"Guardians of the Galaxy 2" Movie Review

By: James Southworth
Rating: 3/5 Stars

It would be an understatement to say that Marvel movies are really dominating the industry at this time. They've had success after success, and it seems like they can really do no wrong. Even their weaker movies still have many redeemable qualities to them. It seemed initially like "Guardians of the Galaxy" could be their first misstep with an absurd premise and a trailer that looked a little stupid. Instead, it almost became like a modern "Star Wars", having massive box office and critical success. It was majorly loved by movie critics and general audiences, myself included. Heck it's probably my second favorite Marvel movie of all time, only being slighted out by the flawless "Civil War". So, of course it was no surprise there would be a second movie. The whole gang is back, and this time Peter Quill has found his father, and he's not exactly what Quill was expecting. The rest of the team has their own personal struggles to deal with. The Guardians also have to avoid this group of golden people who are after them for stealing some of their valuables.

Let's talk about the positives of this movie first. One of the easiest ones is how visually stunning this movie is. I won't deny that I have a problem with excessive CGI at times. But then there are directors like James Gunn who prove me wrong with how they utilize them. The retro space look of this movie simply pops off the screen throughout the whole movie's run time. There was not one moment that I wasn't wowed by the look of the movie. It's creative and beautiful. The action scenes work even better because of the visuals, especially in the final fight. Ego's planet is particularly amazing to look at. Another easily identifiable positive is the soundtrack, as it once again makes this movie feel unique in comparison to other Marvel movies. I think I actually enjoyed the tracks on this one more than the previous movie, as the lyrics often did a good job of relating to what was going on in a scene (I will admit it was hammered in at times, but not a huge issue). The best use of soundtrack was at the very beginning, with ELO's "Mr. Blue Sky" being played while Baby Groot is dancing and the rest of the Guardians are fighting a monster. This scene is just hilarious, as the song goes to show how blissfully unaware Groot is at all the chaos surrounding him. Another reason I liked this soundtrack more was that it felt more rocking, and there was an even bigger sense of fun to it.

Almost all of the characters in this movie are also a major positive factor. I love how this movie really dedicates time to character development; that is honestly where this movie shines. When it takes a chance to breathe and explore all its characters, that is when I become truly engaged. Chris Pratt once again shines as Peter Quill/Starlord, cementing himself as a modern Harrison Ford. Peter becomes a much more compelling character in this movie as we explore his family history. Pratt does a great job at balancing his character between the more comedic and serious aspects. We really got a fleshed out person here, one that is one of the most believable Marvel protagonists to date. The surprising highlight of this movie, however, was Michael Rooker as Yondu. I love Rooker as an actor, but I did not always enjoy Yondu in the first movie. His character is quite a bit more interesting here. We see a more vulnerable side of him as he actually begins to show caring for Peter as well as the rest of the Guardians. Rooker makes Yondu the heart of this movie. Every scene he was in he absolutely perfected. David Bautista as Drax is often hilarious, providing a lot of the biggest laughs in the movie (some of his comedy might be a little too immature though, more on that later). Kurt Russell shines as Ego, turning him into a pretty interesting character who I enjoyed learning about. Karen Gillan added some surprisingly complex depth to Nebula, a character who I felt was a bit of a silly villain caricature in the first movie (which worked for the first movie's tone). But we get to see way more of this character and why she is the way she is. Nebula actually has a pretty tragic backstory, and we come to sympathize with her by the end of the movie. I didn't know I could ever feel the weight of a tragic character in a raccoon, but Bradley Cooper as Rocket accomplishes it. Rocket was already a great character in the first movie,but in this one, he becomes something so much more. He's right up there with Yondu for being one of the best characters. Finally, I'm relieved to say that Baby Groot was done just right. I was worried he could have become an annoying trope like Jar Jar Binks or the Minions, but Gunn knew just how to use him. He's actually silent for a lot of the film, which makes his cuteness come through in his facial expressions and interactions with other characters. I love the scene with him, Yondu, and Rocket together where Groot is trying to get them out of jail. I couldn't stop laughing; Groot is undeniably cute and fun to watch. I'm glad he became a positive of the film rather than a detractor. Ultimately, this movie was about the characters, and that is what held it together and made it such a good watch.

There are some negative aspects of this movie that do make it pale a little in comparison to its predecessor. One of the most problematic issues is the tonal inconsistency. This movie has a hard time shifting between the comedic aspects and the more weighty parts of this movie. It can be incredibly jarring to see a very serious interaction between two characters and then the scene directly after that is full on comedy. It almost made the serious scene feel irrelevant. (SPOILERS AHEAD) One of the parts I had the biggest issue with was actually a line of dialogue from Peter. Ego reveals himself to be incredibly evil as he reveals a horrible truth- he was the one who implanted the tumor in Peter's mother's head. Right after this reveal, Peter shouts something along the lines of "You will pay for killing my mother and breaking my Walkman!". Wow, does that line just entirely dissipate the very heavy weight of the reveal. This didn't feel true to Peter's character at all. It even seemed like Pratt had trouble delivering this line, and who could blame him? The writing of this movie does that very often, having a heavy line coupled with a comedic quip. It feels like Gunn wants us to laugh, while also feeling the characters' emotions. He should've just chosen  one rather than coupling them together in a way that unfortunately cheapens the emotion and weakens the punchline. The strong cast often does overcome the script's weaknesses, but other times even the acting can't save this unfortunate writing choice. Also, some scenes feel like they could've been cut out entirely, as many were just dedicated to elicit laughs rather than move on the story. The comedy is a little too childish at times, especially in the bathroom humor that all comes from Drax.  Finally, this is yet another Marvel film that suffers from weak antagonists. The Golden People (can't remember what they're actually called) are boring, and they didn't need to be in the story. They were there only to be an occasional roadblock for the Guardians. Otherwise, they were completely pointless. Ego being revealed as the villain somewhat forced the movie's theme that family isn't always found in blood. Gunn could've just as easily made Ego a decent person and sharpened up the Golden People to be more of a threat.

