It may or may not be purely coincidental, but as I grow up, so does Paramore. I've listened to them since I was in the third grade, the year "Riot!" came out. I've been happy, sad, confused, confident, and crazy while listening to Paramore, but as you listen to their lyrics, you find that the band is reflecting the same emotions.
For four years since their self-titled album came out, I've been going through a mix of emotions in my life, as I imagine the band has too. That being said, I have no idea what their fifth album "After Laughter" has in store for Paramore fans. Here are 10 songs I feel everyone should listen to before the new album comes out:
1. Here We Go Again
OG Paramore sets the scene for being emo in this song. Listening to it after seeing former members Josh and Jeremy leave the band made a lot more sense, considering the song is about letting go.
2. Pressure
Thinking of 2017 Paramore while listening to this song makes me think of how there will never be another 'Pressure' flip again. This song live in concert is always one that gets the crowd going, even though the lyrics are about pressure.
3. When It Rains
Rain means clarity, but in this song, Paramore makes rain out to be a spreading force of feeling. The song resonates with a sound of hope and questioning.
4. We Are Broken
I imagine Hayley and Taylor standing outside looking up with their hands interlocked, waiting for the sun on a rainy day. The lyric, "Your arms like towers, tower over me," conveys a sense of longing and need for security that I believe "After Laughter" Paramore will give us.
5. Looking Up
"Looking Up" is very much a powerful fight song. It's a coming of age song that shows the progression of Paramore as a band, from little punks to slightly larger wizards of music.
6. Misguided Ghosts
Unlike "Looking Up," "Misguided Ghosts" represents the band's misdirection in guiding where they will go next. I believe the line, "The ones we trusted the most, pushed us far away," is one from then-lyricist Josh Farro to Hayley Williams (which is actually really sad).
7. In The Mourning
If you can listen to this song without crying- congratulations, you're going to hell. "In The Mourning" is a play on words for 'in the morning,' meaning that if you go to sleep, all will be better in the 'morning' (or mourning). Part of their 2011 EP "Singles Club," this Paramore song will always transcend whatever emotion the band is trying to convey.
8. Grow Up
Take everything you just heard and forget the sadness, welcome to the world of growing up. This song is a big f*** you to the immature people who have given Paramore a reason not to be happy and carefree.
9. Last Hope
Synth, light guitar, and Hayley's voice bring this song to a level of Paramore indescribable. The glimmer of hope described in the lyrics stems from the acceptance of the band's life thus far. "It's just a spark, but it's enough to keep me going," is probably one of my favorite Paramore lyrics of all-time.
10. Hard Times
This song truly makes me curious about the new album. The lyrics say one thing and the rhythm says another thing, leading me to believe the album will represent conflict (but in a good way?). The music video for this song is most definitely my favorite that Paramore has ever put out.
"After Laughter" will be Paramore's fifth studio album and is coming out May 12th, so be sure to check it out!
