Paramore - Riot!

[Jason Tate]

Paramore (http://www.absolutepunk.net/paramore) - Riot!
Release Date: 06/12/2007
Record Label: Fueled by Ramen/Atlantic

Oh how I wanted to hate this album.

After the release of their debut, All We Know is Falling (an album I can not stand), I sat back and watched this band become the talk of our little website. I guess when you have a large enough group of pubescent boys together, any female immediately becomes a discussion topic (AP example: the infamous Pumpkin Tits). This phenomenon has led to countless threads discussing the lead singer of this band (it's a girl for those not in the know) and her dating habits, relative "hotness," fashion sense, and just about any other topic not related to her band's music. So when this album arrived in my mailbox, I was, to put it mildly, not in the mood to give it the time of day. So I did the rational thing: I ignored it. I hid it on my shelf and pretended it never arrived. Didn't even open the CD case once. Mature? I know.

Fast forward a few weeks and I'm sitting in my room arguing with myself about whether or not I should turn on the air-conditioning. The amount of energy I will have to expend by walking downstairs and operating the thermostat is just enough to make me contemplate its relative worth. I finally concoct a brilliant plan to get myself off my ass: I will grab myself something to drink and go for a jog around the block. I figure by the time I get back - I'll have raised my body temperature from being outside that when I enter the slightly cooler environment of my home it'll feel like heaven. So I grab a portable CD player (iPod was out the car; yes, I am that lazy) and look at my shelf of "listen to" CDs. I grab one and head outside. I frown slightly upon realizing what I've selected, yet pop in that Paramore album I was secretly hoping I'd never hear. I press play and head down the street. It's about 45 seconds later that a thought enters my brain I never expected: "Ah, fuck, this shit is catchy as balls."

So it is within that run around the neighborhood I had my first sugar-filled taste of the new album from Paramore. For my entire jog I enjoyed the music - by the time I had arrived back home and finished a cold shower - I had completely forgotten it. And that is about the most accurate description I can give of my feelings on this album: It's extremely catchy and almost instantly forgettable. Nothing I'd decide to listen to on a daily basis, but an album I wouldn't mind hearing on a road-trip, beach party, or BBQ.

Now, I'll be the first to admit I don't listen to many female singers. There's just something about it that I don't relate to (but I could imagine many young woman feeling the opposite) and I'll admit it's very hard to pull off blasting a female-fronted-pop-band in front of your friends. I'm just not secure enough to risk the mocking that I know would be coming. But, at the same time, I can also see that Hayley is a strong vocalist. She's able to hit and maintain notes, sing on pitch, and usually stays within a healthy range.

The music is pretty much what you'd expect. No huge risks, nothing really outside of the norm, and usually the instruments simply act as a vehicle for a little female driven angst. What's nice about portions of the CD is how the band's not afraid to play some faster and harder tunes ... in fact, my personal favorite, "Crushcrushcrush," is possibly the most "rock" tune on the disc and contains arguably one of the catchiest hooks recorded this year.

The obligatory ballads ("When It Rains" and "We Are Broken") work well in the album's sequence. The lyrics are mediocre at best and that's probably due to my inability to relate to just about any of them. Yet, how they're sung and the melodies they accompany them are what lodge each tune in your head. The music appears great for summer as only a pop album can be. If anything, I'd compare them to a female fronted equivalent of Boys Like Girls (http://www.absolutepunk.net/boyslikegirls).

The album comes down to this: for what they do, they do it well. Fans of the band will absolutely love this album as I see no reason why a single Paramore fan would be let down. People who wrote the band off before, but like pop music, should probably check out a few of the new tracks (I'd recommend "Crushcrushcrush" and "When it Rains") to see if they've produced something you would consider a guilty pleasure. People who hate perfectly produced (Mr. Bendeth (http://www.davidbendeth.com/) is at his best) pop-music ... stay very far away from this release.

Paramore could very well be the next incarnation of No Doubt; catchy, enough rock to add a little bit of an edge, and everyone knows the only member that really matters (sorry guys, it's true) is the lead singer. Call it a "guilty pleasure" if you must but I'm relatively certain many of you will have a similar reaction upon hearing this album in full, maybe something like: "fuck, I can't believe I actually like this."

Boys Like Girls, No Doubt, Damone, cotton candy, listening to summer music with your windows rolled up, your feminine side.

[tm decomposer]

Sounds like crap!

[TJ Wells]

haha, "listening to summer music with your windows rolled up." i cannot wait to hear this.

[thatwasamoment]

I better see this on the cover of the cd:
"Ah, fuck, this shit is catchy as balls."

[Drew Beringer]

Haha, can't wait to hear it, nice review.

[Nathan Lint]

haha good review

[turncoat93]

hahaha
this is the awesomest review ever
i hate paramore
but
it is really really catchy

[tonighttonight0]

their debut album was All We Know Is Falling...not Pressure

but i'm ready for this album and their performance on warped

[aircourtneys]

I like the review...now i want to hear it for myself

[Jason Tate]

their debut album was All We Know Is Falling...not Pressure

but i'm ready for this album and their performance on warped
I know, my mistake, fixed.

This album ends with "can you, can you, feel the pressure now..." and for some reason I got that stuck in my head. Completely my fault - fixed it though.

[Melissa Johnson]

Jason let me listen last night and I kept interjecting with: "Goddammit Paramore, I'm supposed to hate you."

[Chris Fallon]

Hellooooooooooooooooooooo guilty pleasure for the summer!

