Jacqueline Peha and Daina Rama
Theme Editors
Pop-punk giants Paramore released their third studio album, “Brand New Eyes,” on Sept. 29. It is by far their best album due to its powerful lyrics and technical skill.
Since the summer release of Paramore’s 2007 album, “Riot!,” the band has experienced serious internal tensions that almost forced them to break up in February 2008.
However, the band used its lyrics and music to force communication between feuding members, particularly lead singer Hayley Williams and lead guitarist, Josh Farro (Williams’ ex-boyfriend.)
Because of these issues, listeners can hear the same raw emotion here that was latent in the band’s debut, but missing in “Riot!” Tension rose and Williams, with the aid of Farro, crafted 11 songs which delved into the pent up emotions of all members of the band.
Regardless of lyrical emotion, “Brand New Eyes” also retains the fun beats and the vocal spunk that was characteristic of “Riot!”
Each song on the album captures the band’s struggles. The first single, “Ignorance,” represents its perseverance despite the issues between members.
Paramore’s forte remains much the same: catchy tunes that stray a little from the standard definition of alternative rock. However, in this album, their sound has an added vibe of the band’s strength. “Feeling Sorry” and “Where the Lines Overlap” pay tribute to the band as a whole and the problems it continues to face.
Williams’ voice is as powerful as ever, demonstrated by the anthem “Looking Up” and the semi-ballad “All I Wanted.” However, the power is subdued when necessary, in songs like “The Only Exception” and “Misguided Ghosts.”
Drummer Zac Farro did not play to his full potential, which was more evident in previous albums. The most noteworthy drumming on this album is in the first track, “Careful,” and fourth track, “Brick by Boring Brick.”
The recently-added rhythm guitarist, Taylor York, successfully worked together with Farro to revive Paramore’s signature sound.
Bassist Jeremy Davis’ enthusiastic bass-playing personality comes out in bass slides and beats on tracks like “Brick by Boring Brick” and “Where the Lines Overlap.”
This album is by far the best one from the spunky Tennessee natives so far. It was given a four and a half stars out of five by Alternative Press Magazine and in its first week of release, it reached number two on the Billboard Albums chart.
“Brand New Eyes” is well worth the purchase and is now available in stores nationwide.
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