"But I worry, and I give money, and I feel useless behind this computer, and that’s just barely scratched the surface of my mind..."
Paramore are making a statement with their new album; This Is Why, via Atlantic Records on Friday, 10 February 2023.
They returned after a lengthy hiatus this September, releasing the title track and their first new song since 2017's After Laughter (vocalist Hayley Williams put out two excellent solo albums in 2020, Petals For Armor and 2021, Flowers For Vases / Descansos).
This Is Why is an ear-worm of a track that explores a "plethora of ridiculous emotions" and "the rollercoaster of being alive in 2022". On the other hand, their new single, The News, is pointed in commentary and drumming work.
"The News is one of those songs that came together pretty quickly and felt exciting from the start," Williams revealed in a statement. "It feels like a happy medium between classic Paramore angst and bringing in some influences we’ve always had but never exploited. Watching Zac [Farro] track drums for this one was one of my favourite memories from the studio."
We think those influences she mentioned are Bloc Party's Silent Alarm and her favourite band, post-hardcore outfit mewithoutYou.
Lyrically, The News tracks the incomprehensible 24-hour news cycle and the guilt we feel when we switch off to protect our mental health. Talk about relatable.
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The music video was directed by Mike Kluge and Matthew DeLisi and pulls inspiration from horror movies while Williams is consumed by the news on her laptop and television.
Paramore coming back with their sixth album next year is one of the most exciting musical returns we could ask for.
Recorded in Los Angeles, California, with long-time collaborator Carlos de la Garza, This Is Why features ten new Paramore songs with cover art shot by Zachary Gray.
The News matches the tracklist printed in light on new Paramore merchandise.
The tracklist for Paramore’s new album, “This Is Why”, is printed on a tour shirt and appears in the light.
— PARAMORE ITALIA (@italiaparamore) October 3, 2022
Via TheJaySierra/Reddit pic.twitter.com/ljGBI0kCQq
This Is Why tracklist:
1. This Is Why
2. The News
3. Running Out of Time
4. C'est Comme Ça
5. Big Man, Little Dignity
6. You First
7. Figure 8
8. Liar
9. Crave
10. Thick Skull
Pre-order This Is Why here.