I think this will be headphones only listening.

I like your honest review, though, Jason. You talk to the audience like you're talking to individual people, which I find to be an easier way to relate to people, and I enjoy your style very much. Nice work, I'm jealous :stickout:

[jhennis]

Whens this shit gonna leak

[Jason Tate]

Whens this shit gonna leak
When they send the album to someone less trust worthy than me?

[Joe DeAndrea]

Woot. I wanna hear this super bad.

[No IThinkNot]

Paramore's always been a guilty pleasure of mine.

An excellent review right there, Mr. Tate.

[Jason Tate]

Hellooooooooooooooooooooo guilty pleasure for the summer!

I think this will be headphones only listening.

I like your honest review, though, Jason. You talk to the audience like you're talking to individual people, which I find to be an easier way to relate to people, and I enjoy your style very much. Nice work, I'm jealous :stickout:
Thanks for the kind words.

I like pop-music, everyone basically already knows it, figure I might as well be the one to take a stab at all this summer music coming out.

[wellhello]

"Ah, fuck, this shit is catchy as balls."
hahahhaha

im glad you said fans wont be let down :-)

[shtjames]

mizbizrockz

[Stupendous_Man]

This review has only made me want to listen more. You are right about the not wanting to blast this in front of your guy friends though. I do it but I feel a little strange and almost never make it through the entire album.

[julia_bagulia]

I loved this review!
Well written, and I'm glad you focused on the strong points of the album to kind of balance the so-so score.

Excellent excellent excellent!

[p, FRY]

4 paragraphs to actually get to the music?

[relevanceof27]

I am a 23 year old man and I love the crap out of Paramore. It's safe, it's catchy, and it's done damn well. Good review, fun band.

[briXinRhands]

nice review jason...i like the back-story there. i'm looking forward to rolling my windows up

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Nice review. I never understood why people call Paramore a guilty pleasure. There's nothing guilty about it (hey, Hailey's legal now too). It's just good, poppy, fun music, albeit female fronted.

[CWeezer2]

i do not love this band, but with acts like them it's important to take them for what they are which i'm pleasantly surprised you did in this review. well done.

[giovanni_c]

cool. I was planning on picking this up in a couple weeks when it comes out anyway, now I have an idea of what to expect.

[Dr. Acula]

Good review Jason. I cant really stand their first album but your review makes me think maybe i'll give the new album a try. we'll see.

[whatsername104]

i didn't expect to see Jason reviewing this, because I've read about how much you despise them. But i really like the review you wrote, and enjoyed how you balanced everything out.

I'm a fan of the last record, but I'm still iffy on how much I'm going to like this one.

[Branevember31]

good review, you should do reviews more often, they always seem to make me want to listen to the album wayy more...im pretty pumped now

[hydraulicheart]

I don't get why everyone seems so ashamed to even think about liking this band.

Nice review - considering you never were a fan, I appreciate the open-mindedness while reviewing this album, rather than not giving it much of a chance at all. Thank you for the insight.

[fueledbyiz]

ahhaha nice review. i can't wait to hear this album.

i hate damone though.

[fobfan2]

this, along with the starting line and powerspace, is one of my most highly anticipated albums of the summer. ok, this along with the starting line is one of my most highly anticipated albums of the year. i'm looking forward to powerspace, but i'm not counting on anything spectacular. i wish i could remember some of the other albums i wanna check out but i know i'm going to be blasting this at around noon on the 12th. can't fucking wait. i love paramore

[marysxbuddha]

When they send the album to someone less trust worthy than me?
you know you wanna

[shwaz499]

hey jason. i enjoyed reading this review but I hafta say I think Hayley's vocals deserve more then an 8.25. She has what I feel is a perfect voice (in both recordings and live).

[dubey]

4 paragraphs to actually get to the music?
I thought it was pretty clear he wanted us to know that he works up a sweat while jogging around his block.

[tacosforcharles]

Good review, and I can't wait to hear this. I really like Paramore.

[hailthewarrior]

im excited for this album. but i can see this happening.

nice review.

[OnLettingGo]

I like Paramore's new songs that I've heard. Hallelujah, Misery, Born, and Optimist but compared to Falling I think they are crap. I'm surprised that Tate didn't like the first CD. I thought it was amazing for a debut CD. I'm not really into the new direction of the music but I''m sure it will still be good.

[MattRM]

I don't get why everyone seems so ashamed to even think about liking this band.

No offense, but you're a girl. If you see a girl drive by blaring music sung by a girl, you don't think anything about it. But if you see a guy driving around blaring music sung by a girl, chances are you might notice him.

[domesticyeti]

i can see myself liking this album the same way i like the cartel album. it's cool to put on if i'm not paying attention, but nothing for me to really get into.

[areinus]

anyone care to explain the "infamous pumpkin tits"?

[omgjames]

question: just how catchy are balls?

[thebrowncoat]

I'm a really old guy and I'm still never ashamed to play this band non-stop, for anyone I know. Then again, most of my friends wonder why I'm listening to ANY of this music in the first place, so it really doesn't matter what I play them.

But Paramore are great kids and they're damn talented.

Great review Jason - this stomps all over the other AP's review of the record that showed up in people's mailboxes today.

I can't say I'm likely to find the album "instantly forgettable", but I figure you know that already. Considering your predisposition towards the band going into this review, you just made me even more excited to hear the record, which I didn't think was possible at this point.

