Paramore — Brand New Eyes

Brand New Eyes

Fueled By Ramen/Warner

Sheena Lyonnais (CHARTattack)

10/13/2009 1:36pm

There's a reason Paramore's third album Brand New Eyes debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart — it's hands down their best album yet.

While the band are known for their emo pop punk, Brand New Eyes introduces an edgier, more aggressive side of the band, especially on tracks like "Brick By Boring Brick" and "Where The Lines Overlap." Paramore have shed their sense of naivety, moving away from high school love and instead grasping complicated topics such as divorce, faith and growing up with a great sense of maturity, cynicism and intelligence.

There's no denying the star appeal of this band, especially frontwoman Hayley Williams. She has an ability to write great songs with strong vocals complimented by her band's heightened sense of musicianship. Paramore embrace folk on "Misguided Ghosts," power balladry on "All I Wanted" and stay true to their catchy hooks on "Looking Up."

Brand New Eyes isn't daringly different, but it certainly isn't disappointing.

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