The tonal inconsistencies, occasionally weak comedy, and badly executed villains can be a problem for this movie. But still, I can't deny that I had an overall blast watching this movie. The cast is great, especially in highlight performances from Rooker and Cooper. It was fun to see this crew of misfits back again, and I loved getting to see their characters grow together and become more of a family. Even if the theme that family isn't always blood was a little bit too obvious, it was still touching, especially in the finale that left me leaving the movie feeling more reflective than it did pumped for a sequel, and I liked that Gunn took that route. It also helps that this movie once again doesn't feel like it adheres to the typical Marvel formula. "Guardians of the Galaxy 2" is a great popcorn movie for the summer, and the surprising emotional heft makes this even more of a good watch. I definitely recommend you see it!  

Linkin Park "One More Light" Album Review

By: James Southworth
Rating: 2.5/5 Stars

Linkin Park has never been the type of band to paint themselves into one style. That is something that I have always respected them for. It makes for a band that stays constantly interesting and unpredictable, even if it is at the expense of a sometimes excessively critical fan base that won't always like those changes. For me, I've honestly been able to get behind, to an extent, every album they've done. "A Thousand Suns" was certainly their most polarizing album with its huge change to an electronic/dubstep influenced sound. But even on their most crazy of changes, LP still had one important element at the center of all their releases: a rock genre backbone. That is what kept the albums feeling familiar, in addition to well-written lyrics, Chester's raspy vocals, and Mike's clever and fast-paced rapping. For their newest album "One More Light", the rock element is pretty much non-existent, and a lot of things that make Linkin Park who they are feel like they are gone.

There are some undeniably shining moments on this album that do feel like Linkin Park, even if not one song on here will have any real staying power compared to LP's other tracks. The best song far and away is "Talking to Myself", the only track where there is a somewhat prominent guitar riff. It's the most upbeat song and sounds fun as well. The pop elements combine well to create an effective pop/rock song. This track also has a pretty serious subject as it is from the subject of Chester's wife when Chester was going through some serious drug addiction. Chester paints some really good lyrics showing his wife's pain of feeling so alone when she was going through this: "The truth is, you turned into someone else/You keep running like the sky is falling/I can whisper, I can yell/But I know, yeah I know, yeah I know/I'm just talking to myself". "One More Light" is a truly touching anti-suicide message in which Chester points out how even though there are so many lights (a metaphor for lives) out there, he still cares if even one of them goes out. This song is by far the best ballad on the album, as it has a beautiful sounding acoustic guitar, and this is easily Bennington's best vocal performance on the whole album. Closing song "Sharp Edges" has a bit of a folk vibe to it that I enjoy, even if in the lyrical department it's a bit cliched. "Good Goodbye" is the only other song here to commend, as it's the one song where Mike raps, and he sounds great as ever. I also enjoyed Pusha T's verse, but I could've done without Stormzy's feature. The chorus is catchy and easy to sing along to, even if it is done a few too many times.

Unfortunately, the rest of this album just isn't all that great. Most songs on here are generic and pass by without any impact, which I never thought I would say about a Linkin Park song. Even at their worst, almost every LP song has left some sort of impression on me. There are two songs to talk about first which just make me angry. "Heavy" is by far the band's worst song to date, and it is still my least favorite song of the year. Absolutely everything about it shows what is wrong with top 40 radio right now. It has the most basic trap beat I've ever heard, and it still makes me cringe every time. Chester's vocals are unbelievably weak here, with his voice cracking in some places. He just doesn't sound natural on a track like this with no rock influences at all present. This song often doesn't feel like an LP song either, as Kiiara's vocal feature takes over way too much of the track, and she has no vocal charisma to hold up her part of the song. The lyrics of this song feel like they come right out of a middle school diary: "And I drive myself crazy/Thinking everything's about me/Yeah, I drive myself crazy/'Cause I can’t escape the gravity". The weighty subject of alcoholism this song has is totally brought down by awfully written lyrics that do it no justice. "Battle Symphony" feels like it's trying to be this important fight song, but it doesn't come close to establishing that feat. Nothing about this song is grand. It starts off with some annoying vocal effects that are a stupid trend present in so many other pop songs. Chester's vocals are utterly void of any emotion, especially in the chorus that is done way too many times and leaves no impact. This song feels like it's trying to build off the success of other LP songs such as "Castle of Glass" or "Shadow of the Day", but this song has no emotional heft to hold it up to those track's standards.

