The opening chords on “Careful” instantly make me think that this record will be heavier than any of Paramore’s previous efforts, and the opening track is refreshing, yet familiar. The first single off the new record, “Ignorance” manages to be catchy and fun, yet listen to the lyrics and you’ll notice that they’re quite heavy, on the edge of angry perhaps. The next few songs reassure the listener that Paramore are still the same band that they know and love. Things change up a bit on “Turn It Off” and the thinner texture in the verses make the listener appreciate what an amazing singer Hayley Williams is. The rhythm section, bass especially, effortlessly accompany the vocals in the verses and as we near chorus, the guitar slowly builds and it explodes into the chorus. The detail can be seen in an ever present lead voice in the song, if it’s not the vocals in the verses, then it’s a guitar melody line between chorus and verse.

It seems like Paramore like to try something different on each new release (for the record “Fences” on Riot! is amazing, no matter what the critics may say) and my guess is that “Misguided Ghosts” is that track on brand new eyes. This stripped back, soft-rock is different enough to catch your attention, yet still safe enough to not alienate listeners. The bare nature of just acoustic guitars and vocals is relaxing and beautiful.

The disc closes with a gigantic song in “All I Wanted” with its soaring chorus and massive instrumentation.

There is no doubt that Paramore have grown up musically and personally since Riot!, and have managed to portray that on this new record. The lyrics are tremendously well written and the instrumentation has technically evolved. The sound is familiarly Paramore flavored, but the songs are more refined and crafted more carefully, with a few surprises thrown in the mix to keep things interesting.

Initial Thoughts: I was worried what direction this album was heading in. Would the success and rise in popularity off the back of Riot! change this band? The album artwork is interesting, and reading the booklet, I lingered on the picture of the band crammed into a little space jamming, put with the lyrics of “Looking Up”. Everyone has heard of the hardship that Paramore have gone through over the past three years as a band, but this song seems to imply that they have patched things up.

Now: A solid record from Paramore. This is a band that’s here to stay and have cemented their talent with a wonderful third release. My only criticism is the addition of bonus track “Decode” at the very end of the disc. This is apparently available on all international releases of brand new eyes and it seems to just kill the mood a little. The disc ending with “All I Wanted” seemed just perfect, and then “Decode” started playing and that just killed the perfect ending for me.

Best Track: Opening track “Careful” is a must listen, but “Misguided Ghosts” is my favorite after only a few listens of the disc. Also listen to “Brick by Boring Brick” because the lyrics are so well written and the gang-vocals at the end make my heart melt.