You can’t make a diamond without the squeeze.
If ‘Hard Times’ was a shock, and ‘Told You So’ was a trend, ‘Rose-Colored Boy’ proves it - Paramore’s new album isn’t just a band evolving. It’s the next step for a whole scene.
For years now, bands that originally broke through as pop-emo icons have been playing in the mainstream, pushing the boundaries of pop. From the subtle to the extreme (hey there, Fall Out Boy’s new single), they’ve tried new things, understanding that attitude and energy are their calling card, not one singular sound. But despite all their efforts, it’s Paramore’s step to the beat that has found the best fit so far.
On the surface, it’s a different band. It isn’t. It’s simply one that can play two tunes on the same instrument at the same time. ‘Rose-Colored Boy’ is, on the surface, a carefree banger, sipping cocktails from coconut on a sparkling beach. But the beauty of Paramore’s quiet revolution is that this isn’t all surface. There’s depth.
Lyrically, it’s anything but breezy - a tale of feeling defeated in the face of positivity. “Low key, no pressure,” the refrain chimes. They’re fooling nobody, but - as ‘Rose-Colored Boy proves - you can’t make a diamond without the squeeze.
Stephen Ackroyd