[meeotch]

Yea, I'm not gonna lie. I liked their last album initially but it got old quick. I'm really digging the new songs I've heard and I look foward to checking this out. And this is what I like to see in a review.

[i12punk]

When they send the album to someone less trust worthy than me?

Like Hot Topic? They're having a listening party on June 1st. I'm sure they all have the disc by now.

[*crying stars*]

Good review, Jason.
I know how much you and Melissa did not want to like the album, haha.

I better see this on the cover of the cd:
"Ah, fuck, this shit is catchy as balls."

Hahahaha. It'd be one of the stickers on their cd and on huge posters of the band.

[Jason Tate]

I thought it was pretty clear he wanted us to know that he works up a sweat while jogging around his block.

I hope people picture me glistening.

:shrug:

[lauren<3s music]

"Now, I'll be the first to admit I don't listen to many female singers. There's just something about it that I don't relate to (but I could imagine many young woman feeling the opposite)"

Actually I tend to agree. Most female vocalists don't have the strength to carry off anything other than the stereotypical pop crap. Maybe i'll actually give it a try

[werealldudes19]

this was a good review.
im eager to purchase this

[TheWeakest]

good review. i'll eventually pick this up when it releases

[saysmydoctor]

I like the straight honesty at the beginning, but I still consider your bias to have had a huge effect on this review--no matter how well written it is. And the focus of the first two paragraphs being on you is a bad idea. People want to hear about the album, not the process that took place to your listening to it. Just some pointers for the future (please don't take this the wrong way, but cause they are honest tips).

[The Old Black]

I like the straight honesty at the beginning, but I still consider your bias to have had a huge effect on this review--no matter how well written it is. And the focus of the first two paragraphs being on you is a bad idea. People want to hear about the album, not the process that took place to your listening to it. Just some pointers for the future (please don't take this the wrong way, but cause they are honest tips).


Yea, but a review is always going to just be one person's point of view. It is definitely better that he give a little background to why he feels that way so you know where hes coming from.

Im a sucker for pop, ill give it a listen when it comes out. The single is catchy

[saysmydoctor]

Yea, but a review is always going to just be one person's point of view. It is definitely better that he give a little background to why he feels that way so you know where hes coming from.

Im a sucker for pop, ill give it a listen when it comes out. The single is catchy
I can totally understand this viewpoint.

[S9Dallasoz]

I'll blast this eventually and get made fun of for it.

Hell, I already get shit for having a Damone song as a ringtone.

[I was Brad]

hayley is hot therefore i will get this cd

[Bsktballer10]

why do people give a shit if its a girl singer or if you like it? if you like how it sounds and its catchy why do you have to "listen only with headphones" or be ashamed of it? i realize some immature fucks might make a joke here and there but does that really matter?

[joshuagilbert]

i only liked one song off their last album (pressure) but i think i'll like this album.

[jaykythlia]

fucking leak already, bitch.

[ontheeverglow]

so, did they use the mariachi band on the cd or not?

[Ruggiero2oo8]

I can't wait to hear this.

[ThatGuy]

guilty pleasure=something you pretend to like ironically when in actuality you just like it.

stop caring what people will think about you and just like what you like. scene points got deleted a long time ago

[DivisionStreet]

Now, I'll be the first to admit I don't listen to many female singers.

Jason, despite this, I hope to God that you listen to Vedera!

[Brett9]

I better see this on the cover of the cd:
"Ah, fuck, this shit is catchy as balls."
:rotfl: That is awesome...I think I'd buy almost any CD if it had that sticker on the cover.

[singyoutocoma]

People want to hear about the album, not the process that took place to your listening to it.

I could be wrong, but I would guess that for every AP.net reader who wants to really hear about the new Paramore CD, there are three who wanted Jason to tell us either that it's trash or why he found he can shockingly stomach it. I count myself among the latter group.

[David J Bendeth]

I usually don't read reviews by male reviewers that don't particularly care for female vocalists.
Jason this was an honest review, and I think Melissa should listen more in the shower too. Save water, dance around. get clean.





Thanks for the kind words.

I like pop-music, everyone basically already knows it, figure I might as well be the one to take a stab at all this summer music coming out.

[altemose09]

nice review. just as long as this album is catchy i'll be happy. i wasn't expecting to relate to the lyrics anyways.

"cotton candy, listening to summer music with your windows rolled up, your feminine side." :rotfl:

[altemose09]

I better see this on the cover of the cd:
"Ah, fuck, this shit is catchy as balls."

"Ah, fuck, this shit is catchy as balls."
- Jason Tate of AP.net

that would be hilarious especially seeing there all christian, they'll be like, atlantic made us.

[vegasbabyvegas]

This record is amazing.

[TBSguitar]

guilty pleasure=something you pretend to like ironically when in actuality you just like it.

stop caring what people will think about you and just like what you like. scene points got deleted a long time ago

yeah, scene points are long gone so everybody can just stop kissing jason's feet. honestly, i hope someone else puts up another review that actually enjoys the band and girl singers a lot more than jason. nothing against jason, but i felt it was too one-sided to actually get a good image of what the cd will actually sound like. i'll still buy it nonetheless.

[Blake Solomon]

lolz, love the RIYL, love the conversation-like tone, love the honesty, not sure if i'd love the band. I do, however, listen to a fair amount of female singers though, so i will probably hear this at some point.

cheers

[mutiny]

i loved this review but i will probably never listen to this cd.

[Gumbyjag]

your feminine side


lmao. not the best article, a little biased it seems but at least you gave it a shot. pretty good review overall.

