Petals for Armor
by Hayley Williams
  • Record Label: Atlantic
  • Release Date: May 8, 2020
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 455 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 408 out of 455
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 455
  3. Negative: 29 out of 455
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. viniciussawate
    May 8, 2020
    10
    Paramore fans, attention. On Hayley's debut album, you won't find that teen hardcore stamina from Paramore's early career. It's easier to approach the solo album with the tracks from the band's last album, especially when Hayley lets out her colorful pop influence from the 1980s and 1990s, like a juice from Madonna and Cindy Lauper. But the predominant tone here is the minimalist soundParamore fans, attention. On Hayley's debut album, you won't find that teen hardcore stamina from Paramore's early career. It's easier to approach the solo album with the tracks from the band's last album, especially when Hayley lets out her colorful pop influence from the 1980s and 1990s, like a juice from Madonna and Cindy Lauper. But the predominant tone here is the minimalist sound like The XX and Lorde. The singer allows herself to play with different movements, textures of vocal sounds and, at the time of the chorus, embraces herself tightly in the pop she knows well.… Expand
  2. Anne_Wellen
    May 9, 2020
    10
    Esse não é um álbum de paramore porque Hayley se expressa de maneira diferente. É mais pessoal, mais livre musicalmente, é feminino e MUITO sincero. Nesse álbum ela até fala sobre coisas que eram segredos para ela, como isso poderia não ser um álbum só dela? TEVE que ser só dela, e ficou lindo, coeso e perfeito.
  3. PetSounds
    May 10, 2020
    7
    Minimal but lively production by Taylor. Almost reminescent of Radiohead and St. Vincent in spots. Hayley's voice is great as usual yet it seems it has taken a back seat. The records' main source of catharsis is from her lyrics, much more cryptic and vulnerable than she's ever been before. Although I feel she had evoked more emotion vocally in the previous two Paramore albums, I appreciateMinimal but lively production by Taylor. Almost reminescent of Radiohead and St. Vincent in spots. Hayley's voice is great as usual yet it seems it has taken a back seat. The records' main source of catharsis is from her lyrics, much more cryptic and vulnerable than she's ever been before. Although I feel she had evoked more emotion vocally in the previous two Paramore albums, I appreciate that this is a new project and style. The experimental nature of this album is strong, yet not all of it pays off. Example being Cinnamon; it has alot to like, but Hayley's warped vocals driving the track definitely can be slightly jarring. Creepin' and Sudden Desire follow right after, which are both moody and well paced tunes. Poppier tracks like Dead Horse and Pure Love will attract the After Laughter crowd and Watch Me Bloom will kick your ass to move. This is well worth a listen; you'll definitely have your favourites on it!… Expand
  4. JLuis_001
    Jul 25, 2020
    6
    Unbalanced, but that was to be expected considering it was a debut solo album.
    Obviously Williams tried to incorporate as many elements as possible to try to look more experimental and diverse than what she does in Paramore, but it's evident that her songs were not that solid to respond to her ambitions.
  5. JoAmi
    May 13, 2020
    10
    the way she misconstructed and redefined what it meant to convey and obtain the concupiscent anomalistic clearance showing us that idiosyncratic is ebulliently inevitable while simultaneously substantiating the superiority of women
  6. kauelimao
    May 10, 2020
    10
    this isn’t and album. this is a Masterpiece Hayley did THAT! talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show-stopping, spectacular, never-the-same, totally unique.
  7. nocudoswiftes
    May 10, 2020
    10
    amei demais, letras profundas e produção impecável, um debut perfeito para uma artista tão talentosa.
  8. vrenda
    May 9, 2020
    10
    perfeito, coerente, lindo, a hayley nunca erra.
    todas as músicas coesas e profundas.
