Paramore: ‘This is Why’ Music Video Review

Paramore is a rock band with an eclectic selection of musical influences. After getting their start in 2004, the band continues to make music containing a variety of styles, each song unique and innovative. While some music critics predict lead singer Hayley Williams may continue her solo career, she is still a member of the band and has a major role in promoting the new music. Her lead vocals appear on each of the band’s albums.

“This is Why” is the band’s new single and album title; its official music video made its debut on September 28, 2022. It has a 1960s, minimalistic aesthetic that accents the rock and funk elements of the song. In the beginning seconds, the video depicts the creative concept for the piece by quickly displaying each location visible to the audience. The music starts with a combination of drums and guitar, each appearing as vintage instruments in order to correspond with the aesthetic. When Hayley begins the vocals, she is still, sitting on a rock with her legs crossed. Her chin lays upon one of her hands as if she were intensely thinking about something. The orange hair, red boots and vintage glasses provide color and form to her image.

At this point, the director zooms out from her image to unveil her connection to the broader environment. Here the audience will see that the character is posing during a photoshoot; the director juxtaposes this image with Hayley’s stage movement while singing and dancing throughout the video. The dynamic of movement causes a disco-like fervor that makes you want to dance or start a party. Paramore typically features this within all its music, which makes their works consistently played on top 40 radio.

“This is Why” is a fun way to rage against the machine. The band feels the lyrics of the song can be interpreted as a criticism of contemporary American politics and culture. In a letter to fans, Hayley wrote: “The idea of getting out there and doing what we do at a time like this feels heavy and futile and necessary all at once. It also feels like the perfect time to take advantage of every opportunity we are given to leverage our platform for good causes. Whether those are literal causes or whether it’s just about showing ourselves and each other that music is still a good place to be.”

“I think we are about to experience our happiest, most fulfilling moments as Paramore,” she continued. “And when I say, “WE”, I do hope by now you know what I mean.”

Paramore’s new album has a release date of February, 2023; it will be interesting to hear the other songs they may choose to release to promote the record.