 | Tracklist:
1. "Careful"
2. "Ignorance"
3. "Playing God"
4. "Brick by Boring Brick"
5. "Turn It Off"
6. "The Only Exception"
7. "Feeling Sorry"
8. "Looking Up"
9. "Where the Lines Overlap"
10. "Misguided Ghosts"
11. "All I Wanted"
Release Date: 09/29/2009 | |
| | other reviews | Adam Knott CONTRIBUTOR (4)
The band behind Williams takes a huge step in the right direction; Hayley takes about 5.... | dylantheairplane (4)
brand new eyes, is not a record that will go down in history, but shows excellent music from a once ... | John A. Hanson STAFF (3.5)
While Paramore should probably be reaching a little mo-whoah oh oh-ore, brand new eyes is a solid an... | Channing Freeman STAFF (3.5)
A slightly safe album from one of the most popular bands out there right now, but it's still great.... | 117 (David) (3)
Like finding gems in a coal mine, they are few and far, but they are gems after all.... | ScorpionStan (3)
Paramore gets comfortable, and thus the riot has ended.... |
On 33 Lists
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| Summary: From emergencies to Edward Cullen, Paramore have come up trumps on their third - and arguably best - record. |
5 of 5 thought this review was well written
Growing up is hard. Still, it’s not exactly made any easier when it’s all happening during recording sessions. For Franklin’s Paramore, it was the us-against-the-world mindset that fuelled their 2003 debut, All We Know is Falling – recorded when they were just teenagers. As they grew as people, however, they learned to additionally grow as musicians. 2007’s RIOT! brought to the limelight a significantly different band. Tracks like “Misery Business” and “Born for This” presented a band still angry with the world somewhat, but much more eloquent - and subsequently confident - about it all. As the band cracked the mainstream further via featuring on the soundtrack to the tween sensation film Twilight, pressure increased on following up RIOT! properly. Brand New Eyes is the result of said pressures – and despite possibly being their best album yet, it’s not going to please everyone.
For one thing, we’re dealing with much darker themes than some girl who stole vocalist Hayley Williams’ boyfriend. Paramore are dealing with the ever-continuing search for identity in much bolder and grittier tones; as well as paranoia, vicious human nature and the difficulties with the concept of love. These may certainly seem like generic, done-before ideas; but the beauty in Brand New Eyes is the band’s ability to take their reactions to these situations and concepts by articulating them in refreshingly different ways that provoke and freely express.
In turn, we see the record both starting and finishing with arguably the most aggressive, in-your-face songs the band has ever put to record. “Careful” commences proceedings sweepingly and unapologetically; with spiralling, crashing drums in a head-on collision with slicing guitar chops and Hayley’s bold, unremorseful vocal delivery that hasn’t lost one step of its catchiness since the last time we left it. “All I Wanted”, on the other hand, is quietly bitter during its verses – that is, until things skyrocket when the chorus makes impact. The simple, seemingly generic lyric of “All I wanted was you” is transformed into the defining chorus of Williams’ career, as she delivers the line several times with higher-range brilliance. If you’re looking for any validation of claims that Williams has improved significantly as a singer with each release, look no further.
Elsewhere on Brand New Eyes, the freshly-expanded quintet put all their ambition and energy into music that’s purposeful, well-arranged and, on occasion, shockingly poignant. It also covers more musical ground than Falling and RIOT! Combined. You’re after uncompromising and powerful? The melancholic yet inspired album highlight “Playing God” has you covered. How about some straightforward, biting pop punk in a throwback to the band’s earlier work? Try the pugnacious “Feeling Sorry”. Perhaps, even, a venture into acoustic ballad territory? While it’s formerly untouched for the band, it nevertheless proves to be as comfortable a transition as any. “The Only Exception” is a swaying number which may rank as the band’s most personal song to date; “Misguided Ghosts” a quiet, sweetly played track with a bleak lyrical outlook but performed with a lot of heart.
Paramore have gone far too long as being perceived as a “chick singer” pop novelty. With the release of Brand New Eyes, it’s becoming ever-increasingly clear that this is a band that are going to be keeping their foot in the door for awhile to come - no matter how much it hurts.
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| Recent reviews by this author | | | |
Very good review David. I sort of agree, probable a 3.5 for me. I definitely like this better than Riot!
It's nice to see you're taking a break from reviewing crap music.
Digging: Masachist - Death March Fury
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
I know, I know, I'm sorry.
This will be my last "unnecessary" review for awhile. Until my next batch of CDs to review comes through.
Digging: Biffy Clyro - Only Revolutions | | | Album Rating: 3.5
It's nice to see you're taking a break from reviewing crap music.
I say, I say, I resent that remark! I've liked most of the records I've reviewed recently.
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my friend always listens to this when i carpool with him to school...i find it kinda boring
Digging: Mass Infection - The Age of Recreation
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Haha just messing with you. You can enjoy whatever you want. But you do have a very diverse range of musical interests, and that can only be a good thing. At least your reviews are good, so don't be sorry.
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hmmm .5 below what i was expecting of the review rating. good review nonetheless.
Digging: Minus The Bear - Planet Of Ice
| | | Album Rating: 3.5 | Sound Off
fantastic review. i would have loved more word on playing god as i think its a sleeper pick for best song, but still great nonetheless. i feel like the next album is truly gonna make or break them, will they remain relevant then as well as have evolved a step further.
Digging: Modern Life Is War - Witness | | | Album Rating: 3.5
Thanks a lot, guys.
Yo, Antracks, what don't you like about the record?
Cheers, Mordecai; I know I can't please everyone with what I like, but hey.
fromtheinside - What more is there to say, really? It's just a great song.
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hard to say...it reminded me of coheed & cambria a lot, which is a band i like(d), maybe im just sick of that sound
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
...what?
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Good review, took you long enough man. Very good album.
Digging: Say Anything - Say Anything | | |
"it reminded me of coheed & cambria a lot"
just made my day
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The Only Exception nearly brings me to tears
Digging: Gay Witch Abortion - Maverick
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gotta get this now great review
Digging: Cave In - Until Your Heart Stops
| | | Album Rating: 4
cirq cries because he realizes he will never get w/ hayley
Digging: Tom Waits - Rain Dogs | | |
Am I that easy to read?
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I think Decode is their best song.
Digging: Clint Mansell & Kronos Quartet - The Fountain
| | | Album Rating: 3
For one thing, we’re dealing with much darker themes than some girl who stole vocalist Hayley Williams’ boyfriend.
Haha awesome. Great review dude. I'm yet to listen to this.
Digging: Peter Combe - Peter Combe's Christmas Album | | |
dougie, your avitar was my prof pic a couple months ago 
| | | Album Rating: 3
omg we should have babies
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