I have been a fan of then punk-rock band Paramore since my College years in 2005; their songs been the soundtrack of my life since then. I’ve grown with the band, through a shuffle of members, life milestones and yes, even a change in their genre and style (the band now refers to itself as being genre neutral).
When vocalist Hayley Williams teased fans with a solo released, one she has said would never happen, I was thrilled and excited. What I did not expect was that “Petals for Armor” (which is a great idea for a tattoo right there) is not only an artistic endeavor as a musician for Williams but it was also therapy for her. Coming out of a divorce and dealing with depression and anxiety, Williams turned to creating “Petals for Armor”. We see her in such a raw and vulnerable state, tapping into (both) strengths and weaknesses she has yet to discover while being part of Paramore, the band, which she calls her first love.
We hear a different vocal range from her and are taken into a bass heavy fusion of synth, jazz and funk unheard of in any Paramore track. You know that she is going out on her own, in this emotional and expansive journey, told through thoughtful and hushed melodies and delivered with such strength.
From the heavy breathing of lead single “Simmer” Hayley sings about an inner rage “lying in wait” and exploring “how to draw the line between wrath and mercy” you won’t be able to hear it at first but she’s angry, she’s seething with anger and she didn’t need heavy guitars or raging drums to express this.
She sings:
“If my child needed protection from a fucker like that man, I’d sooner gut him / ’cause nothing cuts like a mother.
The lyric “wrap yourself in petals for armor” comes from this song and in turn has become the album’s name, embracing one’s vulnerability and frailty and somehow drawing strength from this, to become an armor.
“Petals for Armor” is a generous serving of an honest Hayley Williams, and it sounds great! Here are some of my favorite tracks:
“Cinnamon” – a fun danceable track, which talks about the comforts of home and the singer also taps on her powers of femininity, she sings:
Home is where I’m feminine
Smells like citrus and cinnamon
I am not lonely
I am free
“Over Yet” was an easy favorite, one of those songs that you know you love right away after the first listen, an 80s synth influenced track (but not so much as the heavy 80’s influenced “After Laughter”, Paramore’s latest record) it is an upbeat song, which talks about self doubt and fighting back. Well, if you are unsatisfied with how your government is handling the pandemic and current crisis, this is also a good anthem, she sings:
If there’s resistance
It makes you stronger
Make it your friend
“Pure Love” is such a great, jazz-funk track and the notes that Williams hits here reminds you of how powerful her vocal chops really are, and its also one of those songs, you just fall in love with at first listen.
If I want pure love
Must stop acting so tough
If I want your love
Ooh, got to open up
With over 15 tracks “Petals for Armor” may not be every one’s cup of tea, especially for those fans who would rather Paramore (or its members) not grow and evolve as musicians and artists and sound exactly the same as they did 16 years ago. But to anyone else, this generous serving of William’s true self, (the good, the bad and the ugly of it all) is an absolute delight. Its nothing like any Paramore track, and that is absolutely okay.