This Is Why (studio album) by Paramore

Heralded by the antagonistically funky title track this album feels like Paramore is bending time, merging the emo-punk of their youth with the hard-won pop craftsmanship they've embraced as adults.

83/100

Since the eponymous album, Paramore never makes the same album sonically. This one explores a post-punk vision to support their overall emotions and political messages. "This Is Why" is certainly not the band's peak project but it is formidable and successful, especially when you follow the successful "After Laughter"

Key songs : The News / This Is Why / Running Out Time / You First

Other ratings:
- After Laugher (2017) 84
- Brand New Eyes (2009) 80
- Paramore (2013) 76
- Riot! (2007) 69
- All We Know Is Falling (2005) 60

“This Is Why” really nails combining Paramore’s flare for the dramatic and early 2000’s post-punk revival instrumentation. It has the feeling of alternative but is extremely digestible from a pop angle. Williams gives a respectable vocal performance. The way she draws out her notes on “This is Why” gives the effect as if she is actually falling. Despite these positives, the album doesn’t rise from good to great with the exception of “Figure 8”. The latter half also turns to slower tracks that drag a little. Its competent and fun but not crying out for re-listens.

I thought 'This Is Why' was pretty honest. I thought it was pretty upfront. And I thought it was the sound of a band continually progressing and challenging expectations. Only time will tell if it ends up being hailed as a modern classic...

This is why i'm such a big fan of this band.

This is why i'm such a big fan of this band.

In 14/02 best album in 2023 by far...
Masterpiece

Paramore going full on post punk is an absolute treat

From Keatownrodriguez 02/11/2023 17:26

I knew this album was going to be good after the singles were certified modern rock classics. What I wasn't expecting was the extremely intimate, and moving closing moments.

Really enjoyed this album, catchy throughout and overall an enjoyable listen. ‘This is why’ and ‘the news’ stand out as my two favourite tracks off of the album but ‘thick skull’ and ‘you first’ were two more personal highlights for me outside of the singles.

I would say this album relies pretty heavily on its influences though, but certainly not so much that it isn’t true to the band and if I’m being picky I think it can seem a little one dimensional instrumentally at points, but the lyrics are interesting enough and it’s still more than catchy enough to make it worth the listen.

If I had to sum it up I’d say punchy, catchy and concise. 80/100