Those are the only two tracks on this album that make me legitimately angry; I just despise everything about them. There's just not a lot else to say about the rest of the tracks here. "Nobody Can Save Me" tries to be an inspirational song, but it just comes off cliched, as it is your run-of-the-mill song that tackles the theme of fighting your demons. Songs with this theme have become tiresome to me. It doesn't help this song either that it has no real bite to it in the musical department, and Chester's voice has hardly any variation at all. "Invisible" and "Sorry for Now" are both led by Mike Shinoda, whose singing voice isn't quite strong enough to entirely lead two tracks. I'll admit they're both touching as they are addressed to his children, but once again, the writing of both songs doesn't make them feel as powerful as they could be. It doesn't help "Sorry for Now" especially that it has this bad drop that once again has some annoying vocal effects, something that LP like to do way too much in this album. "Halfway Right" dedicates almost the whole song to repeating its chorus again and again, with very short verses that don't have much to say in way of discussing Chester's struggles with addiction. I commend Linkin Park for talking about such mature issues, but they've done it so much better in the past, even going so far back as "Breaking the Habit" off Meteora.

I was anticipating to hate this album based on the lead singles "Heavy" and "Battle Symphony", which are by far the worst tracks on the album. But instead, I ended up being just disappointed, which is probably just as bad in its own way. There are some commendable tracks on here, but with the exception of "Talking to Myself" and the title track, none of them really feel distinctive to the band's identity. The lyrics here are overall just generic (that's probably due to having 8 additional writers). The pop sound is about as bland as it can get. It's discouraging to only really hear Chester, Mike and Brad (sort of) making the only significant contributions to the overall sound. Everything else feels like it was put way in the background. It was odd to read so many interviews where the band thought this album was truly something revolutionary and interesting for them. For me, this album holds no real impact and with the exception of a few songs, I don't see myself returning back to it any time soon. This is easily Linkin Park's weakest release to date.

Favorite Songs: "Talking to Myself", "One More Light", "Sharp Edges"
Least Favorite Songs: "Heavy", "Battle Symphony", "Nobody Can Save Me", "Halfway Right", "Sorry for Now"

Top 10 Linkin Park Songs

Since I did a top 10 countdown of Demon Hunter's songs before their new album came out this year, it would only make sense to do one for one of my top 15 favorite bands of all time, Linkin Park! This band has deserved every bit of their mainstream success in my opinion, because they're one of the few bands out there who isn't afraid to take risks with their albums. It's not all that easy to narrow down my favorites, as they have so many good songs, but here they are! (Note: There will be songs from "Minutes to Midnight" in honorable mentions, but none in top 10, as no song from that album has really connected with me in comparison to the rest of LP's releases. Also none will be from their upcoming album "One More Light", as I'm not anticipating any making this list).

Honorable Mentions: "No More Sorrow", "In the End", "Figure.09", "Lost in the Echo", "When They Come for Me", "Rebellion", "The Little Things Give You Away"

10. "In My Remains" (Living Things)

Easily one of LP's most underrated songs out there, this track stands out in an album full of superb tracks. This is one of the most enjoyable synth rock songs I've ever heard; simply everything about it works. Chester's typically raspy vocals have a more unique soft tone on this one that hasn't been present on many other songs he leads. The driving synth beat in this song immediately makes you want to nod your head along, and the piano medley that is used is effective. Mike Shinoda also shines in this song with one of the few moments where he sings rather than raps. He delivers some of the most compelling lyrics I've heard in an LP song to date: "Like an army, falling/One by one by one". The theme of this track is also interesting in discussing broken promises and letting a friend down. Chester's honesty bleeds out in this track as he admits that he left a friendship in wreckage because of how he never lived up to the promises he made. This track deserves way more recognition than what it gets, as it's an easily singable track with a super catchy chorus as well as a message that is actually very powerful.

9. "Wretches and Kings" (A Thousand Suns)

"A Thousand Suns" is certainly LP's most polarizing album to date (though I think "One More Light" will probably end up being even more polarizing). You either love that they went this completely electronic/dubstep route or you absolutely hate it; I've never heard any in between. I find the album absolutely genius, and this track is easily one of the best off it. We've seen LP go political before in songs like "Hands Held High", but they end up taking politics much more effectively in this track. This song just seethes anger in every moment. It begins with an impassioned speech about how we are all part of the government's machine before exploding with this huge dubstep rock beat that should get your head banging. Mike's rapping in this song is superb, as he sounds vicious in how he talks about how the government has taken control of us. Chester almost screams out the chorus, which is a very interesting idea, since it contrasts against the more sleek production of the electronic sounds backing him; it works very well though. The highlight of the song is the ending, where Joe Hahn gets to shine on some sweet turntable riffs. This song is all around one of the most unique tracks LP has done, showing a perfect combination of rock and electronic/dubstep.

8. "Until It's Gone" (The Hunting Party)

"You don't know what you got til it's gone". This lyric seems like a pretty simple truth, but in the context of this song it feels a lot more weighty. This was the lead single from "The Hunting Party", and it's what instantly interested me in this album. It's still easily one of the best, an amazing sounding rock track that only gets better as it goes along. This song has a lot of unpredictable shifts, with Chester sounding subdued in the verses with some subtle electronic/acoustic flares, but when the chorus comes around his voice really comes to life, and there are some huge guitar riffs present. I just love how dynamic this song is in only about 4 minutes. I particularly enjoy the ending of the track in which the guitar and drum work starts going all over the place, and Chester's vocals keep on growing and growing until he lets loose one of the best screams he's over done. This song was done in such a way that it could have success on the radio, but it also shines above pretty much everything else that was circulating on the radio at the time. If you don't find yourself singing along to this song, then I'm honestly not sure what's wrong with you.

