brand new eyes
by Paramore
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. AllMusic
    70
    The anthemic, celebratory songs that made Riot! so appealing were largely absent, but the band found a new way to rock during those sessions, prizing catharsis and nuanced arrangements above the hooks of albums past.
  2. Alternative Press
    90
    brand new eyes astonishes from start to finish. [Oct 2009, p.111]
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  3. Billboard.com
    81
    Although the new set may lack the wide-eyed naivete that made the group's past efforts so endearing, the newfound maturity makes for a compelling set of songs.
  5. Boston Globe
    70
    Paramore is certainly a sharp enough unit that doesn’t lack for energy, and Brand New Eyes features enough interesting ideas to take notice. All it needs is to double the ones it has, and it’ll be a band that’s foolish to ignore.
  6. Drowned In Sound
    80
    This is a realisation, and an affirmation, of Paramore's musical craftmanship and potential longevity.
  7. Hot Press
    80
    Emo kids kick up a riot on surprisingly edgy third outing.
  8. Mojo
    60
    Quality control dips during the last quarter, but this is a reassuring step forward. [Nov 2009, p.94]
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  9. musicOMH.com
    80
    With instantly infectious attitude and a seemingly unending supply of irresistible hooks, Brand New Eyes comes close to perfecting the emo-rock art.
  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    Sure, the two slower tracks might make for a break in the relentless pace, but who needs the rest? If you just so happen to be one of the best in the up-tempo pop-smattered emo-punk game, why bother slowing down? For this lot, more is most certainly more.
  11. NOW Magazine
    60
    Williams leads the five-piece throughout this charged-up record that rarely comes up for air.
  12. Q Magazine
    60
    Brand New Eyes sounds like an energised romp through the diary of a small-town American gal--albeit one struggling to reconcile Christian views with the celebrity afforded by more than two million album sales. [Nov 2009, p.111]
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  13. Rolling Stone
    60
    Some of the sweeping moments blunt the band's fresh-faced immediacy--as if the cute kids from the sticks have had a hard ime turning pro.
  14. Slant Magazine
    60
    Rough edges, like the curt bathos of the lyrics (which repeatedly mistake brusqueness for wit), may be improved in the future. Either way, the band's music is already as catchy that of Fallout Boy, without nearly as much of the put-on faux-cleverness.
  15. Spin
    80
    The upgrade is one of focus and intensity.
  16. Sputnikmusic
    80
    Brand New Eyes shows that they have the potential--now they've just got to live up to it and create the classic album the fans know they can make.
  17. Sputnikmusic
    70
    By sheer strength of will the band has salvaged an album that could have just been a derivative mess and created something pretty damn good in the process, and for that brand new eyes should be praised while we await something even greater from these boys (and girl).
  18. The Boston Phoenix
    63
    This is a trick the band deploy again and again, using darkness of tone and lyrical bent as a foil for their almost overbearingly ebullient trill.
  19. The New York Times
    80
    Together [with producer Rob Cavallo] they broadened the band’s dynamics without sacrificing momentum.

Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Most Discussed Album of 2009
39
#39 Most Shared Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 355 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 310 out of 355
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 355
  3. Negative: 34 out of 355
  1. Treima
    Sep 23, 2010
    10
    Paramore hit the scene five years ago. Two years later, they became the new darlings of punk. This year, they've risen to new heights. BrandParamore hit the scene five years ago. Two years later, they became the new darlings of punk. This year, they've risen to new heights. Brand New Eyes is exactly what a punk album should be: uncompromising, powerful, soulful, and inspired.… Full Review »
  2. MegWhiteley
    Mar 8, 2012
    9
    My favorite album of Paramore, is better than Riot!, and the songs are amazing, this is a great CD, is fantastic have much beautiful songs andMy favorite album of Paramore, is better than Riot!, and the songs are amazing, this is a great CD, is fantastic have much beautiful songs and the voice of Hailey is amazing. brand new eyes is a classic.… Full Review »
  3. Radeen
    Aug 25, 2010
    9
    The greatest Paramore album so far. It puts all of the great things from Riot! together and make them a lot better. The Only Exception and AllThe greatest Paramore album so far. It puts all of the great things from Riot! together and make them a lot better. The Only Exception and All I Wanted are the two beautiful slow pieces that have been well written. Ignore the immature reviews below that give the score 0 because this is an album anyone should truly be proud of when owning it. It has made a drastic improvement from Riot! and the songs make a lot more sense. A few may dislike their new style of music but for others it is pure perfection.… Full Review »
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