Click Here To Open The Spotify Playlsit
Week 5:
Paramore
Artist Introduction
Paramore has been a cornerstone band in the music catalogue for myself and millions of angsty millennials throughout the 2000s. Forming in 2002 when lead singer, Hayley Williams was just 13 years old and releasing their first studio album in 2005, Paramore immediately became a pivotal component of the pop-punk, scene, and emo subcultures. Throughout the next 20 something years Paramore has exploded into an International multi-platinum sensation and one of the biggest acts in Rock. Featuring influences of Alternative Rock, Pop-Punk, Synth pop, and New Wave, this selection will hopefully have a little something for everyone. I had such a tough time choosing just 9 songs, especially since I was stuck with 3 of them but I’ll get into that in my review.
Vin Cascella
Most Popular
Still Into You
A Pop Punk classic that has continued to gain popularity over the last decade and has surprisingly become their most popular song on Spotify. With over 1 BILLION listens on Spotify this song just eeks out Misery Business as their most popular song. Couple things of note, although this is a classic Paramore sound I don’t think this song is a great representation of the band as a whole. It leans more pop than punk and it’s a happy song! Paramore rarely has happy songs as you’ll see with the rest of this list. It's off the 4th studio album, the self-titled Paramore, which precedes their depression fueled After Laughter (but more on that later). That being said, it’s a super catchy crowd pleaser with fun instrumentals and lyrics.
Misery Business
Now this is what I think about when Paramore is mentioned. Another Pop Punk anthem that helped skyrocket them into fame back in the day of MTV, VH1, and most importantly Fuse. More on the punk side than Still Into You, Misery Business is their most popular single off their second album, Riot!, Fun drums and guitar, catchy WHOAAA punk chorus, not much to say here, it’s a classic.
The Only Exception
The first slower song of the list, didn’t expect this song to be as popular as it’s listed but I’m not upset about it. Off their 3rd album, Brand New Eyes, this song along with the rest of the album shows off the band’s maturity and song writing as well as Hayley’s voice. At first I wanted “All I Wanted” (check out the live version) in this spot but I think the next track covers what I was looking for.
Personal Favorites
Decode
WHY DOES THE TWIGHLIGHT SOUNDTRACK HAVE SO MANY GREAT SONGS!?!? There’s no reason for Paramore, Linkin Park, and Muse to all be featured in this movie. Probably the most hard rock song on this list, and a personal favorite.
We Are Broken
The only soft track on the energy fueled Riot! album. Strong vocals and piano lead the way on this song. Back in my angsty I-pod days this song got a ton of playtime. Obviously, a slower track but still really encompasses the sound of early Paramore
You First
I had a really tough time choosing a final “favorite” track. There’s like 15 songs that could fit this spot but I went with “You First” because it rounds out the rest of my list the best. Off their most recent 6th studio album “This is Why” is by far their most straight forward rock album. Less pop, more guitar, more bass, pointed lyrics. If you like this song the most then their most recent album is for you.
Unique Songs
Hard Times
This should have been in my “favorite songs”. Hard Times is a new-wave, 80s synth-pop track off my personal favorite album, their 5th, After Laughter. The entire album departs the pop-punk sound for this alternative new wave sound with brutally depressing lyrics the entire way. I chose to put it in the “unique” songs category for obvious reasons but if you have the time, you should really listen to the entire album. It’s a train wreck through and through with a happy sounding façade.
My Heart
First album “All We Know is Falling” took three weeks to record. This song along with the rest of the album really feel like a predecessor to the more polished Riot!. I added this track because it feels like a period piece and I’m surprised Paramore didn’t continue in the screamo direction. I think this is the only song in their entire discography that features screams in the lyrics. It reminds me of so many bands of that time. Flyleaf comes to mind as the female screamo band, but there were so many other bands that performed with Paramore that have kept screaming as a key part of their sound (My Chemical Romance, The Used, Panic at the Disco, All Time Low, etc.). Wonder if this song was more of a record label decision or just an experiment that was never continued by the band.
Hate To See Your Heart Break
Last song on the list, and no the chorus is not “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson. A nice polished song off their self-titled album. One of their longer tracks as it features some strings and an instrumental interlude. Not much more to say, if you haven’t liked the songs up to this point I don’t know what to tell you besides, you’re wrong.
Conclusions
Holy smokes, that was a long review. Paramore’s been around for 20 years now, and they’ve been a top act in the Alternative rock seen for almost that entire time. From Pop to Punk, Soft Ballads, Hard Rock, and New Wave this band and has a little bit of something for everyone. Been listening to their discography for a couple weeks now and they really don’t have a single bad song.
9.2/10
Cascella Family Reviews
Joe Cascella
Dad Cascella
Ok, on to Vincent's second choice. PARAMORE. Didn't really know this band, other than a couple of singles I've heard before, and I think Vin and Joe have both seen them. Other than that this is all new to me.
STILL INTO YOU- Is this Taylor Swift? To me, sounded like a little girl singing bubble gum music. Am I in trouble with this band, we'll see. Not the opening I was looking for.
MISERY BUSINESS- I've heard this song before. Very catchy and definately more edgy than last song. Good riff, with better singing, but for me, it's just good pop. I had in my mind this was a rock band, am I wrong.
THE ONLY EXCEPTION- Alright, now we're on to something. Soft song. with beautiful singing, accompanied by excellent acoustic chords. Then she sings harmony with herself. A very BIG YUP for me. This song reminded me of Linkin Park (The Little Things Give You Away). It wasn't rock, but who cares, very very good song.