7. "Breaking the Habit" (Meteora)

Who knew that only by their second album LP would already be discussing issues pertaining to things like drug addiction and suicide? They do in this song, and it still stands out as one of their most lyrically mature to date. This song is one of LP's best ballads to date as well, effectively using hints of electronic work, but being smart in putting quiet guitars in the forefront. This song really belongs to Chester though, and it is a great vocal performance. He really lets his emotion show in his voice, keeping it soft where necessary, but also letting his passion naturally show when he almost screams out "I'll paint it on the walls/Cause I'm the one at fault/I'll never fight again". This song thematically is interesting, because you can look at it as redemptive or as not necessarily having a happy ending. Chester repeats how he's "breaking the habit tonight", which could mean that he's going to stop taking drugs, or it could also allude to him committing suicide. I personally choose the more redemptive ending, as there are points in the song where it seems like Chester is tired of being addicted, and is willing to stop. This song is not an emo song like so many people paint it to be. It's emotions are very much warranted and feel like they connect to a large audience.


6. "Lying From You" (Meteora)

This was always one of my first favorites when I first heard "Meteora", and I might love it even more now. The guitar work on this song is just superb, and the LP formula of Mike rapping and Chester singing/screaming is utilized incredibly well. I love how in this song the vocalists both acknowledge how easy it is to put up a facade for other people in order to fit in. It's interesting to show how though the person they're talking about thinks that they're getting closer, Mike and Chester's facade is actually disconnecting them with this friend. The lines in this song are very memorable, especially in the chorus which leads up to the very important acknowledgement that "The very worst part of you/Is me". This song especially works in the bridge where Chester lets loose some great screams while Mike spits out the bridge over and over, making it feel more intense every time he says it. This makes for a fast paced and fun ending to a track that is all around still one of the most fun songs to listen to from this band.

5. "Points of Authority" (Hybrid Theory)

I overall don't understand why so many people like Hybrid Theory the best out of all of Linkin Park's discography (more on that when I rank all of LP's albums in another post), but "Points of Authority" is still an excellent song and easily the best track from the band's debut. It's easy to see why this one is such a fan favorite, as it has everything you could want in an LP song: Mike's fast paced and memorable rapping, Chester's gruff and angry singing, fast-paced guitar work, as well as interesting usage of turntables in the background. This song just screams of all the stuff that people loved out of the nu-metal genre, and it's executed to perfection. The thematic arc of this track is actually pretty serious in talking about an abusive relationship. The bitterness in the song is clear, especially in the still powerful lyrics "Forfeit the game/Before somebody else takes you out of the frame/Cover up your face/You can't run the race/The pace is too fast/You just won't last".  The song is ultimately redemptive and feels like a battle cry, as Mike and Chester stand up for people who are abused.That's why this song is so fun to sing along to at concerts, as it is inspirational and defiant in all the right ways.

4. "Wastelands" (The Hunting Party)

This is my personal favorite from "The Hunting Party", and a lot of that is how it amps up the classic LP formula a bit. Mike's rapping and Chester's singing are present, but they feel a bit more intense. The guitar riffs feel bigger, and the drum work is a more prominent. The lyricism of this track is also pretty interesting in painting the U.S. as a corrupt dystopia: "In the wastelands of today/When tomorrow disappears/When the future slips away/And your hope turns into fear/
In the wastelands of today". This band has certainly shared their distaste about the political and social landscape of the U.S. before, but I think the way they do it in this song is interesting and very compelling. It just feels like a foreboding track from beginning to the end, as Chester's voice is filled with this sense of bittersweet distaste, and the way Mike raps implies that he hates that the words coming out of his mouth are an actual reality. This song wants to convince you that you should be angry rather than disillusioned at the state of our world, and it does for me to this day. The intensity of this track also isn't typical for this band, so that aspect of it makes me extremely happy.

3. "Castle of Glass" (Living Things)

Easily the best song on "Living Things", no competition. This track received a lot of radio success, and that is certainly well-deserved. But I still wonder if people fully comprehend how powerful it is. This song highlights the story of someone who is going through a loss of a friend or family member, and you can really feel the sorrow as both Mike and Chester sing in solemn and subtle ways that don't detract from the emotion of the song. The lyrics feel realistic for someone who is going through such a heavy loss: "I'm only a crack in this castle of glass/Hardly anything there for you to see/For you to see". These lyrics powerfully highlight how this individual feels like they don't belong in the world they live in now that this close friend of theirs is gone, and they are also as fragile as glass. Fortunately the song does have a beautiful ending where the character realizes that they are never going to be the same again, and that is ok. This person they lost was a huge part of their life, and now that they are gone nothing will be the same. With the more upbeat feel of the guitars in the ending, as well as Mike and Chester's vocals hitting some higher octaves, it feels like there is an implication that this individual will be able to move on from this point in their life.

