Hayley Williams - Petals for Armor (May 8, 2020) Album • Page 59

This record has absolutely dominated my listening recently and I rarely get so swept up in just one record. It's all I want to listen to. This thing is just fucking fantastic. Sugar on the Rim still doesn't quite do it for me like the others, but it's still obviously a great track.

For those waiting until next week - you're in for a treat.

 

Early thoughts from this week's newsletter:

Liner Notes (May 1st, 2020) • chorus.fm

I’ve been trying to find the best way to distill the new Hayley Williams album down to its essence. And after a week spent listening to little else, the word that comes to me the most often is intimate. This is an album that cracks open a songwriter and lets us into her world with striking clarity. There are moments here where it’s impossible not to feel a physical ache coming from the speakers. The album as a whole is a journey as it walks between undeniably catchy heartbreak jams, glitchy beats and atmospheric pouring of the soul into the soundwaves, and tender moments of devoted, intimate, passion. It’s one of the most emotionally honest albums I’ve heard in years. And ultimately, the journey is a triumphant one. The album walks the listener through hurt into the light and thoughts of a better tomorrow. It’s striking in its complete form and not what I expected at all. Whereas my pop sensibilities have been drunk on Dua Lipa’s recent album for months on end, this is an album that uses pop-techniques and melody to shatter the wall between artist and listener. I find it impossible to listen to this album without feeling like I’m listening to a conversation I wasn’t supposed to hear. It’s raw, beautiful, and often fragile. The metamorphoses into the back-half of the album, which carries with it a kind of weary confidence, is fascinating. I need many more listens to figure out all my thoughts on this one, because it’s a lot to take in. There are places where I’m not sure it quite works, and others where I think it’s downright brilliant, powerful, and vital. This is definitely worth your time when it releases next week.

 

I think you nailed it. I've only listened through once but this was pretty much how I felt about it.

 

Not that they're bad songs by any means but its kind of crazy how I could LOVE every song on part 1 and 2 and be super hyped for this but then find most of part 3 middling. 10/15 being really amazing songs still make this a great album!

 

the stevie wonder sounding keyboards on "taken" >>>>>>>>

 

I mean she’s not wrong

 

It honestly might be that you're hearing all of them at once instead of individually like the rest - I find part three to be one of the most adventurous parts of the album and most of it pays off, but it took a few listens to really sink in.

Anyways, if you're not feeling 'em you're not feeling 'em, but I'd keep giving them a shot and maybe listen to them individually!

 

Taken absolutely sends me

 

Still need to give this a listen. I've only listened to the first batch of songs she released and realized it was something I need to be in the mood for to give it a fair shot.

 

I think part three is actually my favorite but I’m a sucker for a happy ending.

 

Hayley Williams on a decade of highs and lows

 

The press cycle for this album has helped me so much during this awful, awful time. I feel so grateful to have someone I look up to who is willing to be so candid about their mental health. It makes me feel like I’m not alone in such a special way.

 

Crystal Clear is such a gorgeous song. Probably my favorite on the album. There's just so much power in its vulnerability and beauty. And, having followed Hayley and the band for over a decade now, the lyrics hit hard. A realistic, open love song - without a twist! Makes me happy.

 

She should write for I Think You Should Leave

 

YES

 

Hayley Williams on a decade of highs and lows

 

we got drew'd

 

fucking love this

Now she allows herself to feel deeply without judgement. “I go through some of the heaviest depression that will hit in a single day, followed up by a real feeling of peace and gratitude that I never experienced until quite recently,” she explains. “Being able to juggle both of those extremes, to be able to say, ‘it’s OK that I don’t feel good’ and ‘I don’t understand how to put words to this feeling’ or that ‘actually now I feel so hopeful and grateful’ has been very important to me, and that’s more the message I wish I’d have known sooner.”

 

This is really good

 

three songs in of my first listen. what a delightfully weird album so far. wasn’t expecting this.

 

There isn't an actual album yet right? Only Part 1 and Part 2 EPs?

 

full album leaked a while back. it's released on Friday.

 

Oh wow I had no idea haha I've just been checking on my YouTube Music subscription