DECODE- So this is a song that I thought would represent PARAMORE. This girl really sings in a high octave, her voice is really growing on me, and this is a real good rock song (they should do more of this). Song started real good, and just kept getting better and better. I really liked the off-beat drumming. And the last part is excellent, they really bring it home, her best singing so far.
WE ARE BROKEN- I've heard this song before. Another softer, beautiful song. A great chorus, then a shift musically midway, which really worked for me. Best lyrics so far.
YOU FIRST- Once the beginning instrument ends (not sure what that was), this song could have made your unique list, with its deep bass leading an excellent rhythm. Then a very short guitar lead (I think). The sound was, to me, different from others I've heard so far. It was a bit all over the place, but the more I listened, the more I liked it.
HARD TIMES- Wow, was this song written after the band visited Jamaica? A bit hokey for me, but definately hit the mark for unique. Remined me of No Doubt. Not my favorite.
MY HEART- Really liked the guitar opening leading into her soft voice. Good song, tho I didn't think unique (sounded a bit like other songs, especially the chorus). I liked the second half of song better, and was surprised by screams (which I guess helped put it in unique category). And though I'm not usually into screams in songs, this worked for me.
HATE TO SEE YOUR HEART BREAK- Almost a country vibe, with a different sound for the band. This song ended up being one of my favorites. She sings it beautifully, and I really liked the harmonizing with soft strings attached. And the simple, soft guitar at the end was perfect. Yup, excellent way to sway my total score from what I've heard.
So PARAMORE is in the books for me. Outside of STILL INTO YOU and HARD TIMES, this was an excellent listen (but I have to rate on all 9 songs). I'll be adding several songs here to my playlist. I don't know why, but I thought PARAMORE was a more harder rock and roll band, but from what I heard, their strength is letting lead singer do her thing over the music. She reminds me a little bit of Gwen S in that it's a unique voice, but she is so much better then Gwen. And the band, while not doing anything tremendously, sounded solid and had some excellent moments. Lyrically they know what they're doing, with some great lyrical songs, though some sad stuff there. So, would I go see PARAMORE? Absolutely yes, I really enjoyed this listen. As for the rating, because of those two clunkers I mentioned earlier, I can't go above 9. So it's 8.2
Mom Cascella
I know PARAMORE from when you guys were in high school. Didn’t know much about them, looking forward to the dive.
STILL INTO YOU- good start. I like her voice. This was a sweet, happy, upbeat Pop song. Bubblegum song
MISERY BUSINESS- fast paced, petty, bitchy girl song. That doesn’t mean I don’t like it. Good chorus.
THE ONLY EXCEPTION- I like this one a lot. Soft song. Letting someone in, a trust song. Very nice vocals, repetitive, but that’s ok.
DECODE- this one rocks, I like it. I gather this was written for Twilight. With lyrics like “If you’re a man at all” and “I think I know”. Nice singing and good chorus.
WE ARE BROKEN- the songs are getting sadder, but I like it very much. A song about being hurt, but she sings it so well.
YOU FIRST- Emotional, edgy sound. More grown-up sounding lyrics. Good song.
HARD TIMES- I remember this song from Tiny Desk. To me it has an 80’s sound, not disco, but close. It’s an OK song.
MY HEART- Another emotional song. Soft, and then builds, and then it screams (NICE!!). I liked it, a fun listen.
HATE TO SEE YOUR HEART BREAK- Real nice way to end this listen. This was my favorite song. Beautiful vocals. Sweet story about being there for someone who’s hurting. I really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed PARAMORE. Hayley has a very pretty sound and her vocals are uniquely clear, you hear every word. I put two of these songs on my playlist, and that says something. I give them a 7.5
Uncle Vin Cascella
I had zero knowledge about this Band.
STILL INTO YOU: very fun sound with a power Pop vibe. I like the vocal style. Very simple lyrics and structure with a clean sound. Decent start.
MISERY BUSINESS: This one has more of a Rock-ish sound at the start. Again, I like the vocal style and quick delivery of lyrics. A really tight Band sound with some cool riffs. I like the drumming on this one.
THE ONLY EXCEPTION: a very nice and pretty tune. A bit too vanilla. Some decent music thingies going on.
*** I’m not exactly sure who these folks are or what’s next. I’m hearing a few possible influences but nothing solid yet.
DECODE: OK, now I’m getting it- an alt-Rock sound. I hear just a little Blondie/Benetar. Finally some edgier lyrics. I really like the vocal style and her voice. Nothing exceptional musically yet, but very solid players.
WE ARE BROKEN: a very simple, pretty piano start. Her vocal has a bit more depth at times in this one. The Band mostly chills but I understand why. Ok tune.
YOU FIRST: interesting opening riff. Some off beat production that I’m not sure needed to be, but ok. The early lyrics seem a little…. I’m not sure what- “off” I guess. Then the power Pop thing jumps in- which is a good thing- and the lyrics follow. Later in the song it seems possibly over-produced a little- the vocals seem a little drowned. A cool lead- but super short!
HARD TIMES: it’s always fun to start with a steel drum sound, then it morphs into a keyboard. Just an ok song- weak lyrically. And I’m not a fan of the chorus.
MY HEART: I’m back to really loving her vocal style again. An ok Pop song rolling along but the screaming dude 2nd vocal is unnecessary and a bit stupid.
HATE TO SEE YOUR HEART BREAK: really pretty song/lyrics/vocals- but I was waiting for the Band to bust out, do something. Didn’t happen.
Final score: Even though they are mostly very simplistic, there are just enough good things (and nothing really bad) for me to kinda like them. I would’ve liked more edgier lyrics, but I love her voice. Nothing much going on musically either. 7.4.