Paramore - After Laughter (2017)

Why Listen?

After Laughter is the sonic equivalent of a smile hiding a scream—a dazzling, neon-lit rollercoaster ride through existential dread that feels oddly comforting. If you’ve ever wanted to dance your way through an existential crisis, this is your soundtrack.

Released in 2017, this album marked a bold departure from the band’s emo-pop roots, trading their gritty guitars for sparkling synths and tropical rhythms. But don’t be fooled by the glossy exterior; beneath the bubblegum sheen lies an emotional gut-punch, delivered with Hayley Williams’ signature mix of vulnerability and fire.

The album opens with a track so irresistibly upbeat it could soundtrack a beach party—until you catch the lyrics. “All that I want is to wake up fine”, Williams sings, setting the tone for an album that pairs its candy-coated melodies with themes of anxiety, disillusionment, and heartbreak. It’s like finding glitter in the cracks of a broken mirror: dazzling and devastating all at once.

What makes After Laughter truly stand out is its emotional honesty. Tracks like “Fake Happy” and “26” peel back the layers of Williams’ psyche with startling clarity. “Fake Happy” is an anthem for anyone who’s ever plastered on a smile to hide their inner turmoil, while “26” is a tender ballad that feels like a quiet plea for hope in the face of despair. These songs don’t just resonate; they linger, like the bittersweet aftertaste of a memory you can’t quite shake.

The album’s pacing is masterful, alternating between high-energy bops like “Rose-Colored Boy” and introspective moments like “Tell Me How”. Each track feels meticulously crafted yet deeply personal, as if Paramore has invited you into their collective therapy session.

And then there’s Hayley Williams’ voice—a powerhouse instrument that shifts effortlessly from defiant to delicate, always delivering lyrics that cut straight to the bone. It’s impossible not to feel every word she sings.

In the end, After Laughter is a Technicolor exploration of what it means to be human in all its messy contradictions. It’s proof that even in our darkest moments, there’s beauty to be found, whether it’s in a perfectly crafted pop song or a fleeting moment of connection.

Curator's Note:

The concept for this album is so creative I had to share it. The funky island rhythms contrast well with the sad lyrics, bringing them into sharp relief. The music videos are great too, and have this 1980's vibe. This has gotta be one of my favorite albums in the last 10 years.