2. "Burning in the Skies" (A Thousand Suns)

This song is so understated in Linkin Park's discography. Despite it being a single from "A Thousand Suns", I still don't think it really got the attention it deserved, instead being undeservedly outplayed by "Waiting for the End" and "Iridescent". This song really embodies the thematic arc of this album, which is the fear of war. This fear is highlighted in a very abstract way, as proven in some of the most visually interesting lyrics LP has created: "I used the dead wood to make the fire rise/The blood of innocence burning in the skies/I filled my cup with the rising of the sea/And poured it out in an ocean of debris". That imagery is so striking, especially with the disturbing imagery of the "blood of innocence" contradicting the beautiful nature imagery. Everything about this song feels dark and foreboding, as if there is a storm coming, perhaps the nuclear war in the context of this album. This song certainly feels a little fearful, as Chester's vocals are soft and hesitant until the end of the song where his voice really unleashes and he delivers some of the most powerful singing I've heard from him. I love how this song takes its time in terms of musical progression, building up to a climax, and man that climax is a wonderful payoff. This song is an epic by every means, and it deserves that title with its serious subject matter. I'm not sure if LP will ever be able to make a song like this again.

1. "Hit the Floor" (Meteora)

The first time I heard this song, I knew that it would become one of my favorite songs of all time, and it certainly has. It is also easily Linkin Park's best song. No song of theirs matches what this track does. Right from the beginning this song is interesting, starting with these menacing and quiet sounding guitar riffs. Then they explode into a huge riff that has some metal influence. The way the guitars jolt feels like an electric shock, and it should be a shock, because those riffs are just gigantic. I also can't help but smile at just how much Mike kills it in the lyrical department, just annihilating this person who has betrayed him: "Too many things that you've said about me when I'm not around
You think having the upper hand means you gotta keep putting me down/But I've had too many standoffs with you it's about as much as I could stand/So I wait till the upper hand is mine". Those words are just laced with anger and disgust, and he did it all without having to let out any curse words. That makes the word play feel all the more effective. The chorus of this song is where it really gets good though, as we are treated to Chester screaming out every word. You don't usually get to hear him scream so much in a song, and it just makes this song all the more enjoyable to listen to. This song is so unique to LP, as they've never made a track like this, and it's even more impressive when you think they made a song like this on only their second album. It proves that Linkin Park is a band that will always remain a favorite band of mine!

Paramore "After Laughter" Album Review

By: James Southworth
Rating: 4/5 Stars

If you know anything about the band Paramore, then you know this group has quite the tense history. I don't think vocalist Hayley Williams or the Farro Brothers could've ever predicted that they would ever blow up at such a young age, with all of them starting the band as teenagers. But they certainly did, and with each consecutive album their popularity only increased. The Farro Brothers both left for a time as they began to not get along with Hayley. After the self-titled record, Paramore went on a hiatus with no return in sight; even Hayley wondered if the band should really come back together with so many broken relationships, and she was going through her own struggles with depression and anxiety. But the band did come together, with the surprising return of Zac Farro, and now we have the product "After Laughter". What we get is a very different album from Paramore, one very much so pop-tinged with lyrics that highlight themes of broken friendships, regret, reconciliation, and depression.

This record gets off to an absolutely dynamic start with what continues to be my absolute favorite song on the album, "Hard Times". This song is a superb choice for a lead single, as it has all the catchiness of a pop song, while also having a refreshing dose of real instrumentation that is absent in almost all pop songs these days. This song also reveals a common trend this album follows: an upbeat sound with some darker lyrics. The lyrics on this song in particular allude to all the hardships the band has gone through: "Hard times, gonna make you wonder why you even try/Hard times, gonna take you down and laugh when you cry/These lives, and I still don't know how I even survive". These lines are decidedly bittersweet, but in the context of the incredibly upbeat nature of the song, they feel more hopeful, like maybe the hard times were worth it. I just love the sound of this song; it's a wonderful combination of 80s rock and modern pop. The unique combination  makes for a song that's fun while also having some well-written introspective lyrics. Another great track appears in "Rose-Colored Boy", which appears to be written for Hayley's husband Chad Gilbert and how happy he always seems to be. Hayley wishes she could be like him, but she is struggling with depression. This song is once again upbeat in nature despite lyrics alluding to Hayley's depression, which cleverly reflects the idea that Hayley wants to be happy. The chorus of this song is one of the most catchy, and the synth-pop styling works well for it. The chant-along bridge will have you singing along instantly. "Told You So" is another major highlight simply for its musicality. Taylor York's guitar riffs go all over the place and just sound interesting. Also, the way electronic effects are used here is very memorable to create a song that will be stuck in your head for a long time.

"Fake Happy" is one of the most relatable songs here. Hayley really vents her frustration in the lyrics about how she can't stand people who fake being happy all the time. In this social media infused world, that is something that is highly common. Hayley's sarcasm comes across well, as you can almost tell in her voice she's replicating this forced happiness that so many people try to exude every day. It's a clever move on her part. I also enjoy how the quiet raw acoustic opening that transitions into an enjoyable pop/rock style. "26" stands tall as one of the biggest highlights, as it is a ballad that shows Hayley at her most vulnerable. I could feel the emotion coming from her vocally, something that is more present here than on some of the other songs. Some of the best lyrics appear on this song: "Reality will break your heart/Survival will not be the hardest part/It's keeping all your hopes alive/When all the rest of you has died". Those lyrics really hit me, as these are some saddening lyrics, but it's also inspiring to see Hayley imply that even when she was going through depression she was trying her best to keep hope alive. "Pool" is an effective reprieve from such a raw feeling song, as this one gives a great example of what love songs should be. It also uses water as an intriguing metaphor for Hayley finally fully diving into love. It's nice to see traces in this album of Hayley finally choosing happiness for herself, and this song is a clear indicator of that. This track is a synth-rock tune, and it's one of the most enjoyable to listen to, despite a bridge that is a bit unmemorable.

