If ever there was a single track in Paramore’s latest self-titled studio release that indicates to me that they are now well past their teenage angst-ridden days, then, their fourth single “Ain’t It Fun” is one shining illustration of that.
This Tennessee-based band has, indeed, grown musically–they have started to explore previously uncharted territories when it comes to the choice of topics in their songs.
Clearly gone are their days of singing about high school drama, broken relationships, and other common teenage issues that they had already tackled in their earliest records which were released from the early-to-mid 2000’s.
And that is not the only significant change we are witnessing happening to Paramore. Even lead vocalist Hayley Williams is starting to show more of her musical chops–from her crooning to the soulful “touches” in her singing style, particularly in this single.
These nuances in her voice signify to me that, vocally, she has entered her prime already. You can hear these changes specifically in the chorus and refrain sections of this single wherein she sings with greater confidence. Here, the versatility of her voice takes shape and we begin to take serious notice of what she can do more behind the mic.
Aside from the above-mentioned developments, what has impressed me, too, is the diversity of musical influences shown here and some of these weren’t ever heard before until now, such as the influence of Gospel music.
Who knew that, one day, we would actually be hearing a Gospel choir section incorporated into one of their songs?
In effect, (again, this must be brought up)–just maybe–the abrupt departure of the Farro brothers were good for two reasons. The first one is that more creative control was handed over to Hayley Williams.
And the second one is that Hayley was left with the duty of being the band’s primary songwriter. Thus, she is able to put in more of her own “personality” into the songs of Paramore.
What is the overall meaning of “Ain’t It Fun”?
Hayley Williams boldly sings about tackling the real world. She alludes: What would you do once you are no longer living under the same roof with your parents and you are trying to earn a living on your own? How would life treat you and how will you, in return, handle what life dishes out?
Hayley tackles a serious issue like this that every young adult must eventually face.
As she delivers her song, we can detect a seriousness about it, as well as a hint of sarcasm in it.
It doesn’t feel heavy at all to listen to. Instead, the lyrics are wrapped in a rather upbeat and “sunny” melody that it even makes this single sound surprisingly danceable and pleasant to the ears.
Hearing a song like “Ain’t It Fun” in the manner it has been constructed and put together is something relatively new from this acclaimed band. Their “experimentation” pays off and is a sign of the direction the band Paramore is headed musically in the near future.
Another observation I want to point out is that Hayley Williams has embraced a softer and more controlled method of singing. Her relatively new approach is deemed the more “acceptable” way of doing things in the mainstream scene.
Some longtime Paramore fans may not like this track. Others, though, like myself completely understand it became essential that Hayley adapted a more mainstream style in order for the band to continue to survive and to remain marketable in the music industry.
And yet, who knows? Down the line, when the timing is right and when the changing music scene dictates upon the direction of the band again, they could revisit their pop-punk roots once more and release an album with a harder edge to it!
But in the meantime, we just have to make do with a more experimental and pop-oriented Paramore.
Thumbs Up!