Paramore releases 'The News', out now

Paramore wow listeners once again with a genre defining new single and video, titled The News. In this latest release the band jumped straight into their message, wasting no time. “War, a war, a war on the far side. On the other side of the planet”, Hayley Williams protests, kicking off the song. Unlike their previous single release off their upcoming album This Is Why, The News comes with a distinctively eerie tone and visuals. In a recent interview with Apple Music, Williams explains that their new direction of The News “feels like a mix between classic Paramore angst and bringing in some influences we’ve always had but never exploited”. From a listener perspective, Williams is absolutely right. The heavy bass line/guitar riffs as well as the pairing of Williams vocals to the rhythm of drummer Zac Farro’s energizing drum pattern really do feel like an evolution all the way from their debut album, All We Know Is Falling. 

Band members, Hayley Williams and Zac Farro being directed on set.

When exploring visuals to accompany The News, Paramore utilizes frontwoman Williams to act out the message they’re conveying through their assertive lyrics that go around. Williams opens the first shot of the video on the ground with her face focused on a computer screen with completely glossed-over white eyes. “And I’ve got war, a war, a war right behind my eyes, right behind them just like a headache”, Williams sings into a camera on screen. Soon enough the video introduces viewers to two versions of Hayley. One could be likened to a zombie, so absorbed by the effects that the constant flow of media has on civilian brains and the other is more of an assertive protesting version of Hayley. The pair represent two manifestations of a media-absorbed spectrum, the overstimulated and the hyperbolic/ manic. 

Stills from The News video directed by Mike Kluge and Matthew DeLisi

With just two singles out, Paramore’s newest era/record is shaping up to be one of their best and highest charting. Check out Paramore’s The News anywhere you listen to music, it won't disappoint. 

This Is Why the album, out February 10th, 2023.