Paramore- brand new eyes

Over the last year or so, I have grown to like Paramore. At first I thought they were a little too emo for me, but once I listened to their songs more and more, I realized they’re pretty mainstream for being a punk-rock band. I could handle it. Plus, some of the band members look surprisingly preppy (especially since Hayley Williams has gone platinum blonde…though who knows how long she’ll keep that look?). 

Their highly anticipated album, brand new eyes, comes two years after their mega-successful studio album, Riot! which gave them their fame. “Misery Business” put Paramore on the charts and they’ve been popular ever since. Their newest record will undoubtedly bring similar success. The first single, “Ignorance,” is slowly making its way up the mainstream charts, so far resting at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100.

I haven’t heard the entirety of Paramore’s other albums, but I like where brand new eyes takes the listener. Hayley Williams proves that she has a voice that could go anywhere: listen to “Misguided Ghosts” and “The Only Exception” in comparison to “Ignorance” or “Careful” and you’ll see the versatility of her voice. She’s incredibly talented and I’m glad brand new eyes showcases that.

The album is on sale now (mp3 version on sale on amazon.com for $3.99 right now!) so check it out!

AFI- Crash Love

I didn’t know anything about AFI before I listened to Crash Love. I had been introduced to the band briefly and heard some of their more popular songs, such as “Love Like Winter” and “Miss Murder.” The band and their songs were fine, I thought. I guess I was indifferent. I’m pretty easy-going in terms of what styles and genres of music I like, but sometimes screaming can be a little too much for me (I couldn’t listen to the entirety of “Endlessly She Said” because of that).

Their look is very punk-rock and emo but their songs aren’t that extreme. I think they’re somewhere in between Paramore (who is at the mainstream end) and My Chemical Romance (ugh). That’s a fine place to be, though.

Crash Love sounds a little more mainstream than what I have heard, actually. Their first single off the album, “Medicate,” is especially radio-friendly (it’s Guitar Hero friendly, too). It’s probably the song I like the most on the album. The rest of the album is fine, too. Maybe it’s just that I shouldn’t have listened to AFI right after Paramore.

There’s a regular version and a deluxe edition of the album available now!


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• Paramore: A Brief Profile
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• Maroon 5 Releases a New Single