BEING AN adult isn’t the greatest—and This Is Why (2023) proves that.

Following a five-and-a-half-year break, Paramore has made a comeback with their sixth studio album, This Is Why. Time and time again, the band has pivoted in terms of theme and sound—from the classic pop punk of All We Know Is Falling (2005) to the bubblegum pop of After Laughter (2017). In comparison to those records, This Is Why roots itself in being a more grown-up piece. Concepts such as cabin fever, apathy, and moral superiority build the spine of the album, introducing a new era of Paramore. 

Right off the bat, this growth is evident in their familiar yet evolved soundscape. The album veers away from their previous screaming punk and light synths, and settles itself into this exasperated “it is what it is” energy—which is literally the direct translation of their song “C’est Comme Ça.”

It may be argued that this album’s themes resemble the vibrant anxiety of After Laughter, but This Is Why’s grungy and exhausted sound makes it unique. The record contrasts refreshingly and grounds the band back in their rock roots, while exuding an earthy twist.

Given the band’s pivot to a different sound, each member brings their A-game to the new album. Taylor York’s crispy riffs drive the “guitar-heavy” record and Zac Farro’s magnetic drumming provides cathartic headbangs. To top it all off, frontman Hayley Williams’ vocal range is more powerful than before—this being shown in the relaxed timbre of “Big Man, Little Dignity” to the freeing belt of “Figure 8.”

Every track packs its own perfect punch, especially the album opener and lead single “This Is Why.” For nostalgic purposes, however, tracks like “C’est Comme Ça” and “You First” have charged jaw-dropping intros that can bring listeners back to the band’s Riot! (2007) era.

Notably, the album also ushers in a new variety of themes for Paramore's music. Given that all the members are already in their early thirties, it was about time they fully accepted every minor and major inconvenience of adulthood.

“The News” doesn’t shy away from critiquing issues surrounding the mass media and the rise of fake news as Williams rallies: “Rhetorical, deplorable / Historical, and all along, we called it normal.” On the other hand, “Running Out Of Time” talks about the singer’s personal anxiety with being late to everything all the time. Though the concept seems mundane, she picks at this insecurity: “Intentions only get you so far / What if I'm just a selfish prick? / No regard.”

Despite all of that, Paramore still manages to strike a balance with their softer and more painful tracks like “Liar” and the album closer “Thick Skull,” both of which lull over one’s brokenness. “Liar” in particular hits hard with an almost-whispered chorus: “Oh, my love, I lied to you / But you always knеw the truth.”

With the 10 tracks Paramore gave us in the album, it is genuinely so difficult to choose a favorite. In fact, it’s as if they were making us beg for more given the short runtime. The relatable experience, however, was more than enough to feed the band’s loyal followers after their hiatus.

This album showed to be the band’s most significant genre shift since After Laughter. Despite all of that, they still sound like the Paramore we know and love. This Is Why is evidence of their ability to evolve, while still staying true to their punk rock core.

Needless to say, This Is Why showed a freshly flourished Paramore, one ready to take on the world once again. The band has graduated from their teenage angst and are embracing their moment of crisis and maturity.