i can get the lyrical criticism but i really think the light nod to This Is Why on the 2nd verse is genius (“I’m safe inside”) and really makes me excited for a potential concept album. Especially since these songs are back to back Track 1 and 2. They work really well together narratively speaking.
I'm hoping it's actually the opposite case and these two songs get "paramore writes about Life Right Now in the broadest terms possible" out of their system. A/Bing these two songs against the first two from After Laughter was a bit depressing/deflating tbh
tbh I am very thankful lyrics are secondary to music for me; generally they can often elevate a song I already love musically to great heights when they’re good/relatable/a fitting complement to the music, but they rarely ever ruin songs for me (if they do it’s generally bc they’re clunky or try to cram too many syllables into short phrases, and that’s more of a musical issue anyway imo) and they almost never save songs I find bad or mediocre on a musical level. often I find lyrics compelling, even when not technically great, if they potently capture a feeling or emotion — honestly sometimes the simplest and barest terms can be better than elaborate and flowery poetry for me depending on the subject. in my eyes, both songs so far do that. I mean, if I just look at the lyrics divorced from the music I can understand the complaints, but in the context of the song they work for me, personally.
Maybe I’m getting old and don’t know shit, but I actually love Hayley’s lyrics and think she’s one of the best to do it. Looking not just at the pop landscape, but music as a whole the past few years I think these songs (and her solo album) are relatable and catchy, not sacrificing either for the other. I connect with that.
Unpopular opinion i'm sure, and I love this band to death, but I was wishing there were more guitars here and a heavier element to this song. I was sort of waiting for it to explode in the chorus and it never did. Sort of dry in that regard. Just a personal preference though I think. I still really enjoy the song.
Yeah, I don't know, I'm a sucker for a lyrics and it's the first thing I notice in most cases and I thought these worked on just about every level. Yes, they're on the nose, but sometimes, that just fits the aesthetic of the song and I think it does here. I think the 2nd verse, in particular, is really poignant even if it is straightforward.
Surprised me but noticed This Is Why won BBC Radio 1’s song of the year. Or should I say, “hottest record of the year”. How Paramore wrote 2022's song of the year