. The greatest example of this, and the best track of the album, is “Running Out of Time.” It’s arguably the most unique sound on the record, taking inspiration from genres including both modern Europop rock and the early 2000’s punk pop so obvious in the group’s roots. The since-released music video repeats and strengthens these motifs, featuring scenes reminiscent of front runner Hayley Williams’ videos during the “Flowers for Vases'' era of her solo career and paying homage to the Wonderland-esque sequence from Gwen Stefani’s 2004 “What You Waiting For?” music video.
“Running Out of Time,” like the whole of “This is Why,” is representative of Paramore’s entire history. It isn’t uncommon for the album to take inspiration from previously released music, spanning from lyrics paralleling Williams’ recent solo releases to harmonies reflecting the band’s own foundational work. However, that doesn’t stop it from exploring new musical styles and maintaining relevant, relatable lyrics. For instance, the title track is much groovier than most of what we’ve come to expect from Paramore, and the lyrics reflect life during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the emotional trauma and collective borderline agoraphobia that followed. Despite the unfamiliar sound and modern topics, the soul of Paramore shines through William’s genuine delivery of semi-flippant lines over the instrumental mastery of drummer Zac Farro and guitarist Taylor York. “The News” and “C’est Comme Ça” are a few tracks that also prove this well, showcasing lyrics about media burnout and post-pandemic society.
The second half of “This Is Why” may feel a bit more familiar to long-term fans than the first. Beginning with “Big Man, Little Dignity,” the content of the album seems to shift its focus from big-picture cultural commentaries to the musical trio’s internal conflicts and emotional struggles. One of the final tracks, “Liar,” highlights the recently publicized relationship between Williams and York, and is one of the most vulnerable songs released in the band’s history.
Though its runtime is only just over a half-hour, “This Is Why” leaves little to be desired, continuing to prove that Paramore has a place in the forefront of pop music nearly twenty years after its founding. The songs stand on their own, but the musical motifs and lyrical themes run deep throughout the entire album- like the band itself, Paramore’s sixth studio album is greater than the sum of its already astonishing parts.