"Grudges" is a significant favorite of mine, feeling like more of a straight-up rock song. While I like the pop flair the album has, it's nice to hear a song without it. I also like how Hayley and Zac Farro both sing in this song about trying to overcome their problems with each other. It's fitting to have a song where they both explore finding reconciliation with one another, and that makes this song one of the most redemptive on the album. "Caught in the Middle" serves as a fitting summer anthem; I wouldn't be surprised that if this one becomes a single. The reggae flair the song boasts is excellent, and Farro's bass groove is an undeniable highlight that makes this song significantly stand out. "Idle Worship" finds Hayley unleashing a bit more in the vocal department. The tamer vocals on this poppier album are appropriate, but it's still refreshing to hear at least one song where she's letting her vocals unleash a little bit more. This song has a particularly strong bridge, as Hayley becomes really honest about how much she doesn't like being put on a pedestal by fans and media. That makes the title of the song clever, as it not only means that people only "worshipped" Paramore at times when they released a new album, but that Hayley often felt like she was being treated as an "idol" rather than an actual person. The chorus of this song is one of the strongest as well. The album ends well with another ballad in "Tell Me How". While it doesn't have the same punch as "26", the song is still powerful in its own way and really shows "After Laughter" to be the most personal Paramore album to date.

This album is not a perfect release. One of my main problems with it is that it didn't have quite the same aggressiveness that "brand new eyes" or the band's self-titled had. Also, Hayley's vocals are great (of course), but they don't always get to shine like they have in previous Paramore releases. That is due a lot to the more pop influences on this album, and it's a slight, but not significant, detractor. There are some specific songs on here that are weak. "No Friend" is easily the worst song on the album, as it's just straight up bizarre and doesn't match with the rest of the album. This song features the vocalist from mewithoutyou, and I like the idea of having him on this track, but unfortunately, what he was saying is barely discernible. The song musically isn't all that interesting either. "Forgiveness" is bit cliched in the lyrical department, and musically, this one felt like it gave in to its influences; it really drowns out anything that is unique about the song. This one is ultimately unmemorable in context of the rest of the release.

Overall, "After Laughter" is not Paramore's strongest release, but it is still certainly a great album. It's refreshing to hear a pop release that has actual live instrumentation, a talented vocalist, and some very well-written lyrics. It would be remiss of top 40 radio to not make some of these songs successful, but I know they won't simply for the fact that this album does not follow today's pop trends. It's good to have you back, Paramore, you have been missed. I can't wait to see what this dynamic group does next!

Favorite Songs: "Hard Times", "26", "Caught in the Middle", "Idle Worship", "Grudges", "Told You So"
Least Favorites: "No Friend", "Forgiveness"

Demon Hunter's Albums Ranked

I figured it would only make sense to have my series of Demon Hunter posts end on me ranking all of their albums released thus far. Just know, this was NOT an easy feat. There is not one Demon Hunter release I would consider weak. All of their albums range from good to flawless. So, ranking them was pretty tough, as all of them have their memorable moments. But, I think I've managed to make a ranking I'm satisfied with. Along with ranking the albums, I will have my rating for them and naming my top 3 songs (in order) from each album. Here we go!


8. Summer of Darkness (3.5/5 Stars)

If there is one album from DH's discography that, for me, is their "weakest", I suppose their sophomore album "Summer of Darkness" has always filled that spot. Don't get me wrong, this is far from a sophomore slump. In fact, it's still a pretty good record. "I Play Dead" is one of my favorite DH songs of all time, and I still consider it to be one of their most unique songs to date, as it seamlessly transitions from Ryan's soft vocals to him absolutely unleashing his screams. The song's subject matter of metaphorical addiction is powerful. I also can't resist the hard hitting single "Not Ready to Die", and the angry anti-consumerism message of "Beauty Through the Eyes of a Predator". However, this album certainly has its weak spots. This might be DH's most bizarre sounding album to date, and it's a little all over the place in all aspects. The ballad "My Heartstrings Come Undone" is easily the band's weakest ballad, as it is a little too gratuitous in its metaphors. The use of falsetto like clean vocals on "Our Faces Fall Apart" is weird, and makes for one of the band's weakest choruses (this is disappointing because DH usually makes killer choruses). "Beheaded" is still my least favorite DH song of all time, with its biggest issue being the absolutely annoying guest vocalist the band decided to feature. Demon Hunter was trying a lot of different things on this album, and while I respect that, it didn't always work. Still, at the end of the day, this album is solid enough and shines above a lot of other metal albums that came out in that year.

Favorite Songs: "I Play Dead", "Beauty Through the Eyes of a Predator", "Less Than Nothing"

7. Outlive (4/5 Stars)

Ugh, I hate ranking DH's newest album "Outlive" so low, because I am still listening to this record and I haven't gotten close to being tired of it. However, when compared to the band's other releases, this one is a little weaker. It is still a GREAT album. "Slight the Odds" is such a great epic symphonic rock track, something that I never thought Demon Hunter would do. But they tackle that genre excellently, and I find myself chanting the chorus out every time I listen to it. I dig the strings, and the large scale of the song is appropriate. It is one of my favorite DH songs to date. "Patience" continues to be a really catchy rock jam, and the unpredictable musical shifts impress. "Cold Blood" has significantly grown on me. The guitar riff makes for a headbanging metal groove, and the clever way Ryan talks about how materialism makes you hollow puts this song high up as one of the best lyrical moments of the album. "One Step Behind" is certainly not DH's strongest ballad, but the subject of fatherly devotion is touching. However, the weaker moments of this album have become a bit more prominent. "Half as Dead" is SO boring, and is neck-and-neck with "Beheaded" for my least favorite song from these guys. "Raining Down" is not an interesting rock track, and the electronics do not balance well with the guitars. Ryan doesn't sound invested in the song, either. I've become slightly less enamored with "Cold Winter Sun", mainly because of how it feels like it follows too much the formula for what makes a successful Demon Hunter single. Still, I really like this album. Its experimentation with a more electronic/hard rock sound is interesting, and the band still has the same passion for God and music. That's what is truly important.

