After more than 20 years under contract with Atlantic Records, a deal Hayley Williams signed as a teenager, Paramore announced in December 2023 that they are now an independent band.
And today, Hayley Williams surprises fans with the release of a stunning collection of 17 singles, entirely produced by Daniel James.
Williams not only wrote and recorded the songs but also played a variety of instruments, with contributions from long-time collaborators Brian Robert Jones and Joey Howard, as well as producer Jim-E Stack, who lends his talent to the track “True Believer.”
Last week, Williams gave fans an early glimpse of what was to come with a surprise performance at the Newport Folk Festival, where she debuted “Mirtazapine”, which was clearly a hint of the musical depth this new collection will deliver.
These 17 tracks showcase the full spectrum of Hayley Williams’ artistry.
“Mirtazapine” is a nostalgic ode to late-’90s alt-rock, capturing the bittersweet relationship between antidepressants and healing.
On “Glum,” Williams experiments boldly, using vocal presets to underscore the track’s meditation on loneliness.
Other standout songs include “Whim,” an Americana-infused earworm that reflects her Nashville roots, and “Ice in My OJ,” a sharp, modern production with some of her most biting and humorous lyrics to date.
Longtime Paramore fans may recognise the chorus of “Ice in My OJ,” as it first appeared in 2004 on “Jumping Inside” by the Mammoth City Messengers.
The collection as a whole encapsulates the dynamism and versatility that have defined Williams’ career, revealing an artist with a boundless passion for genre-defying exploration and creative growth.
This release marks Williams’ third solo effort, following two albums recorded during the pandemic: 2020’s Petals for Armor and 2021’s Flowers for Vases.
Both records offered raw, introspective reflections on loss and vulnerability, standing in stark contrast to the high-energy, powerhouse sound of Paramore.
With this latest collection, Williams seamlessly integrates her signature introspection with fresh sonic textures, reaffirming her status as one of the most compelling artists of her generation.
