When I pre-ordered my copy of the (surprisingly sold out) deluxe edition of the new Paramore album
brand new eyes, I honestly was just doing it for the vinyl 7" that came with it featuring two of the album tracks acoustic. But as I watched the DVD before I popped in the cd, I began to get even more excited for the record. My first impression of the bands state of mind is that they truly believe in the album that they have created. It was explicitly stated by several members several times that they believed in it, but it was easy to visually see that this record means a lot to them. My expectations grew, and honestly there is only one way to describe how I feel about this.
brand new eyes, in short, is perfect.
The opening track, "Careful" is a blistering introduction, loaded with siren guitars (compliments of guitarists Josh Farro, Taylor York, and Jeremy Davis on the bass) and thunderstorm drums (from younger Farro Zac)backing up lead singer Hayley Williams' obscenely gorgeous vocal abilities. As she howls, the band keeps pace with her in a pattern that follows through the next couple tracks of angry and well versed punk pop. This includes the current and first single off the brand new eyes, "Ignorance", which fully embodies the attitude that is prevalent on the record: one that is essentially a huge 'fuck you' to blamers and shamers. A very musically eloquent and beautiful crafted fuck you.
But then halfway through the calling out, the track "The Only Exception" slams into you with a totally different feeling, one of love and devotion that I have not seen from Paramore since way back when in 2005 with the closing track to All We Know Is Falling "My Heart". Instead of the resentment and pent up frustration that is the focus of a majority of the rest of it, this one, "Where the lines Overlap", and closer "All I Wanted" are stunning songs that showcase the softer side of not only Williams but then entire group. But more on that later.
The last half of the album features some more of the faster tempo songs, but it also is the part where Paramore seems to be experimenting more, and with success. "Misguided Ghosts" sounds like it was a b-side to post hardcore behemoths (and Paramore influences) Thrice's The Alchemy Index "Earth" EP. A more folksy and bare bones song, this track is a departure from anything the band has done before and instead of failing like so many bands often do, these kids from Tennessee get it right.
And then there is the closer. Final tracks are always tricky: you don't want to do a song that feels like it is being forced to be an end, but you also don't want the album to just end. Paramore have never had that much of a problem closing out their records (if you didn't get the chills while listening to "My Heart" then you need to get your nervous system checked out), but "All I Wanted" outdoes anything I have ever listened to in closing terms, including the holy grail from Brand New's (the band) first album Your Favorite Weapon, "Soco Amaretto Lime". Starting with a soft duet between Williams and the elder Farro, the track crescendos into a tidal wave of perfect melody and feeling. There is no way I can make you understand the way this track feels, it's one you'll have to hear for yourself.
In Alternative Press, Scott Heisel pretty much has it down pat in his review when he says that Riot! (Paramore's previous sophomore)was top heavy, the first half running laps around the letdown of a second half. And it is true, all the good songs on Riot! were within the first 25 minutes or so. But this is not the case on eyes, where there is no bad song to counteract the great ones. It sounds so foreign to me as a reviewer to say this, but they are all strong songs that could be good on their own, but as they are together make a masterpiece.
In conclusion, this might very well be the album of the year. Congratulations to Paramore for making a record that proves that anger, hurt, redemption, and love can all be overwhelming at times, but can also come together and influence one of the best records the music world will get.
Download These (legally!): The whole album. It's worth it.
