After Laughter - Paramore

The Paramore of 2017 is not the same as the Paramore of 2013, when we got their self-titled album, neither in sound or in line-up. For a band that's been around since 2004, they've had quite a few members leave and come back, with the current line up consisting of Hayley Williams, Taylor York, and Zac Farro (who left the band in 2010 but recently rejoined during the recording of their new album). Through these changes, the band has experienced much, and it's very much reflected in their 5th studio album, After Laughter.

The lead single, "Hard Times", revealed the new direction in terms of sound. Paramore shed their pop-punk skin completely, opting for a new, more mature, alt-pop sound. The music generally sounds cheery, especially on the up-beat songs, which creates an interesting juxtaposition between the sound and the lyrical content. "Hard Times" is a prime example of this; the instrumental and vocals come together to create a song that makes sitting still while listening very, very hard, but the lyrics include lines like "All that I want is to wake up fine; Tell me that I'm alright, that I ain't gonna die". It's like this throughout the album; another of these moments I've noticed is the opening line from the second single, "Told You So": "For all I know, the best is over and the worst is yet to come" (a line that I've had ringing in my head since I heard it). It creates a listening experience that is not static; you almost end up conflicted by the end of each song because the music makes you happy, but the lyrics can leave you not quite as cheerful. "Fake Happy" is another example, although a bit obvious given the title, as a song that balances this newer, pop-oriented tone while revealed a group of people who are struggling with the hard times (not going to apologize for that pun) that occur in life. 

When you take into account the amount of people Williams and York, the two most consistent members since 2010, have lost, the direction of the album is not surprising at all. It's the story of people coping with loss, sometimes subtly and sometimes far more obviously, such as tracks "Grudges" and "Tell Me How". Both of those songs deal with it differently; "Grudges" is much more upbeat in terms of the instrumental and the lyrical content. Williams sings about how despite the seeming wasted time, she "can't keep holding on to grudges" and waste more time without forgiving and loving the people that are important. "Tell Me How" closes out the album a little more somberly, as indicated by the piano & vocal intro and the opening line of "I can't call you a stranger, But I can't call you". This song tells a tale of someone wanting someone back in their life, to move past the mistakes and hurts of the past. The bridge is especially moving, with the lyrics being: 

"You keep me up with your silence

Take me down with your quiet

Of all the weapons you fight with

Your silence is the most violent".

This song, if speculation can be drawn upon, seems to be directed at former bassist, Jeremy Davis, who left the band due to monetary issues between himself and Williams. I can't confirm that, but it would make sense given that situation and the lyrics of the song. It makes it all the more heart-wrenching while listening to.

The whole album doesn't leave you teary eyed, however. Songs like "Caught In The Middle", "Rose-Colored Boy", and "Pool" are all songs that leave you feeling a little more lifted. 

"Caught In The Middle" has a little bit of a reggae vibe to it, with Williams singing on the chorus:

"I think I'm a little bit caught in the middle

I gotta keep going or they'll call me a quitter"

It's an interesting song in that it dwells on being stuck in a situation or point of life, but it leaves room for hope and something to look towards. 

"Pool" is much more positive in its instrumental, which is evident from the moment the drums and guitars kick in. The lyrics are centered on a recurring lover, someone that couldn't be given up on or let go, which can feel a little heavy; ironically enough, the catchy tune that Williams gives to these words helps keep the listener from sinking under too much. 

"Rose-Colored Boy" feels like the most carefree song on the record, with the lyrical content not being heavy and the instrumental boasting quite the 80's influence that gets the listener on their feet. It's not one that will leave you terribly deep in thought, but it's going to be a great summer song for days with friends and adventures in the sun. 

I don't know what I expected from Paramore in the four years between their last album and After Laughter. All I know is that the album showed an incredible amount of growth, both musically and personally, and that's something that seems to be hard to find in a lot of music today. They took their personal issues and channeled them into something very productive and beautiful. It's still a bit early to say, but I think that this is one of the best things Paramore has done, if not the best. It's very much a step in the right direction, and I think and indication that Paramore (hopefully) won't be done anytime soon.

Rating: 4/5
Recommended: Caught In The Middle, Pool, Told You So, Tell Me How
Related: Walk The Moon, Best Coast