[bloodyr0mance87]

really good, honest review. i can't wait to hear this album.

[sarah.exkore]

I shouldn't have read this. Now I'm even more impatient for it. :-(

[goke313]

brings back memories of my ex gf

[jantelis]

You may hate this band. But thier "young" talanted. And the production is on point. David Bendeth kicks royal ass.

[jantelis]

Who cares of its a guy or girl of its good its good. Somethings are just great! paramore is one of them.

[redsand62]

that review was awesome. it's a lot more fun to read a review with a story behind it than a bland review that looks and sounds just like any other. good job.

[JonyeWest]

I really don't like them. I tried lisitening to the first record and it bored me to no end

[Shatter_Glass]

hmmm beach trip music

[p, FRY]

I thought it was pretty clear he wanted us to know that he works up a sweat while jogging around his block.

haha, my mistake

[Melissa Johnson]

I usually don't read reviews by male reviewers that don't particularly care for female vocalists.
Jason this was an honest review, and I think Melissa should listen more in the shower too. Save water, dance around. get clean.
That was also mentioned. "I'm going to go take a shower, and I'm probably going to be humming these songs."

[Jason Tate]

guilty pleasure=something you pretend to like ironically when in actuality you just like it.

Basically exactly what it means ... I thought that was pretty well known.

stop caring what people will think about you and just like what you like. scene points got deleted a long time ago

Well, I think qualification is important.

I usually don't read reviews by male reviewers that don't particularly care for female vocalists.
Jason this was an honest review, and I think Melissa should listen more in the shower too. Save water, dance around. get clean.

Thanks for reading.

lmao. not the best article, a little biased it seems but at least you gave it a shot. pretty good review overall.

I tend to be upfront with my bias in reviews. I think we're all bias by nature and trying to hide it - or pretend it doesn't exist is disingenuous. I'm opinionated and bias in real life ... I think it's only natural that carries over into my reviews.

the word "catchy" should be officially banned from these forums

Why should a descriptive word be banned? If an album is catchy - that immediately resonates with a large faction of our readers. That's important in a review IMO.

that review was awesome. it's a lot more fun to read a review with a story behind it than a bland review that looks and sounds just like any other. good job.

Thank you - I agree. If I'm going to write a review I feel I should have fun with it (especially when it mimics the album's overall tone). I know it may not be conventional - and I'll probably miss more times than I hit - but at least I'm enjoying the writing of each review (and that's important to me so that I'll keep writing them).

Thanks for the kind words - appreciate it.

[Jason Tate]

That was also mentioned. "I'm going to go take a shower, and I'm probably going to be humming these songs."
*mental image*

:perv:

[David J Bendeth]

Ok shower together, listen to tunes, then you can say "ah, fuck. this shit is as catchy as balls" in unison.
I have a remote on location recorder. Where is the guest room?

Melissa thanks for being one of three females on this thread. Now I know why I like to come here, it is honest, sometimes painfully, but i really love the honesty. Paramore are truly great people. They are very commited to their music. I have not worked with a band this young with so much drive. There are so many great new bands out there right now. Its a tough market. I wish every new band with talent the good fortune they deserve.




That was also mentioned. "I'm going to go take a shower, and I'm probably going to be humming these songs."

[ontheeverglow]

Tate, amazingly well-written review. I know I asked earlier in the thread, but since you said there were no big "risks" taken on the album, I'm guessing they didn't use the mariachi band that was reported months ago on any tracks?

[GiggsOho]

Now I'm just getting weirded out by the fact that Tate pretty much has my musical tastes, and the way I develop them, head on.

I recently scored free tix to Paramore's show @ The TLA in Philly (not something I was excited about in the least, a friend from Brooklyn was in town, figured I needed something to do on a Sunday night.) and was actually pleasantly surprised by the show; particularly the album's first single. Despite the fact that while finding the video on YouTube and watching it roughly 20 or so times (and i STILL say that Hayley looks like a mini David Bowie in that video...), I couldn't help to think, well, as Jason put it..."Fuck, this shit is catchy as balls."

I tried to get into Paramore with the first album, but again, like Tate, female singers just don't appeal to me. For some reason, though, it seems like Paramore (er...um...Hayley) stepped their game up. I'll buy this album, hell yeah. Will I catch flak from my hardcore Jersey friends who worship H20 and Hatebreed? Undoubtedly. Then again, it was one of those same dudes who was pining for Hayley by my side at the TLA show.

I'm glad there was honestly in the review, Jason. Now I now not to expect to be blown away, (although, even before this review, I doubt this album would beat something like the most recent Modest Mouse album...) but I can just sit back and enjoy being sucked into the catchiness. Kinda like the new Amber Pacific album. (Yes, I own it, don't judge me.)

I'm going to go watch Paramore's video again and sit back and sing along while my indie-hipster roomates make fun of me.

[Jason Tate]

Tate, amazingly well-written review. I know I asked earlier in the thread, but since you said there were no big "risks" taken on the album, I'm guessing they didn't use the mariachi band that was reported months ago on any tracks?
It's used as a quick 6-7 second intro to "Misery Business."

[vivalachelseaaa]

good review. a little to much bias is my only thing. i give them mad props for what they have done at such a young age. they demand a crowd and are able to produce an amazing stage show.

[emokid333]

Aww now I have to listen

[feelthepressure]

Yay! Great review to put me in a good mood for my Paramore show today! I feel like I should listen to it whilst on a jog now.

