New Paramore?

Hi guys,

Some of the biggest music news this week is that Paramore has dropped a new single and announced a new album After Laughter and tour. Weirdly, I wasn't a massive Paramore fan when they were at their early peak and it wasn't until I got into more pop punk that I really fell in love with Hayley's voice and the band! This means that I was actually really excited to hear new stuff from them, especially since Zac's return to make them a nice sized band! So here's my review of the new single Hard Times.

I'd hate to be one of those people who are like, 'ew I don't like it because it sounds so different to normal Paramore' so I'm just going to say: it's very different from the usual stuff we get from Paramore, and that's even after songs like Still Into You which took a much more pop-sound.

That doesn't mean I don't like it because it has a really nice quality to it and I can never fault Hayley's vocals! To me, it has a really 1975 vibe which a lot of artists are adopting nowadays and it really shows how they are able to reinvent themselves to try and stay current and not release the same ol' predictable stuff that they always have. The music scene has changed massively since they last released something and the whole 80s vibe in the song and video really show the diversity of Paramore!

It's one of the catchiest songs I think I've heard this year and, even though the main melody and stuff has been used, it seems like something unique - especially for a band of this genre and with such a successful history as Paramore. It couldn't have been an easy decision to make to change their musical route so dramatically but I know that they are going to make it work to their advantage and the fans will love them.

However, the video is still very Paramore-esque with splashes of bright colours and a really innovative concept. It almost feels like the band were on some type of drugs when they thought of the idea- but in the best way possible because it's so unique and creative. It combines so many different scenes that go from looking like it's set in someone's dream to a full on rave in this said dream and space! Also Hayley looks stunning - but what's new?

It's a completely new direction and something new from a band of this genre but I love how out of the box they're willing to go and I can't wait to see what the new album sounds like. Here's the tracklist and it's given me high hopes:

01. Hard Times

02. Rose-Colored Boy

03. Told You So

04. Forgiveness

05. Fake Happy

06. 26

07. Pool

08. Grudges

09. Caught In The Middle

10. Idle Worship

11. No Friend

12. Tell Me How

So, whether you love it or hate it, you have to admit that it's unique and a really catchy song! Also catch them on tour in June (15 - DUBLIN Olympia 16 - BELFAST Waterfront 18 - MANCHESTER Apollo 19 - LONDON Royal Albert Hall 21 - BRISTOL Colston Hall 22 - EDINBURGH Usher Hall) if you can because it'll be a show to remember!

That's it for this week,

Bye for Now

xx