#63 of 100
· Cratewise Editorial
“After Laughter lands here because it's the moment Paramore fully shed their emo armor and emerged as genuine pop architects. That jump from Riot! to this—helmed by producer Jack Antonoff—feels like watching a band finally trust their instincts. The self-titled and Before You Go are classics, but this record's got sharper production, funkier grooves, and Hayley Williams pushing her voice into spaces she'd never explored. It's essential wax for anyone who thinks pop music can still be adventurous.”
Paramore emerged from Franklin, Tennessee in 2004 as a leading force in pop-punk and alternative rock. Fronted by Hayley Williams, the band released their debut album 'All We Know Is Falling' in 2005, followed by the platinum-certified breakthrough 'Riot!' (2007), which established them as major players in the post-hardcore scene. Their self-titled 2013 album marked a significant sonic shift toward electronic-influenced pop-rock, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. The band has maintained momentum through subsequent releases including 'After Laughter' (2017) and their self-titled 2023 album, showcasing their ability to evolve while maintaining their distinctive sound.
Style
Paramore blends pop-punk, alternative rock, and electronic elements with high-energy instrumentation and Williams' distinctive vocal delivery. Their sound evolved from screamo-influenced pop-punk to synth-driven alternative pop across their discography.
Significance
As one of the few female-fronted rock bands to achieve mainstream success, Paramore holds considerable cultural importance to alternative music collectors. Their vinyl releases, particularly 'Riot!' and the 2013 self-titled, are sought-after for their sonic quality and representation of 2000s-2010s alternative rock evolution.
After Laughter marked Paramore's fourth studio album, released in 2017, representing a significant sonic departure from their previous work. Recorded primarily at Electric Lady Studios in New York with producer Jacknife Lee, the band—now a trio following the departure of bassist Jeremy Davis—embraced a synth-pop and new wave aesthetic. Lead singer Hayley Williams has described the album as a response to personal struggles and introspection, with the upbeat, colorful production serving as a counterpoint to darker lyrical themes. The band worked extensively on crafting infectious melodies and 80s-influenced instrumentation, moving away from the heavier rock elements of their earlier albums.
Historical Context
Released in May 2017, After Laughter arrived during a period of critical re-evaluation of pop-punk and alternative rock. The album reflected broader trends in indie and alternative music toward synth-pop and electronic influences. Paramore's embrace of brighter production and dance-oriented beats was initially surprising to longtime fans accustomed to their rock-oriented sound, but the album received generally positive critical reception for its boldness and cohesiveness. It debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, proving the band's continued commercial relevance while establishing them as innovators willing to reinvent themselves.
Pressing Notes
After Laughter received multiple vinyl pressings across different territories and variants. The standard edition was pressed on 180-gram black vinyl through Fueled by Ramen. Collectors should note that various colored vinyl editions were released as store exclusives, including translucent variants. European and Japanese pressings may feature different artwork or bonus tracks. As with most modern major-label releases, pressings vary in quality—collectors report that some copies exhibit surface noise, so acquiring from reputable sellers is recommended. The album's colorful artwork and dense production translate well to vinyl's larger format.
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