  9. Chloeopoly
    May 10, 2020
    10
    Perfection. It’s hard to say anything else about this masterpiece. Hayley Williams’s stunning vocals, which have been known to Paramore fans for the past 15 years, are given a chance to stand alone and shine. Epic production from Taylor York shows off his incredible talent and his long friendship with Williams is evident as she bares her soul completely in a way that only an artist whoPerfection. It’s hard to say anything else about this masterpiece. Hayley Williams’s stunning vocals, which have been known to Paramore fans for the past 15 years, are given a chance to stand alone and shine. Epic production from Taylor York shows off his incredible talent and his long friendship with Williams is evident as she bares her soul completely in a way that only an artist who completely trusts her producer can do. Always conscious of the spotlight Williams has devoted time to making sure every creative is properly credited on this album, but ultimately, this moment is all hers and she has finally allowed herself the opportunity to shine, to speak frankly and honestly and allow her raw, unbelievable talent to shine. My personal highlights are ‘Dead Horse’ which has been on a semi-permanent loop in my head for the past two weeks. Early favourite Sudden Desire and from the final EP release Crystal Clear has lifted me to a whole other dimension. Ask me what I’m listening to over the next 12 months, 9 out of 10 times I’ll reply Petals for Armor.… Expand
  10. Josechotto
    May 8, 2020
    10
    In love with this album, it is as incredible as each song has such a strong and different melody, Hayley definitely knew how to accommodate these songs and make this album wonderful.
  11. Ritchie07
    May 8, 2020
    10
    An incredible solo debut for Hayley Williams. This is definitely some of her best work to date. You will find yourself loving each song more with every listen.
  12. Magia
    May 8, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Hayley Williams shows up in here her full body of work, with great melodies and lyrics and also wise produced( which is mostly from the other Paramore members). The tracks never look the same, and it seems to be so experimental but also so familar. Love the alternative rock indie sounds such as Roses//violet ... and Why we ever and love the pop 80's inspired such as Sugar on the rim and Over yet. Anyway, great album, totally worth the listen!!!… Expand
  13. sarjunior
    May 8, 2020
    10
    Incrível a capacidade que a Hayley tem em lançar músicas autênticas de forma que demonstra todo seu potencial artístico e entregando excelentes vocais desde seus trabalhos junto ao Paramore. Falando nisso, o álbum vem acompanhado de uma magnífica parte instrumental onde fica claro que seu amigo e parceiro de banda Taylor York contribuiu profundamente com a produção de uma verdadeira obraIncrível a capacidade que a Hayley tem em lançar músicas autênticas de forma que demonstra todo seu potencial artístico e entregando excelentes vocais desde seus trabalhos junto ao Paramore. Falando nisso, o álbum vem acompanhado de uma magnífica parte instrumental onde fica claro que seu amigo e parceiro de banda Taylor York contribuiu profundamente com a produção de uma verdadeira obra prima. Sem dúvidas é um dos melhores álbuns do ano.… Expand
  14. victorsebrito
    May 8, 2020
    10
    It's been an incredible journey for Hayley Williams and it's been a pleasure to watch her growth. This album is very mature and it's her freedom. Perfect from the first to the last song!
  15. JKScott289
    May 8, 2020
    10
    Íntimo, sencillo y real, es un álbum completo en el que Williams explora una música distinta y casi perfecta.
  16. diegoroberts
    May 8, 2020
    10
    It’s awesome to hear that beautiful masterpiece called petals for armor, I’m so proud of her as a fan. Give a chance to hear it.
  17. RamSC
    May 8, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The album is amazing, a work of art from beginning to end. My favorite one is "Pure Love".… Expand
  18. Seaslark
    May 8, 2020
    10
    I'm so proud of Hayley, how strong she is to show us the most vulnerable side of her, to be true to herself, she's an example of perseverance even in hard times.
