Album Review: Paramore - 'Riot!'

I’m sure you’ve all heard

of Paramore by now. Hell, their MySpace page has had more than 8 million

hits! Of those 8 million hits, I think it’s fair to say that a percentage

(how small or large is not something I’m willing to speculate on)

of them is because of front woman Hayley Williams. “Riot!” is the

record which should see Paramore earn as many fans for the quality

of their songs rather than their youthful good looks. 

The well written yet slightly

cheesy songs that made up the band’s debut (All We Know Is Falling)

were indicative of what the guys – and girl – in Paramore were capable

of. There were hooks a plenty and the music was impressive considering

the average age of the band members was 16! 

While “Riot!” isn’t a huge

stylistic departure from their previous work, the quality of each and

every song on the album has made for one of the most consistent pop

rock albums of 2007. 

Off the bat, opening track “I’m

Pretty Optimistic, For A Pessimist” shows a band who have come along

in leaps and bounds as far as playing ability goes. Staggered beats

and more dynamic sounding riffs make for a thoroughly enjoyable song.

I’ve listed my favourite tracks in the album wrap up but there isn’t

a bad song on “Riot!”. You could randomly choose any song and I

have no doubt that it’d do well as a single… except maybe the swing/ska

infused “Fences” which isn’t a bad song, it just didn’t grab

me as much as the rest of the record. 

Hayley Williams has always been

a capable vocalist but there were times on “All We Know Is Falling”

where she sounded strained when hitting certain notes. This is no longer

an issue as the natural maturation of her voice has ensured she belts

out every line with the confidence of someone a hell of a lot older

than 19 (have a listen to the third track “Hallelujah” and you’ll

know what I mean). 

“Riot!” is one of the most

enjoyable records I’ve received this year. If you’re not a fan of

sugary pop punk then Paramore aren't going to make a convert of you,

but if you want to listen to something that’s fun and doesn’t require

too much effort to get into, then you’ll definitely get something

out of this record.

1. For A Pessimist,

   I’m Pretty Optimistic

2. That’s What You

   Get

3. Hallelujah
4. Misery Business
5. When It Rains
6. Let The Flames Begin
7. Miracle
8. Crushcr