And little pointer to people embarassed to blast it out of their car stereo... headphones do exist, you know.

[Jawknee]

What a professional way to start a review: Oh how I wanted to hate this album.

[stuntmaniac]

Blah why a gultiy pleasure?, I mean half the people on here probaly secretly listen to McFLy and SOn of DOrk, they probably loved Busted and actually dance around to Backstreet boys in their room, so power to power-pop, punk/pop or whatever yu want to call it, roll your car windows down and blast your stereos full volume whilst screaming "That wierdo with five colours in her hair" .......

So yeah cant wait to hear this album nd thnx for the review lol

x.

[drewziph]

I better see this on the cover of the cd:
"Ah, fuck, this shit is catchy as balls."

bahahha
that right made me chuckle

=]

[hydraulicheart]

No offense, but you're a girl. If you see a girl drive by blaring music sung by a girl, you don't think anything about it. But if you see a guy driving around blaring music sung by a girl, chances are you might notice him.
No offense taken, but I never understood that point of view - I know plenty of guys who will proudly listen to Paramore and not care who knows it. :/

[Moral_Orel]

I enjoyed this review. I will not be purchasing the cd I made that mistake last time around.

[Moral_Orel]

No offense taken, but I never understood that point of view - I know plenty of guys who will proudly listen to Paramore and not care who knows it. :/

I so also, and in an entirely unrelated story ... they also don't care who knows they only listen when chicks are around because it helps them get laid. I have nothing against them I myself bought all we know is falling. But the cd was kinda stale.

[Dan CiTi]

Haha yeah I'll be picking this up. The recs are funny/true. Good job JT.

[Mountain_Range]

"So I grab a portable CD player (iPod was out the car; yes, I am that lazy)"

yet your going for a jog? :-D
Nice review though.

[Dan CiTi]

I like the straight honesty at the beginning, but I still consider your bias to have had a huge effect on this review--no matter how well written it is. And the focus of the first two paragraphs being on you is a bad idea. People want to hear about the album, not the process that took place to your listening to it. Just some pointers for the future (please don't take this the wrong way, but cause they are honest tips).
I also bet other staffers might review this.

[gonfreaks]

Good review. Not interested in this album at all, as I've hated just about everything I've heard from Paramore (previous album and leaked tracks), but my sister loves them and can't wait to hear it.

[Beloved Broken]

Hah, how I love thee, Jason. My opinion on Paramore is 1:1 with yours.
I can't bring myself to like this band. And what's up with the "Riot" title - this is polished pop. C'mon.
I'll give this CD a go. I like pop, but I'm still picky. If the lyrics are trite, I'll write it off just like their last one.

[stuntmaniac]

So i wont be getting this. They always sounded like a sub-par pop rock band with a gimmick of having a girl singing.

OUCH .. kinda harsh me thinks, bands with girl singers can rock just as hard, look at the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, No Doubt, more recently The Sounds and looking back at Blondie ... come on .. gimmick, me thinks not, plus they have a clean sound and they have found an audience, that gains them respect from me, il keep listenin 2 pop rock :D

[SteveLikesMusic]

I better see this on the cover of the cd:
"Ah, fuck, this shit is catchy as balls."

Hahaha yes, on a sticker all professional

"Ah, fuck, this shit is catchy as balls." - Jason Tate - Absolutepunk.net

[english_pat]

Reading over some of the comments its seems that people generally concur with the reviewers opinion on female fronted bands.

This really did shock me. i seriosuly didnt even think it was an issue.
In my country your more likely to get "mocked" for only listening to bloke fronted bands.
Your missing out on alot (alot!) of good music if you only listen to guys.

I mean come on? Are you being serious?
What a joke!

[stuntmaniac]

Reading over some of the comments its seems that people generally concur with the reviewers opinion on female fronted bands.

This really did shock me. i seriosuly didnt even think it was an issue.
In my country your more likely to get "mocked" for only listening to bloke fronted bands.
Your missing out on alot (alot!) of good music if you only listen to guys.

I mean come on? Are you being serious?
What a joke!

completely agree with you mate thanks for backing up my initial comment

[Julia Conny]

I think this album is going to surprise me. Or at least that's what I'm hoping. "Misery Business" already has me convinced with a great catch.

[Yes. And?]

seems like the kinda band, that i only need to hear on the radio.

[Exile29]

Alright, so I have to agree with some of the people that say that it's sexist to only listen to male-fronted bands. I mean, I like tons of female bands...metal and punk. Paramore, Walls Of Jericho, Arch Enemy, The Forecast...the female singers of those bands are just as talented as the guys. I love Paramore, and I feel no guilty pleasure listening to them. But I do think that people make too big a deal over Hayley...I mean, yeah she's gorgeous. Really gorgeous. And I think she has great capabilities as a vocalist. but I listen to Paramore because I love their music, not because they have a hot chick for a singer.

[GoWaitInTheCar]

Jason Tate from Absolutepunk.net raves's "Ah, fuck, this shit is catchy as balls."


I think this band is poop. They're a poop band.

[nick2864]

I better see this on the cover of the cd:
"Ah, fuck, this shit is catchy as balls."

hahaha :-D

i saw them sell out rocketown in nashville last sep
and then headline the hob in chicago on may 8

good shows

who else has seen them?

[Blake Solomon]

Jason Tate from Absolutepunk.net raves's "Ah, fuck, this shit is catchy as balls."


I think this band is poop. They're a poop band.



hahah, i lol'd.

