Rough Edge: Paramore CD Reviews

PARAMORE

"Brand New Eyes" (Fueled by Ramen; 2009)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

This is the third disc from Paramore. It's also the last disc with Josh Farro (lead guitar, rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and Zac Farro (drums, percussion), who left the band shortly afterwards. The track "Brick by Boring Brick" has the lyrics "The angels were all wrong/ Now she's ripping wings off of butterflies," which helps to explain the cover art for "Brand New Eyes." Paramore are pop punk and emo but this disc sounds more like solid rock. There are plenty of rockin' tunes and Hayley Williams belts out some great vocal tracks.

I think a lot of fans were lead into a world that Hayley had kept silent. She wrote about the hard things she had gone through. It's very introspective to say the least. The whole band agreed that "Riot" was an album to get them started but "Brand New Eyes" helped each to bare their souls. It could have been their undoing since Josh and Zac left but, either way, this disc has bright spots even during the darkest lyrics. Emo usually has that underbelly of disparity but Paramore weave really good music with it so it flows; it doesn't just whine and beg for death. There's more intelligence in their lyrics than most Emo bands could ever hope to capture.

The guitar sounds really good and you can hear lots of alternative rock emerging from the band. This is a solid record, one worth listening to.

Paramore: Hayley Williams - lead vocals, keyboards; Jeremy Davis - bass; Taylor York - rhythm guitar, glockenspiel; Josh Farro - lead guitar, backing vocals; Zac Farro - drums, percussion.

For more information check them out here http://www.facebook.com/paramore.

"Riot!" (Fueled by Ramen; 2007)

Reviewed by Jeff Rogers

Paramore are pop punk and Emo. Their lead singer is Hayley Williams and she's got some great snarl; she also has a really good voice and when she sings she can belt out the high notes. Before I get started with the review, check out the record label: Fueled by Ramen is considered the epicenter of the Emo-pop movement. "Fueled by Ramen." I can only guess what they eat for lunch. Okay, back to the music. This is Paramore's second disc and it sounds great and I think it's because a female singer is fronting the band. Pop punk isn't just a boy's club anymore.

I'll ask you for just one more glance away from the review, if you don't mind: Check out the album cover art. Who does it remind you of? E-mail me with your answer.

Paramore has a lot of energy, and they push that through their music and lyrics. Hayley can put the power down when she's getting her point across. The guitar is punchy and the drums are just as quick. They do have a few slow songs that help the Emo label find its place; most of them are pop punk and three minutes in length. This is a good selection when it comes to party music; it also helps the punk chicks to have a role model.

Check out these tracks: "For a Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic," "That's Why You Get," "Miracle," and "Crushcrushcrush."

Paramore: Hayley Williams – lead vocals; Josh Farro – lead guitar, rhythm guitar, backing vocals; Jeremy Davis – bass guitar; Zac Farro – drums, percussion.

For more information, check out http://www.paramore.net.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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