Emotionalpunk.com
Media Review
Music Quality: 8.5
Production: 8.0
Originality: 7.0
Tracklisting
2. Pressure
3. Emergency
4. Brighter
5. Here We Go Again
6. Never Let Go
7. Whoa
8. Conspiracy
9. Franklin
10. My Heart
I have this unhealthy fear that Fueled by Ramen might have gone down the tubes. When Fall Out Boy blew up, and I worried about how Vinnie and John would handle this excessive exposure. It seems as though they are taking it in stride with releases for the obscure Gym Class Heroes, poppy Academy Is…, and now, Paramore.
Paramore is a group of teenagers from Tennessee that seem poised to take over the pop underground. Fronted by the dynamic Hayley Williams, Paramore combine the upbeat sound of label mates the Academy Is… and, well, Kelly Clarkson. Let me explain that last statement and don’t let that deter you from listening.
Their debut, All we know is Falling, is far more mature than I figured it would be. Hayley is credited with writing the lyrics and, for someone who is sixteen, I was floored. Not simply by the words themselves, but by the dynamic vocal range in which she performs. It is this fact that strikes the comparison to Kelly Clarkson. Tracks like “Emergency,” and “All we know,” just show off her impressive vocal style. But if you listen to those tracks and don’t believe me, listen to the end of “Conspiracy.” Her voice is just amazing.
Aside from Hayley, the four guys who back her up do a solid job as well. At times the music tends to be a little redundant and not too spectacular. But they provide a good background for the vocals. And to be honest, I was a little disappointed to hear the screaming at the end of the last track, “My Heart.” I was hoping that the record wouldn’t go down that road but it wasn’t enough to ruin the album.
There is no doubt in my mind that this band has a great deal of talent. In fact, this band will play a major role in the future of women in the indie pop/emo scene. This is a very solid debut for a group of kids some of whom aren’t even old enough to get into R rated movies. If you are into the Academy is…, Eisley or if Kelly Clarkson is your guilty pleasure, you will not regret picking up this disc.