Paramore - Riot!

Band Members
Zac - Drums
Hayley - Vocals
Josh - Guitar
Jeremy - Bass

Paramore.net
Myspace.com/Paramore



Tracklisting
1. For a Pessimist I'm Pretty Optimistic
2. That's What You Get
3. Hallelujah
4. Misery Business
5. When It Rains
6. Let The Flames Begin
7. Miracle
8. crushcrushcrush
9. We Are Broken
10. Fences
11. Born For This

Since hearing the new single Misery Business, I cast my mind back to Paramore’s 2005 debut album, All We Know Is Falling. Initially it struck me as a poorer version of Avril Lavigne, a Kelly Clarkson copycat with a band behind her. On second hearing (yes, it took me almost two years to want to listen to it again) it’s not as bad as I first thought. It does still, however, have the air of a band that experienced a heavy amount of manufacturing and shaping by their record company (drummer Zac Farro was just 14 at the time of recording).

Anyway, when I heard that Riot! was coming out, I was intrigued as to what it would be like in comparison to its predecessor, besides having a crap name. Opener For A Pessimist, I’m Pretty Optimistic is a worthy opener, heading the menu for a pop-punk album with an extra portion of pop and a side order of powerful female vocals. Still only 19, singer Hayley Williams has really excelled herself on the band’s second album. She’s basically the core of Paramore, and her vocals on songs like That’s What You Get and the album’s first single, Misery Business are superb. (To prove it’s not all done by studio tricks, search YouTube for a great acoustic rendition of Misery Business.)

However, as the album progresses, it begins to struggle for quality. When It Rains and Let The Flames Begin keep the hope alive for a little while but there’s nothing left of any particular in the second half of the album. A disappointing end to an album with some promise, in a very pop-punk way, but promise nonetheless.


6/10 Review by Rory Walker


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