[Blake Solomon]

I like the straight honesty at the beginning, but I still consider your bias to have had a huge effect on this review--no matter how well written it is. And the focus of the first two paragraphs being on you is a bad idea. People want to hear about the album, not the process that took place to your listening to it. Just some pointers for the future (please don't take this the wrong way, but cause they are honest tips).


i disagree completely. I want to know a human is writing the review. Music isn't a static topic. It depends on mood, situation, etc. Voice is a very important factor for me.

[nignag]

they're good, in terms of pop music.

heck, i would rather have people listen to paramore than avril lavigne. avril is jus crap. hope her husband put some sum41 sound into her music

[Melissa Johnson]

good review. a little to much bias is my only thing. i give them mad props for what they have done at such a young age. they demand a crowd and are able to produce an amazing stage show.
Since music is subjective, everything you'll read review-wise is going to tend to have a bias of one way or another.
What a professional way to start a review: Oh how I wanted to hate this album.
Because that's how most people will feel. I didn't want to listen to this (or Mae for that matter) and whined for him not to put it on, then as it was playing, like I mentioned earlier, I kept with the same sentiments of "Dammit, I was supposed to hate this."
So i wont be getting this. They always sounded like a sub-par pop rock band with a gimmick of having a girl singing.
Least give it a listen, or a few songs, it was a nice surprise from their last effort.

[duhpunk]

i want to hear it, but based off the first single, it's not something i want to buy. hooray for Ruckus.

[leftstranded]

i like the songs they've released so far.

should be an interesting listen once it finally comes out

[zestfullyzari]

i dont know i just love how the review is written in general..

nicely said!!
=]

[ishotthepilot]

.....so, i hope someone else reviews this as well. the review doesn't really tell me anything specific about the album. maybe one from a perspective of someone who is truly interested in the album/band instead.

[nicfusion]

I like the songs I've heard off it so far...I think I'll like it.

[xpolaris]

Well I'm glad that you at least gave it a listen.
I love Paramore but I would say that your review was pretty honest and quite fair. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and it's impossible to review without bias in anything. Everyone also has a different taste in music.
And I can't judge until I've heard it.
Their latest single, Misery Business is so damn catchy, but I agree that something is kind of lacking in the lyrics.

[J-Nasty86]

Originally posted by Jason Tate: I'll admit it's very hard to pull off blasting a female-fronted-pop-band in front of your friends. I'm just not secure enough to risk the mocking that I know would be coming.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with being a guy and jamming out to Paramore. You just gotta be comortable enough with your heterosexuality. I'm straight as a white line but I'll jam out to Hayley any day. I love these guys. Can't wait till the cd comes out the 12th.

[thisonedance]

I love how the cd hasn't even leaked yet, minus a few songs, and people (member reviews) are already giving it horrible ratings. Real valid.

[staywhatyouare2]

Wait a minute! You ran around the block to avoid messing with your thermostat? I think your logic is a little flawed...:shrug:

[TBSguitar]

Since music is subjective, everything you'll read review-wise is going to tend to have a bias of one way or another.

But some people feel that it really takes away from the review when the reviewer blatantly states that they aren't really into the band at all and wanted to not like the record, even avoided listening to the record. When reading reviews, some people like it when the reviewers state right up front what they did and did not like about the album, no story. It also gives a feeling that the reviewer is not being bias. You might not agree with the review at all, because we all know that opinions do differ. But how it's told can be a big difference to people.

I can understand that this review was trying to be personal and friendly, but again, some people need the facts. That's why Alternative Press prints what the hired reviewers think, and at the end, let the head people tell what they're favorite albums were of that month with their reason, sometimes a story.

[TheBaroness]

Jason, I really like you style of reviews, particularly how you give some personal background and context to the album, makes it so much more interesting to read than the usual 'track by track synopsis' style of reviewing

[Jason Tate]

Jason, I really like you style of reviews, particularly how you give some personal background and context to the album, makes it so much more interesting to read than the usual 'track by track synopsis' style of reviewing
Thank you - I appreciate the kind words.

[Jason Tate]

Wait a minute! You ran around the block to avoid messing with your thermostat? I think your logic is a little flawed...:shrug:

One's free - one costs me money.

But some people feel that it really takes away from the review when the reviewer blatantly states that they aren't really into the band at all and wanted to not like the record, even avoided listening to the record. When reading reviews, some people like it when the reviewers state right up front what they did and did not like about the album, no story. It also gives a feeling that the reviewer is not being bias. You might not agree with the review at all, because we all know that opinions do differ. But how it's told can be a big difference to people.

I can understand that this review was trying to be personal and friendly, but again, some people need the facts. That's why Alternative Press prints what the hired reviewers think, and at the end, let the head people tell what they're favorite albums were of that month with their reason, sometimes a story.

... and that's why I never read, or would ever take the advice of an Alt Press reviewer. I just try and add/do something a little different in the reviews I write. I don't want to be bored writing them and I hope people aren't bored reading them either.

[Blake Solomon]

"Misery Business" is damn catchy. I love it.

[falloutboy.]

im curious as hell to hear this now.

[TBSguitar]

... and that's why I never read, or would ever take the advice of an Alt Press reviewer. I just try and add/do something a little different in the reviews I write. I don't want to be bored writing them and I hope people aren't bored reading them either.

and you just missed the whole point of what i was trying to say.

[buried_]

jason, this review is great. The writing style reminds me a little of eggers in how you get your point of view across. I don't know how to explain it...like a stream of real life writing as you allow readers to understand your feelings towards the album without saying it flat out. Much like how I would've written it. The best kind of writing out there.

