What is “emo,” you ask? And who is Paramore? They are a pop punk band from Franklin, Tenn. Paramore is frontwoman and lead vocalist Heyley Williams, guitarist Taylor York and bassist Jeremy Davis. Heyley told NPR Weekend Edition Sunday “emo” stands for emotion. “I don’t need to swear,” Heyley said during that interview. “I want to talk about normal life problems.” If you’ve ever heard their music, you know they do that with plenty of spunk.
Their formula has made hits. Paramore’s second and third albums sold platinum. Their fourth album, self-titled Paramore, was just released on April 9. Guitarist Taylor told NPR that faith was at the core of Paramore’s identity. Paramore doesn’t record under a religious record label, but religion still inspires their creativity. It’s a part of them that they cannot help but to express in their music and their art. In the interview, Taylor described music as creating something from nothing, and that inspiration has to come from somewhere else outside of themselves. Although they aren’t trying to be a Christian band, Taylor told NPR that he believes God plays a role in the inspiration process.
It’s not hard to see that in their single, “Still Into You,” which speaks of commitment in relationship. “Can’t count the years on one hand that we’ve been together,” the song starts out. They don’t sugarcoat a long term commitment. “It’s not a walk in the park to love each other, but when our fingers interlock, can’t deny, can’t deny you’re worth it, cause after all this time, I’m still into you.” Although it definitely has the Paramore driving rhythms, the song sounds to me like a softer side of their typical punk. But it’s a catchy tune, and it still gives butterflies. “I should be over all the butterflies, but I’m still into you.” I think if you’ll give them a try, you’ll be into them too.
