‘Riot!’ by Paramore is a very good album. All of the songs are of very well written and enjoyable to listen to. I think that ‘For A Pessimist I’m Pretty Optimistic’ (for it’s beat), ‘When It Rains’ (for it’s emotion), ‘Crushcrushcrush’ (for it’s beat and lyrics), ‘We Are Broken’ (for it’s emotion) and Fences (for it’s beat) are the best. Also, three out of the five band-members are Christians, making them good role models for listeners. However, I have a few concerns.
In the song, ‘Misery Business’, the word “G-d” is used (But G-d it feels so good / ‘cause I got him where I want him right now). This may agitate listeners who happen to be Christians. Seven out of the eleven songs in the album are about relationships. This is not a problem for older tween or teenaged listeners, but not that appropriate for younger listeners. The only other issue is the feeling of the songs. Though they are not incredibly depressing are not exactly uplifting (‘When It Rains’ is about lead singer Hayley Williams’s friend who committed suicide). This, however, is a personally issue that may not be observed by other listeners.
Overall, ‘Riot!’ is a good Alternative Rock album, appropriate for listeners aged 12 +.
- Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.