Favorite Songs: "Slight the Odds", "Patience", "One Step Behind"

6. Extremist (4/5 Stars)

 

I struggle to understand why "Extremist" was so controversial amongst fans. Yes, it was a bit softer than their previous releases. I still think this album is Demon Hunter to the core. "Gasoline" is one of my top 10 DH tracks, and for good reason. I love how satirical Ryan is in the lyric department, defiantly telling the opposition that he will never water down his faith-filled lyrics. The lyrics "We'll smother out the flames/With gasoline" still put a smile on my face. "I Will Fail You" is easily one of my favorite DH ballads, as it has Ryan being very honest, letting everyone know that he will inevitably fail them at some point, and the failure might even hurt them. That type of vulnerability is rare to find in any band, and I appreciated hearing Ryan just pour himself out in this track. "Beyond Me" and "In Time" are both delightful and intense metal songs that use the DH formula to their advantage and manipulate it in clever ways (especially "In Time"). "What I'm Not" is a pure fun rock anthem which I could see working well in a live setting. This album does have its problems. The intro song "Death" is unnecessary filler, and is just not interesting as an opener. "Hell Don't Need Me" has little variation, and it meanders for its 4-minute run time. The chorus in this track is especially lackluster. I don't really hate "Heart of a Graveyard", but its pop/rock styling doesn't fit the rest of the album. Still, "Extremist" certainly didn't deserve the amount of hate it received. It is certainly a worthy addition to Demon Hunter's discography!

Favorite Songs: "Gasoline", "I Will Fail You", "In Time"

5. The Triptych (4/5 Stars)

The Triptych is the album that pushed Demon Hunter into prominence, and rightly so. This was their first album that felt a bit more accessible, with more clean vocals and toned down screaming. But this album is still certainly intense, and I highly enjoy listening to it to this day. "Undying" is one of my favorite DH songs of all time; it is really the song that made the loved Demon Hunter formula famous. There's something special about this song, and that can be found in the beautiful chorus which tells us that our ancestors will guide us in our Christian walks. There  are plenty of other excellent songs on here, such as one of my favorite of the band's ballads, "The Tide Began to Rise". The song is one of the band's softest and most beautiful, and I love how Ryan says if he's not really giving up his spirit for God, then there's not a reason for him to live. That is a powerful proclamation. Other highlights include the chilling ballad "Deteriorate", and the fun metal cover of "Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck" that will easily get your head moving. "The Soldier's Song" rightfully honors our troops, and even got recognition from the military at one point. There are some moments in this album I don't care for, such as the underwhelming rock number "One Thousand Apologies". This was the first time DH tried a straight forward rock song, and they didn't do it very well this time, though I appreciate that this effort led to some much better rock songs from them. I also suppose that "Ribcage" is a bit underwhelming. Still, "The Triptych" is an undeniable metal treat that deserves to be remembered as a landmark release for Demon Hunter, even if it isn't their absolute best.

Favorite Songs: "Undying", "The Tide Began to Rise", "Deteriorate"

4. True Defiance (4.5/5 Stars)

If there was one thing that a lot of people probably didn't expect with "True Defiance", it was for Demon Hunter to adapt a classic sounding metal flair. But DH did, and it makes a superb album. "God Forsaken" is one of my top 3 Demon Hunter songs, as it embodies everything I love about Demon Hunter, just represented in a larger way. This track is a sweeping nearly 6-minute epic, and every moment of it is full of metal glory. The over minute-long breakdown at the end of the song still puts a smile on my face, and the parable-like lyrics about how easily we can fall into temptation hold more true for me now. The chorus of the song has become a personal reminder for me that my temptations can lead to horrible places. There are plenty of other great moments on the album, such as the hard-hitting track "This I Know", which has a huge guitar riff that dominates the whole song. I also love the ballad "Dead Flowers", serving as a touching eulogy for someone who has passed on. The string section in the song is gorgeous, and Ryan's vocals certainly sound beautiful. "Crucifix" is one of Demon Hunter's most delightfully intense songs, "Someone to Hate" feels like an instant DH classic with just how huge it is in every aspect, and "We Don't Care" powerfully reminds the listener of how easy it is for us to have apathy for our sins, and that can lead to some glaring problems. One of the weaker songs in this album is the uninteresting ballad "Tomorrow Never Comes", which just doesn't impress. I also don't particularly care for "Means to an End", a 4-minute long instrumental that does not feel necessary at all. But, the weak songs are short in quantity here, and they don't detract from just how great this album is. This is a quality modern metal album in every way.

