After six years, the alternative band, Paramore, has released a new album titled This Is Why on February 10th. Throughout the album, lead vocalist and songwriter Hayley Williams reflects on adult anxieties in a post-quarantine world backed by guitarist Taylor York and drummer Zac Farro’s instrumentals. 

The opening track “This Is Why” focuses on Williams’s desire to separate herself from society due to people’s lack of empathy concerning social issues in the last couple of years. Exploring a similar topic, the following track “The News” describes the 2020 experience—watching the news constantly unsure of what you can do (“but I worry and I give money/ and I feel useless behind this computer”). 

Remaining Side A songs “Running Out of Time”, “C’est Comme Ca”, and “Big Man, Little Dignity” lead into Side B’s more serious side of the album. Williams opens up about her mental health in “You First” addressing it directly in the lyrics “Can’t shake the devil sitting on my shoulder/ who invited you?”

Tracks seven and eight, “Figure 8” and “Liar”, share Williams’ experience with love—the former with a toxic relationship and the latter with her feelings for fellow band member Taylor York. As a wrap-up to the album, “Crave” circles back to the pandemic struggles of craving the days of seeing friends and having human connection, and “Thick Skull” displays Williams insecurities throughout her career as an artist. 

Undoubtedly, this record is unlike Paramore’s previous works but provides thoughtful insight throughout their songwriting and outstanding vocals by the one and only Hayley Williams.