Paramore, Told You So | Track Review 🎵

Paramore returns with “Told You So,” the second single from their fifth studio album, After Laughter.

Clearly, Paramore is moving in a new direction. Debut single “Hard Times” featured 80s cues, something that wasn’t previously part of the band’s arsenal.  Likewise, their second single from their fifth album After Laughter, “Told You So,” continues to embark on a change of pace.  “Told You So” doesn’t stand out as much as “Hard Times,” but it’s still worthwhile.

“Told You So” is another production where that can be characterized by its finesse.  No longer is Paramore going for an edgy, rawer sound, but instead, have settled into a glitzy sound infused with 80s cues.  It is a clear departure, but the departure is successful, something that can’t be said about many bands who opt for a new direction.  Still, like any artist or band who evolve, there’s plenty who’ll argue, I miss the old Paramore.

Lyrically, “Told You So” isn’t particularly complex.  Hayley Williams and company keep it simple, which doesn’t allow for incredible depth, but it’s definitely not a deal breaker.   The first verse is a perfect example of plain language that doesn’t establish transcendence, but ultimately, yields success:

“For all I know
The best is over and the worst is yet to come
Is it enough
To keep on hoping when the rest have given up
And they go.”

The chorus, naturally, doesn’t expand the idea, but is catchy as a four-letter word:

“I hate to say I told you so
But they love to say they told me so
I hate to say I told you so
They love to say they told me.”

Yeah, depth isn’t the selling point here.  If nothing else, “told you so” is used about a million times.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “Told You So” is enjoyable, but not life- or game changing.  Once more, it is a well-produced record, with an incredible catchy chorus.  Lyrically, it isn’t the most poetic song ever. Good, but not particularly great.  Still, the sound is nice.

Paramore • After Laughter • Atlantic • Release: 5.12.17

Photo Credit: Atlantic