[InvisibleNinjas]

wow, that was like reading a journal entry of someone i know very well... never knew you could write JT. course, i never knew a lot of things, thanks for the heads up, i'll avoid spending money on this at all costs.

[*woot!*]

pssh....if u dont like them dont comment!!! cuz! ur j ust mad cuz they ROCK!!!:-p

[annasaurusss]

the album is actually good .. her voice has definetely matured .

[xXGHAXx]

Argh i love paramore, cant wait for this CD

[yourfavorite]

I just listened to the whole thing on FBR+ I haven't made an opinion yet, but I was very surprised to hear the addition of the Refused lyric "we want the airwaves back" just before the choruses on born for this. When I first heard the song I said That's such a throwback to Shape of Punk to Come. As much as I enjoy the nod to Refused I think I liked the song better before they added the lyrics in there. I think the little musical interlude before the chorus is enough on its own and I feel that the vocals just kinda kill the progression. Either way, I'm on listen #2 now.

[Colleen4o6]

I'm actually a paramore fan and i loved their first album but i have to disagree with paramore fans having no reason to be disappointed. I got it in the mail on friday , I grabbed a beer and ran upstairs to listen and I was really blown away by anything on the cd. It is a good cd but i was expecting more from them :(

[cahrishurr]

im just like you Jason, i wanna hate it but i love it and its catchy as balls

[*woot!*]

pssh....wat ever i think that you sound like crap!!......keep ur fuckin comments to urself!! i think that there cd is fuckin crazy!!

[jennnnnstar]

i bought it today. i dont like the album art...im having trouble reading the credits x_x

[LoudandQuiet]

I was hoping that the sound of this CD went into the direction of their song 'My Heart' but that didn't really happen. I just got the CD and intend to give it a listen.

[413xsara]

So. This album confuses me so much... (I totally agree with your Boys Like Girls analogy - it's actually exactly what I was thinking while listening to this the first time... it could be considered a little Panic! At The Disco-y too.)

I adore All We Know Is Falling; I wouldn't even consider Paramore a guilty pleasure judging from that album. It is good popish rock music. Riot! however is good rockish pop music. All Paramore ever says is how they want to be considered a band but this album puts the focus directly on Hayley. I think a lot of that can be blamed on the lyrics. Even as a teenage girl who idolize(s/d) Hayley, I don't find these songs incredibly relatable. And the most confusing part is I remember Josh saying his only regret on AWKIF was that it sounded too sugary, not rock enough.

God for kids who listen to U2 and UnderOATH they sure know how to make pop music. But really as you said, how can one hate this album?

Sorry for the horribly long comment.

[punkerific]

shush everyone! Paramore are the shizz!

[Anelundi]

I Love this CD :) My favorite song is track 11 'Born for this,' I also enjoyed track 6 'Let the Flames begin' it kinda had a Pat Benatar sound and track 10 'Fences' had a Stray Cats/Fishbone/Ska sound. Oh, Track 4 'Misery Business' is good, too! Kuddos for Paramore and their producer David Bendeth who also produced 'Breaking Benjamin,' 'Red Jumpsuit Apparatus,' 'Hawthore Heights,' 'The Almost,' and many other awesome groups.

[jaredCoO]

This album fruggin rocks balls! And the fact that Hayley's hot makes it all the more sweeter!

[dostoevsky]

definately an improvement on their debut

some people need to look past the bullshit and take them for what they are, a dedicated band with alot of energy and passion who are making good music

[*woot!*]

man that was the best cd in the world! so all ya'll haters you guys dont music is!M-(

[Beloved Broken]

I just listened to the whole thing on FBR+ I haven't made an opinion yet, but I was very surprised to hear the addition of the Refused lyric "we want the airwaves back" just before the choruses on born for this. When I first heard the song I said That's such a throwback to Shape of Punk to Come. As much as I enjoy the nod to Refused I think I liked the song better before they added the lyrics in there. I think the little musical interlude before the chorus is enough on its own and I feel that the vocals just kinda kill the progression. Either way, I'm on listen #2 now.

The "nod" is funny. Ridiculous, even.
I lol'd when I heard it. Paramore. Refused. Haha.

[Chantelle666]

Sounds good
Paramore kick ass!
I might buy it for my birthday

[{[PAM]}]

I bought the cd but I havent heard it yet...
anyways I saw them live and I loved them.

[Jenniferr]

i like this cd.
i didnt expect it to turn out the way it did tho.

[hi im amber.]

umm. it doesnt sound like crap. so you can just shove that right up your ass.

[omgshe'sdead]

Hayley is hot.

Other then that, I won't comment on this (pretty damn average) band.

[[punkROCKgirl]]

OK I LOVE paramore!! how could you say stuff like that?? their first album rocks and so does riot!!!!!

[minustheburt]

this is one good album. the instruments are all played well and hayleys vocals are all amazing. if you don't like pop-punk stuff you may not like it but if you appreciate good music at all you'll understand this completely.

[thisyearstrend]

prefer their first album. but this is a good album. plus i have a thing for female fronted bands.

[TheDudeOnTheSet]

I don't care for Paramore at all and this album shows why why i can't stand themM-(

[Heroin Robot]

rated way too high

[Spenny]

I love Riot!
I don't know, it's catchy beyond belief and energetic. Then again, I also liked All We Know Is Falling, so I already liked the band. >_>

[fadedmemories]

I love Riot!
I don't know, it's catchy beyond belief and energetic.

so catchy and energetic!

