Coupled with post adolescent hormonally-driven drama, the overwhelming (i.e. platinum) success of 2007's Riot! almost broke up Paramore as the young men in the band found themselves overshadowed by frontwoman Hayley Williams. But the recording process was therapeutic as passive/aggression turned into finger pointing lyrics that forced the band to confront one another with productive communication. The result is an incredible third studio album wrought with tension, catharsis and of course totally awesome songs. Brand New Eyes is an apt moniker in that each member sees each other differently now. Careful kicks it off with winding guitars and skyward rocketing melodies bursting from lyrics about the dangers of bottling up one's feelings and opinions. Ignorance is the money track. It grapples the ear with honed hooks and lyrics that throw punches at the frustration of someone who stubbornly refuses to confront change. Another standout is Brick By Boring Brick, a tune that (finally) rails against the calculated aloofness of the hipster generation. - iTunes
