Paramore singer Hayley Williams is widely considered one of the most talented singers of the alternative rock scene. With the contrast of her confident stage presence and vulnerable lyricism, she is compelling as both an artist and a star.
Songs like “Misery Business,” “Ain’t It Fun” and “Still Into You” continue to be played on modern pop and rock radio alike, and a recent opening slot for Taylor Swift’s record-breaking “The Eras Tour” garnered Williams and her band even more accolades and fans.
Paramore’s most recent release, the 2023 album “This is Why,” took influence from danceable post-punk to create smart, fun anthems that made this style feel refreshingly new. Williams continues to evolve this style on her third album as a solo artist, “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party,” blending classic influences and her unique voice to write with compelling frankness about her insecurities and struggles with the end of a long-term relationship.
Originally released exclusively on her website in August, the album was independently released in October and has already garnered significant critical attention. The sprawling nineteen-song album showcases a variety of diverse styles that all have William’s undeniable voice and presence. While most feature some of her strongest songwriting yet, others fall flat with overwrought pop production and muddled lyrics.
Opening track “Ice In My OJ” uses simple, booming snares and bassline to highlight Williams’ anxious lyrics. It starts out with mid-tempo verses before bursting at the seams: Williams screams “I’m in a band!” repeatedly in the song’s chorus. Songs like “Whim” have a similar sound to Taylor Swift’s folk-pop discography while still feeling fresh.
One lyrical highlight is “Mirtazapine,” titled after an antidepressant. Amidst cinematic strings and distorted electric guitar, Williams praises the effects the medication has had on her life, singing about how it’s “For when the heart’s a sinking stone, that’s smashing, fusing to your bones.”
The title track is equal parts swagger and sensitivity, sneaking in a diss to popular country singer Morgan Wallen, while continuing to reflect on Williams’ insecurities and career. Acoustic songs like “Blood Bros” and “I Won’t Quit On You” demonstrate her soft, yet haunting voice. “Parachute,” which has recently made some waves on TikTok, features one of her most infectious hooks yet as it paints a devastating portrait of a crumbling relationship.
The album’s strengths are when it zeroes in on her dynamic vocals and lyrics, and its weakest when it tilts too heavily into pop sheen. Primary producer Daniel James is mostly known for his pop background, working with artists like Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez. His production often feels overwrought and overwhelming.
The vocal compression on “Disappearing Man” makes her voice sound unintentionally artificial to the point of distraction from the rest of the song, and the use of a monotone vocal delivery on “Love Me Different” takes away all the energy showcased in previous tracks. “Zizzou” is a fun, breezy indie pop song, but it feels generic and like its repetition doesn’t serve a distinctive purpose.
“Hard” has some of the strongest lyrics on the album, with evocative lines like “I got married once in combat boots and only listened to testosterone music, I had to kill my feminine just to do it,” but its flaccid instrumentation takes away from the lyrics’ emotions. The end track, “Good ‘Ol Days,” features some of the weakest lyrics on the album, with awkward attempts at humor like “You could call me Miss Paramour.”
Despite its uneven moments, “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party” continues Williams’ recent artistic hot streak. It’s admirable how she has continued to tackle love, fame and mental health with the same depth of sincerity she did at the beginning of Paramore’s career while sounding stronger and wiser than ever.
The frequent stylistic changes may have alienated some members of her fanbase. However, she proves that the best way to succeed both commercially and critically is to grow alongside your audience, not just play it safe.