[Amy Haze]

I tried to avoid going into a rant about female rock singers, but I just don't get them. Like, take Damone. Noelle's got this badass band behind her, and all she can do is squeak? And as for Paramore: Hayley's favorite band Underoath, and all she can do is teeter on the edge of a growl? If I was a chick rock singer, I'd be rocking like there's no tomorrow. Someone said chick singers can only sing pop, but I think it's more that they just *don't* take their voices to that level. It's kind of confusing. I'm not saying every chick has to be Courtney Love, but they don't need to be afraid of grit altogether.

If that doesn't sound like female-led rock bands are my speciality, it should, ha. They're my bands of choice; I just notice that, and it kind of irks me. And I'll be upfront with the guys- I dig a guy who shares my tastes, and that includes female-fronted bands. So, yeah.

Back in the old days, Paramore would've released a couple of albums on an (real) indie label and would've grown into their sound. But today it's all put out there, mediocre pop listened to only because Hayley's voice is ridiculous. Someday they'll do stuff of interest, but for now it's just blah. Blah. "Misery Business" is fun, "Let the Flames Begin" is weirdly empowering, and "Born For This" sounded better before Hayley's weird line was forced in there. Overall, I'd give this a 60-65%. (And I *wanted* to like it.) Good review, though.

[Wez1212Yes]

Hate this album compared to AWKIF.

[fadedmemories]

I tried to avoid going into a rant about female rock singers, but I just don't get them. Like, take Damone. Noelle's got this badass band behind her, and all she can do is squeak? And as for Paramore: Hayley's favorite band Underoath, and all she can do is teeter on the edge of a growl? If I was a chick rock singer, I'd be rocking like there's no tomorrow. Someone said chick singers can only sing pop, but I think it's more that they just *don't* take their voices to that level. It's kind of confusing. I'm not saying every chick has to be Courtney Love, but they don't need to be afraid of grit altogether.

If that doesn't sound like female-led rock bands are my speciality, it should, ha. They're my bands of choice; I just notice that, and it kind of irks me. And I'll be upfront with the guys- I dig a guy who shares my tastes, and that includes female-fronted bands. So, yeah.

Back in the old days, Paramore would've released a couple of albums on an (real) indie label and would've grown into their sound. But today it's all put out there, mediocre pop listened to only because Hayley's voice is ridiculous. Someday they'll do stuff of interest, but for now it's just blah. Blah. "Misery Business" is fun, "Let the Flames Begin" is weirdly empowering, and "Born For This" sounded better before Hayley's weird line was forced in there. Overall, I'd give this a 60-65%. (And I *wanted* to like it.) Good review, though.
:thumbdwn:

[Pawan1993]

LOL
I wanted to hate this album as well. Not to be sexist or anything but I also hate female vocalists. They just don't have strong vocals like Aaron Marsh, Aaron Gillespie(yes alot of the Aaron's have good voices even Aaron Sprinkle).
And then my friends made me hear it. Nothing special at all. It's just your everyday poppy shit except most people hear better stuff than this. it was catchy at first but then got annoying after that.
nice review by the way.

[Nourez]

Love this album, but I liked the first one better.

[Nourez]

:thumbdwn:

2nded. Though I guess I am a little bit biased. But the review is pretty accurate. If you like this style of music, they are really good, if not, you'd probably like some of their stuff.

[fr33kn]

Hve you guys checked out their latest song "Decode"? Its a good song...they are getting better.

[dazygrl02]

This reveiw was incredibly funny and true. I lheard this album on Pandora Radio, where I listen to these kinds of things, and managed to convince my 10 year old sister she liked it so I could put it on my iPod without risk of my friends laughing at me.

[Nourez]

This reveiw was incredibly funny and true. I lheard this album on Pandora Radio, where I listen to these kinds of things, and managed to convince my 10 year old sister she liked it so I could put it on my iPod without risk of my friends laughing at me.
C'mon. Don't be embarrassed by your musical taste (unless you're listening to Disney crap).

(note to self. Why the hell am I still subscribed to this thread?)

[Janiedecode]

Hello everyone.
I'm new at this. I just sign up.
SO, anybody I should talk too?

Paramore is like my all time favorite band.
I will actually die if I don't see Paramore live again!
My favorite song by Paramor is Decode, Misery business,
Emergency and That's what you get.

SO, I am a wrtier at stories. I love writing. It's sort my thing.
Also, reading cool for me too.

So, anyway. Wanna chat?

[Janiedecode]

Paramore is aweosme.
What are you peopels talking about?

[denissuxx]

I wish Jason did more reviews

[chelseaxsmilexD]

me nd most of my friends were on board with paramore since Riot first came out, like that day. We can't stand now that it's all fucking Decode. That's an okay song... but not their best by far.

[DandonTRJ]

Hahaha, coming back to this review years later, the No Doubt comment was so prescient.

Well done, Jason. You are obviously some sort of musical Nostradamus.

[paramoreluva567]

wow dude not cool I'm not obsessed with Paramore because wow yeah the dudes are hot (can't say anything bout Hayley I'm a girl) I love there music cause it speaks to me wow dude you know nothing about music. I have to admitt some songs aren't that great but you need to read in between the lines

[BehcetWilliam]

amazing album

[punkroc7894]

pretty good album

[wecameaswaffles]

lol i didnt think all we know is falling was that painful. it blows their newer stuff out of the water...