On February 17, 2009, Paramore released their video for "The Only Exception". Initially, I was quiet excited because it was supposed to be unlike any Paramore video. The first legit video I saw from them was for "Misery Business". The fire-haired, feisty Hayley commanded a video with such power, setting the stage for the Hayley Williams show. Since then, we've seen Hayley explode all over the mainstream radio. Scene kids all around started dying their hair with Hot Topic hair dyes, buying yellow or red skinny jeans, and wearing vans like no tomorrow. Hayley Williams not only has become a musical icon, but she's become the face of the scene generation. So, you can see my excitement when I heard that the video for "The Only Exception" was supposed to be unlike any other Paramore video. Well, I was clearly wrong.

Sure, this is the first "love" song Paramore has ever recorded like this. Sure, it has a small story involving a girl. Sure sure sure. But, the only band shot we see of the OTHER guys (Josh, Taylor, Zac, and Jeremy) was on a small stage for a few seconds with Hayley STILL in the shot. Seriously, is that what this has come down to? I thought we were passed the whole Hayley Williams show when Brand New Eyes was released. I have sworn up and down that Paramore is a new band. They have seemed to have a different attitude, especially after the band almost broke up.

Don't get me wrong, I love Paramore. I will always love Paramore. They have powerful lyrics and meaningful songs. They are unlike any band I've actually enjoyed the past 10 years. Plus, I will always have a tiny grudge on Hayley and secretly want Josh Farro's hair, but where do we draw the line? I mean this is all about Hayley now. She is the face of the band now... and it IRRITATES ME. These guys have so much more talent, but they are settling short because everyone sees Hayley, the show off, and not anyone else. Is she really WORTH it, just another Gwen Stefani remake?

If I wanted to see a video on just Hayley, I would watch EVERY OTHER PARAMORE VIDEO (except for Brick By Boring Brick...). Paramore is going down a road I do not support. Who will stop the ego of Hayley? Is it all just an act? This time next year, what will happen to our beloved female lead band? Is Paramore getting a bit too big for their yellow skinny pants?



Is Hayley into herself and how "everyone loves her"?