If This Is Paramore's Future We Want It Now

Today saw the return of flame-fronted super trio, Paramore, with their first single, "Now", from up and coming Self-Titled fourth studio album. As a self confessed fan girl of the band I knew I would love the new song - hell, they could record the alphabet and I'd put that on repeat - but what I didn't know is what it would sound like and would I love it as much as their other material? The fandom, the critics and the mildly interested all sat in tense anticipation for 12am EST (5am for those in the UK) to hear just what Paramore had been up to since the Singles Club releases back in 2011. From lurking around on the internet it seemed that there was more cynicism than optimism. Ridiculous rumours flew that it would be an electro dubstep dance track. 

The song was unleashed on the internet. 4 minutes and 7 seconds later, opinions were circulating around. As with everything, some loved it, some hated it. It was compared to their old stuff both positively and negatively ('like how dare they grow and change their sound omg ew'). It was compared to No Doubt and Hayley was accused of being a Gwen Stefani wannabe. Numerous comparisons were made, including the likening of it to fellow Fueled By Ramen band VersaEmerge's new material. 

But. It is wholeheartedly Paramore. 

They started out as teenagers and have grown and grown and grown into young adults in a world where it can be tough to make it. And when they did make it, it wasn't always easy. They could easily have called it a day and "Now" tells us that they knew this, "there's a time and place to die but this ain't it" - but they didn't give up.

The music is heavy, the lyrical content more personal than before, "wish I could find a crystal ball for the days I feel completely worthless" and Hayley's vocals are edgy with a wider range of notes showcased beautifully. Despite the weighty topic and sound, "Now" also manages to be accessible and have elements of pop, which is the beauty of Paramore.  

Ultimately, Paramore have proved themselves worthy of the endless praise they receive once again. They've truly progressed in a fantastic manner and their ability to write epic songs just gets better and better with every release. 

They're starting over and no one should dare take this from them.