  19. IAmDaan
    May 8, 2020
    10
    In the debut album "Petals for Armor" Hayley Williams reveals her soul, revealing her fears, doubts, but also a vulnerability that will show real resistance to the heartbreaking feelings that tear the singer apart. A better start to the album which you can imagine, "Simmer" immediately immerses us in the album, forcing us to reflect on love, loss, pain, suffering, happiness. TheIn the debut album "Petals for Armor" Hayley Williams reveals her soul, revealing her fears, doubts, but also a vulnerability that will show real resistance to the heartbreaking feelings that tear the singer apart. A better start to the album which you can imagine, "Simmer" immediately immerses us in the album, forcing us to reflect on love, loss, pain, suffering, happiness. The performer’s vocals open well, showing real, genuine emotions that she experiences. The whole album is made in atmospheric instrumental sound, which makes time stop and just enjoy. this work can be considered the best debut album this year.… Expand
  20. eoinmoore10
    May 8, 2020
    10
    Honestly, the whole album is a masterpiece! I also appreciate the way Hayley split the album into 3 separate sections as it gave us time to digest each song as there was so many topics/subjects to understand and listen to. For me its really hard to pick a favourite as each song holds a special place in my heart, there is honestly not one song i can say that i dont like. Wholeheartedly soHonestly, the whole album is a masterpiece! I also appreciate the way Hayley split the album into 3 separate sections as it gave us time to digest each song as there was so many topics/subjects to understand and listen to. For me its really hard to pick a favourite as each song holds a special place in my heart, there is honestly not one song i can say that i dont like. Wholeheartedly so proud of the art that she is creating and it just makes me so happy that she was able to do this project because its just outstanding. … Expand
  21. mageofstuff
    May 8, 2020
    10
    Hayley has always been known for her raw and honest lyrics in Paramore songs, specially on their 2017 retro pop synth record After Laughter. This album goes even deeper and even more honest in its lyrical content. She's dug deeper and opens up even more about her depression, failed marriage, suicidal thoughts. Specially crafted album and well organized in 3 parts (every 5 songs form 1Hayley has always been known for her raw and honest lyrics in Paramore songs, specially on their 2017 retro pop synth record After Laughter. This album goes even deeper and even more honest in its lyrical content. She's dug deeper and opens up even more about her depression, failed marriage, suicidal thoughts. Specially crafted album and well organized in 3 parts (every 5 songs form 1 part) going from rage and lust and loneliness to opening up about her past and how it has affected her, to now shining bright and holding hands with her internal turmoil, m… Expand
  22. idrofoxter
    May 8, 2020
    10
    The lyrics, the sound, this history behind this, all is so perfect, hayley you safe this 2020
  23. YvesM86
    May 8, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is like sunlight beaming through a dark room. Being at your ebb never sounded this so emancipating! A bold progression for a pop-rock fusion. INTENSE. And surprisingly, some tracks are dancefloor worthy! Fave tracks: “Dead Horse”, “My Friend”, “Pure Love” & “Watch Me While I Bloom”.… Expand
  24. JoelJ
    May 8, 2020
    10
    Simplesmente maravilhoso, dividido em três partes, com várias fases diferentes entre elas é uma aventura escutar esse álbum, toca nosso corações, a parte 3 é simplesmente dançante!
  25. jptrand
    May 8, 2020
    10
    bruto e polido do início ao fim. hayley williams coloca seu coração em todas as faixas e o resultado é um retrato íntimo do desejo de si e da coragem de viver suas dores e continuar.
  26. SusuMusic
    May 8, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Every song on this album was hypnotic and always wanted you to listen more and more.. and that makes the album so good! It never bores the listener..!… Expand
  27. ordn4el
    May 8, 2020
    10
    Perfect! Extremely consistent album, showed the great maturity of Hayley Williams.
  28. jessouzax
    May 8, 2020
    10
    1000000000000/10. Incredible. Amazing. Perfection. Everything to me. Ugh her mind.
  29. Edwardriot
    May 8, 2020
    10
    One of the best albums ever. Talks about rage, and pain and growing and leaving yourself be okay with Loving. Definitely, Hayley is one of the best artist alive. Very very talented band putting on the tablet conversations that really matters.
  30. topperss
    May 8, 2020
    10
    petals for armor is a bold, authentic and unique alternative record. hayley and her team worked hard and gave one of the year’s best album
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Best Album of 2020
28
#28 Most Discussed Album of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. The Observer (UK)
    Aug 3, 2020
    60
    An overarching concern on Petals… is how Williams constructs a workable new femininity free from her old tomboy identity in Paramore. The blooming metaphor is, as a result, slightly overplayed throughout. ... Although there are a couple of low-key co-writes, Williams and York remain the organising creatives, and Williams sounds both free and in control.
    Read full review
  2. Beats Per Minute
    May 15, 2020
    70
    This is a record which feels familiar and safely experimental, while Williams reveals more of herself than ever before. Just exactly who that is isn’t yet certain, and where she’ll go from here is anyone’s guess, but it’s sure to be interesting.
    Read full review
  3. No Ripcord
    May 13, 2020
    80
    Petals for Armor succeeds best at sustaining a mood throughout, capturing the chaotic ups and downs of depression. Some moments are sugary sweet, while others are biting and angry, but the album keeps things healthy by switching between infectious pop tunes and mellow art-pop parts.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »