By: Tim Heroux After Laughter is the fifth studio album released by former teen rock sensation, Paramore, in 2017. The album is considered to be a new beginning in the band as it strays farther from its roots than ever with their new funky, pop sound. Although many modern rock bands are criticized for their shift to a more pop style, such as Linkin Park and Fall Out Boy, Paramore proves that they aren’t just selling out. With a whole new 80’s pop vibe they show off how they are more than just an emo rock band.
Over the years, Paramore has had a revolving door of band members with a seemingly different lineup after each album release. This is because of much inner turmoil among the band over the years and it hasn’t been more apparent than during the development of After Laughter. In fact, the band almost broke up from all the lineup changes to the legal battles and even cracked friendships. But, because of that, it created the most upbeat sounding record of the group, yet. The first track of the album, Hard Times, perfectly encapsulates the style and state of the band during its development. Although, the optimistic sound of most of the tracks, has it appear as though they are happy songs. If you take a closer look at the lyrics much of it is about the turmoil that had been going on in the band as they were going through hard times. The tracks Rose-Colored Boy and Fake Happy are more examples of the chipper, funky sound mixed with a sad lyrical style. Much of the songs on the album also take inspiration from 80’s pop with the use of synths and guitar synthesizers. On the final track of the album, Tell Me How, Paramore slows down and lead vocalist Hayley Williams sings about lost friendships and being left with whether or not to leave the band. The only real disappointing song on the album is No Friend as the song uses Aaron Weiss, from MewithoutYou, on vocals, yet the group decided to make his voice barely audible, which is a big misstep in what could have been a very good, unique idea for a Paramore song. The album is certainly Paramore’s best and it shows that they are more than just another teen rock band. Which is why I'm awarding After Laughter with a nine out of ten.
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