Is After Laughter a good place to start with Paramore?

Yes, After Laughter is recommended as a starting point for new Paramore listeners. Bright synth-pop melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, crafting a juxtaposition of joy and melancholy throughout the album. Released on May 12, 2017, After Laughter marked Paramore's fifth studio album and their first since the departure of two founding members. It followed the band's self-titled album from 2013 and represented a shift towards a more pop-influenced sound, revealing an artistic reinvention in response to personal and lineup changes within the band.

Who is After Laughter for?

After Laughter works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective vibes, catchy melodies with introspective themes and bright sound for anxious moments.

How many songs are on After Laughter?

After Laughter has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

After Laughter

Paramore · 2017

42 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

Bright synth-pop melodies intertwine with introspective lyrics, crafting a juxtaposition of joy and melancholy throughout the album.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hard Times Start here — This track opens the album with an energetic vibe that contrasts its lyrical themes of struggle and anxiety, setting the tone for the entire record.
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Fake Happy — The song brilliantly captures the dichotomy of outward appearances versus inner turmoil, making it a poignant reflection on authenticity in a curated world.
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26 — A standout ballad that showcases Hayley Williams' vocal range while addressing vulnerability and self-reflection, it adds emotional depth to the album's narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album blends upbeat instrumentation with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong craft but varying cohesion.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with bright synth melodies, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that contrasts with the often darker lyrical content.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective vibes
catchy melodies with introspective themes
bright sound for anxious moments
feel-good energy with underlying depth

Maybe skip if you

seeking intense emotional extremes
prefer lengthy, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — Represents a significant evolution in sound and thematic depth for the band.
Themes: curated happiness· anxiety in bright colors· post-band reinvention
Career context: Released on May 12, 2017, After Laughter marked Paramore's fifth studio album and their first since the departure of two founding members. It followed the band's self-titled album from 2013 and represented a shift towards a more pop-influenced sound, revealing an artistic reinvention in response to personal and lineup changes within the band.
Stylistic neighbors: PVRIS· Tonight Alive· We Are the In Crowd