Favorite Songs: "God Forsaken", "This I Know", "Dead Flowers"

3. Demon Hunter (4.5/5 Stars)

Demon Hunter's self-titled debut has grown on me significantly over time. I don't think I fully appreciated it years back. This is one of the band's most mature releases, and that's impressive since it's their first album. This is the only release of theirs that I would call conceptual in some ways, as it seems to chronicle the story of someone who turns their back on God, ends up in some very dark places, and then comes back to Him in a beautiful moment of redemption. The lyrics of this album are some of the band's best, especially in what is still my favorite ballad by the band and one of their top 5 best songs, "My Throat is an Open Grave". It's a bittersweet song that seems personal to Ryan and how he used to struggle with believing in God, but he is alive now because of his belief. "Turn Your Back and Run", a song that I initially dismissed on the album, has become one of my favorites just because of its musical creativity. I love the unsettling choir the song has which makes it feel like it could be in a horror movie. There are many other highlights on the album, such as "A Broken Upper Hand", where Ryan screams out lyrics in incredibly fast succession; the song is one of the most primary examples of how he's always been a talented vocalist. I also love how every word of the song simply reeks with disgust for Satan. It's a song that rejoices in him not having the upper hand anymore, and just how justifiably angry Ryan sounds on this track is pleasing. I also love "I Have Seen Where It Grows", which has the compelling lyrics "Life is a path/Death a destination". "The Gauntlet" is a ballad which still gives me chills because of its dark atmosphere, "Through the Black" is catchy, and Ryan shows off some powerful deathcore screams in "As We Wept". The only song I don't care for on the album is "Infected", one of the band's slightly weaker singles. It's not a horrible song, but it's not their most memorable. DH's debut is incredibly special, and I'm glad that I can now fully appreciate it and just how clever it is conceptually.

Favorite Songs: "My Throat is an Open Grave", "Turn Your Back and Run", "A Broken Upper Hand"

2. The World is a Thorn (5/5 Stars)

There are two albums from Demon Hunter that I think are flawless, and this album has become one of them. This was the first release I listened to in full by Demon Hunter. I have such a love for it because it was the album that was my gateway into listening to a lot more metal material. This is by far DH's most intense album to date: the guitars are turned way up, the breakdowns are more frequent, Ryan's screams are at their most angry and intense, and the lyrical content is very dark, but compelling and truthful. This is also the band's most experimental work, which makes it a diverse and fun listen. A diversity of sounds appear, from the deathcore influences of "Just Breathe" to one of the most fun rock tracks the band has ever made in "Collapsing", which includes a very memorable solo from Bjorn Strid. The lyrics of this album thematically talk about the corrupted mindset of America, oftentimes stating things that are not easy to hear but need to be said. "Tie this Around Your Neck" is one of my top 3 songs by this band, and part of that is just how righteous Ryan is in his anger, comparing everyone who follows secular culture to the fullest as people who are tying their own nooses. The chorus of this song is catchy (albeit brief), but the rest of the song is a full metalcore onslaught; it's such an intense song that any hardcore metal fan should enjoy. Other highlights include "Feel as Though You Could" which has some absolutely unpredictable tempo shifts, the opener "Descending Upon Us" which is an epic in every sense of the word, the gorgeous string-led ballad "Driving Nails", and the politically charged title track. I have no problem with this album, as even the tracks I originally didn't care for ("LifeWar" and "Blood in the Tears") have grown on me because the band still hasn't done tracks that are anything like them. This album is totally different for Demon Hunter, and that is what makes it stand out so much.

Favorite Songs: "Tie This Around Your Neck", "Collapsing", "The World is a Thorn"

1. Storm the Gates of Hell (5/5 Stars)

I can't see any other album released by Demon Hunter now or in the future ever beating out "Storm the Gates of Hell", which is easily their magnum opus and the best example of all the quality music Demon Hunter can make in one album. The best song on this album, as well as my absolute favorite DH song and one of my favorite songs of all time, is "Thorns". Ryan tackles the tough issue of self-harm and states the powerful claim that Jesus already bled for us and loves us. We don't need to harm ourselves to find reprieve. Ryan and the band handle this problem with such grace, and the stories that I've read as a result of this song are incredible. This song touched me personally as well. Musically it's easily the best rock track the band has ever done, and the usage of some piano is fitting; Ryan has never sounded better vocally. There are so many other highlights, such as the epic metal/orchestral track "Sixteen", which has hard-hitting lyrics that call out hypocritical Christians who try to gain fame for all the wrong reasons. This was one of the first songs I heard by the band, so I definitely value it a lot. The single "Fading Away" is undeniably catchy and inspiring in its message about trying to make a difference while you're alive. "Carry Me Down" is a bittersweet and beautiful ballad which entails Ryan's requests for how he wants people to remember him when he dies. It's one of the most mature songs the band has ever done for sure. "Follow the Wolves" is unbelievably catchy, and the one-two punch of the closing songs "Fiction Kingdom" and "The Wrath of God" make for what is still the best ending to a Demon Hunter album. Everything about this album is perfect as it seamlessly weaves the band tackling many different genres and making it into one cohesive product that impresses to this day. This is also easily the band's most redemptive album, as it's all about conquering over evil and finding victory in God, both in life and in death. They tackle this theme in a way that it can connect to everyone. This is one of my favorite albums of all time, and it personally impacted me. You have to listen to it if you haven't already!

Favorite Songs: "Thorns", "Sixteen", "Carry Me Down"