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After Laughter
by
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After Laughter Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 634 Ratings

  • Summary: The fifth full-length studio release for the pop band led by Hayley Williams was produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen and band guitarist, Taylor York.
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Top Track

Hard Times
All that I want Is to wake up fine Tell me that I'm alright That I ain't gonna die All that I want Is a hole in the ground You can tell me when it's... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. DIY Magazine
    Jul 11, 2017
    100
    An album that’s ultimately OK with not being OK, it’s for that reason alone that it may just be perfect.
  2. Paste Magazine
    May 12, 2017
    87
    An undeniably hooky record that strays from its grunge-rock roots and finds the band in a place where they’ve found the fun in their craft once again.
  3. Sputnikmusic
    May 12, 2017
    82
    The record still varies its tempo from time to time, resulting in some truly gorgeous gems.
  4. AllMusic
    May 12, 2017
    80
    Where 2013's Paramore found the group tentatively transitioning from their pop-punk roots toward a multi-layered '80s synth-pop sound, After Laughter reveals them having beautifully completed the transformation.
  5. Spin
    May 12, 2017
    80
    It’s the band’s brightest, most animated album. The sound is crisp, every layer discernible, lacking the blurs and reverberations that constitute traditional rock production and instead drawing from the rhythmic separations that characterize ‘80s pop and freestyle.
  6. The Guardian
    May 12, 2017
    80
    The grooves they always possessed are brought to the forefront on this peppy, vibrant record, a contrast to its lyrical themes, which cover masking misery (“I’m going to draw my lipstick wider than my mouth”), spiralling depression and the anxiety of ageing, only with a knowing wink.
  7. The New York Times
    May 12, 2017
    60
    She’s still a strong singer, especially on “Told You So,” but some of her essential grit is lost to the machines.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 97
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 97
  3. Negative: 3 out of 97
  1. bigjev
    May 12, 2017
    10
    i love how the lyrics address so many important issues. I feel like mental health issues and suicidal thoughts are often ignored in music andi love how the lyrics address so many important issues. I feel like mental health issues and suicidal thoughts are often ignored in music and it's amazing to see them represented in masterfully written lyrics and masked behind upbeat instrumentation.… Expand
  2. NeckRomance
    Jan 4, 2022
    10
    Proves how Paramore can make any style of music sound good and how versatile they can be in sound and meaning.
  4. inncoherent
    Jul 25, 2017
    10
    Excelente album y el sonido de este tambien, orgulloso de esta banda. Canciones como Hard Times, Rose-Colored Boy, Fake Happy y ForgivenessExcelente album y el sonido de este tambien, orgulloso de esta banda. Canciones como Hard Times, Rose-Colored Boy, Fake Happy y Forgiveness capturan la esencia y el tema principal de este album.… Expand
  5. mrzeferino
    May 12, 2017
    10
    Best album from Paramore, so emotional. I relate so much to the lyrics, you can feel the lyrics, I'm speechless. I'm so proud of them.Best album from Paramore, so emotional. I relate so much to the lyrics, you can feel the lyrics, I'm speechless. I'm so proud of them. Paramore is still a band… Expand
  6. sXerra
    Jul 5, 2017
    9
    What a fantastic surprise it was to see my teenage years guilty pleasure evolve into this fantastic pop act. Upbeat melody and meaningfulWhat a fantastic surprise it was to see my teenage years guilty pleasure evolve into this fantastic pop act. Upbeat melody and meaningful lyrics are a fantastic combination that show just how much Paramore has evolved as a band. This pelasure is no longer guilty, i think this album has a stable place in my top5 of 2017.… Expand
  7. triskelionitis
    May 14, 2017
    9
    I never loved a change of style more like Paramore's. This album speaks to you and if you listen closely, you'll know it's not a 'happy pop'I never loved a change of style more like Paramore's. This album speaks to you and if you listen closely, you'll know it's not a 'happy pop' album. The instrumentals are amazing, this band keeps giving us masterpieces. And the lyrics are just beautiful and real, it's glad to see them not ignored.… Expand
  8. Lil_Lexi1998
    Feb 1, 2019
    0
    Honestly I wish I could rate this lower than a zero. They strayed away from their true selves all in the pursuit of money and becoming moreHonestly I wish I could rate this lower than a zero. They strayed away from their true selves all in the pursuit of money and becoming more popular to the braindead 13 year olds of the post 2000 kids. It honestly saddens me to know that they really don't care about their fans who made them who they are. Another band lost to electronics and mainstream crap. RIPParamore And RIPFOB

    I'm still hopeful that they revert to their true selves as a band. But I'm not holding my breath. They are making too much money off of features and AL they probably won't stop.    … Expand

See all 97 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2017
32
#32 Most Shared Album of 2017

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