It's finally here. "Brand new eyes" is the latest and third studio album released by pop-rock sensation Paramore. Produced by Rob Cavallo, noted for his work with the infamous Green Day and My Chemical Romance, great things could be expected of the new record. And true to our expectations, it doesn't dissapoint! Picking things up where "Riot!" left off, the album stays true to the fast paced melodies and the quirky lyrics, all brought together by front woman, Hayley Williams' powerful vocals. Nontheless, the band do have some suprises in store for us. The album not only boasts power fueled anthems but also has it's fair share of slower, ballad type records. A totally new direction for the Tenessee based five piece. Since starting out in 2004 with their debut single "Emergency", the band have come a long way earning fans out of their own right, playing to sold out audiences accross the globe and dominating the myspace music scene. But what exactly have they got on offer for us this time?
The highly anticipated release of "ignorance" as the first new track taken from "Brand New Eyes" got our heart rates pulsing with its energy packed chorous and offering incredibly catchy lyrics galore. As a running competetor to "Misery Buisness" however, this song doesnt quite match up in terms of quality, failing to meet the high standards set by the band in their previous album. The song lacks the mainstream feel-good vibe that made misery buisness a success.
The real highlight of the album lies with the opening track "Careful". The next fan favourite perhaps? I certainly believe so. This song was born for the live gigs, showcasing the talent of Paramore. Packed full of heavy basslines, and matching the sassy attitude that made us all fall head over heels for "Riot!". Powerpop at it's glorified best.
It's the next track, "Playing God" that first hints at the new, more melodic side to the band. Soft verses point to a more pop fueled record, leaving the rock element far behind. Despite this, williams sings with soul and leaves us convinced. Unfortunatly, it's nothing we havn't seen before with an unnerving resemblance to previous single "when it rains".
Next comes "Brick by brick boring" and it's a much welcomed return to the upbeat paramore that we all know and love. Albeit slightly repetititve, it's definatly one to get you singing along. Enfused with live qualities such as it's unforgetable "ba da da da's" to punchy one liners and a beat you can't help but hum to makes this song a tough one to follow.
Greeted by heavy, soulful drum beats, we prepare ourselves for a real Rock 'n' Roll anthem with "turn it off". Instead we get a mis-match of ballad type verses and belting chorouses. The vocals on this one are big to say the least and Hayley sings with gusto, proving she can hit the difficult notes. The twenty-year old red head isn't just a pretty face afterall. A good song, but nothing extraordinary. Sorry to dissapoint.
Paramore fans might be a bit taken a back by the melodramatic "the only exception". It's quite possibly as far from the band's usual works as possible. Although it run's the risk of sounding like a dreary Snow Patrol song, they make it work. It really showcases Hayley's vocal skills, sung with pure heartfelt emotion and proves that the band are more than you're average pop band capable of much more than they are given credit for.
The following song, "Looking up" revisits the energy, the mosh pit stimulting riffs and the much loved "woah oh oh oh's" that "riot!" boasts. Paramore at their best! Right from the beginning, the song sends you straight into a whirlwind of guitar fueled bliss and we just can't get enough.
"Feeling sorry" simply screams teenage angst, highlighting lyrics such as "i feel no sympathy". This is paramore showing their rebellious side, from the in your face lyrics to the whole punk vibe surounding the song. Catcy guitar riffs and short, punchy lines emering from out of nowhere leave us hooked.
"Where the lines overlap" is a fun, sing-along track that beckons you to get up and dance. "I've got a feeling if I sing this loud enough, you'll sing it back to me" calls for a responce from a live crowd. Definatly one to play in front of an audience, written to be a crowd pleaser, this song combines clever lyrics, powerful gang vocals and an edgy attitude that we can't help but love.
We go from this medly of drums, bass guitar and powerful vocals to something very different. Paramore as never seen before. A simple, slow acoustic number that really is something special for paramore fans alike. You can't help but to listen to the beautful music and the cleverly devised lyrics that really does leave you in awe. Like a lullaby, the song is incredibly gentle but theres something quite twilight-esque about this one. An eery theme and a reference to ghosts is somewhat unnerving. The song is also very short and leaves you begging for more.
And we certainly get more with the final song "All i wanted". Looks like paramore have let loose on their sensitive side with all these melodramatic sad songs but a belting chorous comes to the rescue just before we nod off with boredom. Crashing guitar riffs spring out of nowhere accompanied by huge ballad style vocals that in turn provide a slightly Evanesence feel to the song . A pleasent suprise.
All in all, i found the album very enjoyable and the new direction has worked, undoubtably winning over more fans than before. However, it doesnt quite compare to the vibrancy of "Riot!" or the fresh powerpop melodies of "All we know is falling". XO
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