Reimagining Paramore (2014)
Since the Hayley Williams solo news dropped was reminded of how bloated the original self-titled Paramore could be at times. Too much filler and sometimes songs felt better suited to different sections of the album. I’ve listened to this all the way through three or four times in a custom playlist, and honestly this feels a lot more focused compared to the 17 track original. |
| 1 |  | Paramore
Paramore
Track #1: Now
A big, punchy opener. Bookends the album “future” themes with the closing literal “Future’. |
| 2 | | Paramore
Paramore
Track #2: Ain’t It Fun
This track is a big indicator of the poppier side to the album, feels necessary to be presented early. |
| 3 | | Paramore
Paramore
Track #3: Proof
Brings back the rock edge, but the chorus is straight up pop. It’s a little fillery, but serves as a serviceable amalgamation of ‘Now’ and ‘Ain’t It Fun’. |
| 4 | | Paramore
Paramore
Track #4: Fast In My Car
This song rubs people the wrong people, and I can absolutely see why. It sticks out like a sore thumb, especially as an album opener, but as a mid-section track allows for way more room to breathe and be experimental for a bit, to “have fun.” |
| 5 | | Paramore
Paramore
Track #5: Still Into You
Back into pop territory. This is a quintessential Paramore pop track, like it or not, and paved the way to what would eventually become After Laughter. Similar to ‘Fast In My Car’, allowing room for pop experimentation in the middle section teases a future release being more-pop-less-rock. |
| 6 | | Paramore
Paramore
Track #6: (One of Those) Crazy Girls
Essentially a more mature incarnation of ‘We Are Broken’. Serves to remind of something old, while bringing something new. Changes the album pace (being a slower ballad) and acts as the line in the sand between a more upbeat first half v slightly moodier second half. |
| 7 | | Paramore
Paramore
Track #7: Be Alone
This could probably have been a track on ANY pre-After Laughter Paramore album, which is probably why it needs to be here. Paramore (2014) is full to the brim of new, so something familiar helps to ease fans throughout the album. |
| 8 | | Paramore
Paramore
Track #8: Part II
The album’s magnum opus. Moody, reflective, spectacular. The final closing moments are an explosion, the percussion slams with an amazing intensity, the guitar shines with fantastic reverb/delay utilisation. |
| 9 | | Paramore
Paramore
Track #9: Last Hope
A calmer penultimate moment to breathe. Williams delivers one of her best vocal performances of the album. Allows the listener time to relax a little following the wake of ‘Part II’. |
| 10 | | Paramore
Paramore
Track #10: Future
This couldn’t have not been the album finale. Despite some reservations about the weird “fade out nah just kidding fade back in lol” section, ‘Future’ is an amazing album closer. It’s post rock by nature, moody and reflective - a stark contrast to the more upbeat “future themed” ‘Now’ which opened the album. |
| 11 | | Paramore
Paramore
OMISSIONS:
All three interludes - they don’t need to be here
Hate To See Your Heart Break - this song is boring filler
Anklebiters - a bit of fun, but filler. B-Side/bonus material
Daydreaming - same as Anklebiters, generic b-side material
Grow up - this one never did it for me, the whole song grates |
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