Paramore is a [metal] band, well, sort of. Nothing perks up a sick, homework induced coma than the sounds of Paramore’s new record Brand New Eyes. Being a fan of Paramore since day one, I had high expectations for this new record, especially after the rumors of a possible break up. This album had so much hype & excitement leading up to it; did it really serve it up?

The answer? Let’s evaluate. The second track on the album “Ignorance” is the first single they posted from the new record back in July. When I first heard this song, I didn’t like it at all. I thought it was a lame attempt at sounding like No Doubt. At first glance, It’s no “Misery Business”, but after a few listens, you can’t get it out of your head. They take a slap people who pass judgment saying, “You’re not a judge, but if you’re gunna judge me/sentence me to another life!” (Thank you, Paramore for proving me WRONG!)

Let’s not forget about the first track, “Careful”. They repeat the word “more” reminding me how much I just want to hear the REST OF THE RECORD! “Brick By Boring Brick” is the song responsible for the album art (which I’m not a fan of. My apologizes to Ryan Russell…). “The angles were all wrong now / She's ripping wings off of butterflies / Keep your feet on the ground / When your head's in the clouds”

Lyrically, this album is pretty clever. Paramore’s new edge proves that they aren’t “the Hayley Williams” show after all. A few songs (I could write for hour about) that stand out are “Playing God” (“I might have to bend it back or brake it off / next time you point a finger I'll point you to the mirror.”), “Misguided Ghosts” (“I'm just one of those ghosts Travelling endlessly / Don't need no road In fact they follow you And we just go in circles ”), and “Where Lines Overlap” (“Now Ive got a feeling if I sang this loud enough, you Would sing it back to me “ [response to lyrics from “My Heart” from All We Know is Falling?])

It seems like the whole band has input & inspiration in this album. The acoustic feel in the beginning of “The Only Exception” is one that reminds me of “Yellow” by Coldplay. One thing that Riot seemed to lack was a good tasteful “love” ballad. Eyes has clearly showed the maturity of Paramore have not one, but two chill acoustic songs on the record.

To all the rumors about them breaking up, they focus in the song “Looking Up”. It’s one song that could speak for itself, come back, and speak again. “God knows the world doesn’t need another band But what a waste it would’ve been / I can't believe we almost hung it up / We're just getting started” Not only do you feel the roughness of their urgency, but you could taste it…. But don’t try that at home. We don’t want you to have a saliva covered CD.

At the end, they close out the record with “All I Wanted” (not to be confused with Kelly Clarkson’s “All I EVER Wanted”). This song proves that THIS BAND (not just Hayley) doesn’t need guitar swirls, “break-downs”, and massive harmony/over singing to be a credible, listenable, enjoyable piece of art. The simplicity & passion leak through, ending the album on a note that forces you to play the album over & over. Hayley Williams AND her hair might be a fashion trend, but THE BAND Paramore’s maturity should catch on like a wild fire.

The most anticipated album of 2009 (at least for me) clearly earned its hype. I’ve seen bands have hype & not deliver and have zero hype & deliver, which is a shame. To this, I say CONGRATS to Josh, Zac, Taylor, Jeremy, and Hayley. You have left me wanting more, humming clever lyrics, and seeing the potential to be one of the biggest lady fronted bands in our little emo, pop-punk world. Look out, world! Paramore (THE BAND) is gunna get you!