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
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  1. dannym96
    May 11, 2020
    10
    An absolute triumph for Williams’ first go at a solo project. This album is a major departure from Paramore’s signature sound, but Hayley Williams has never been so vulnerable and raw with each and every song being a window into her most personal moments. Paramore fans and non-Paramore fans will find something in this album and it is one that will last a lifetime.
  2. ramyresmansur
    May 12, 2020
    10
    album lindo e bem emocional, Hayley se expressou perfeitamente nas musicas, com batidas envolventes e linhas de baixo muito bem construídas. Uma performance vocal digna de Hayley Williams. Que debut!!! album do ano.
  3. soyponchito
    May 15, 2020
    10
    so good, so honest, all dongs are cohesively added up. miss williams setting bars and being a artist for herself and not for industry.
  4. Shershshsh
    May 16, 2020
    10
    Best album of 2020 and it is love at first sight.
    There are just perfect songs in this one
  5. supwrultra
    May 16, 2020
    10
    melhor album do ano juntamente com o how im feeling now e sawayama
  6. parcosmalmeira
    May 16, 2020
    10
    Known for her history in Paramore, Hayley Williams presents her audience with a brand new style of music. It is true, something similar began happening in the last 2 albuns of Paramore but now, more than ever, we trully see the potential Hayley carries. Masterpiece.
  7. Mlk06
    May 17, 2020
    10
    Great album which really portrays the reality of healing and the process and growth! Following from after laughter which is about the struggle the pain and going through it. There doesn’t seem to be any element of hope it’s the emotions for what they are and how they feel.The emotions laid out into the songs whole hearted-ly. However this album has a element of hope as Hayley Wants to getGreat album which really portrays the reality of healing and the process and growth! Following from after laughter which is about the struggle the pain and going through it. There doesn’t seem to be any element of hope it’s the emotions for what they are and how they feel.The emotions laid out into the songs whole hearted-ly. However this album has a element of hope as Hayley Wants to get better she’s welcoming the healing process she’s ready to heal and to learn. In this album Hayley is growing and blooming from her pain! She showcases the different stages from themes like simmer which is anger, leave it alone which is grief and then moving onto elements in Other songs Such as ‘watch me while I bloom‘ or ‘rolo’ where she is growing and flourishing, she may not be 100% there but she understands and is not going to hold herself back anymore!… Expand
  8. Juliantomoe
    May 18, 2020
    10
    Album do ano
  9. Felipown
    May 20, 2020
    10
    This album shows a whole new side of Hayley Williams (lead singer of Paramore). In this era she’s bringing different styles of music in an exceptional piece of artwork. Melodies are fun, some of them even allows us to dance. But deep down, Most of the lyrics are dark and tell stories about the situations she experienced struggling with depression.
  10. paramole
    May 22, 2020
    10
    I love this album
  11. ssrafaela
    May 25, 2020
    9
    Great to see she set up a side project and did not mix the whole thing with Paramore. That was a smart move to show how personal she could get, and she did. The thing about this album is that you can totally feel what she’s going through by the whole experience of hearing it
  12. Temporary03
    Jun 9, 2020
    9
    This is Hayley's first look into the world of working by herself and releasing something that is completely hers. So as a result for me I had high expectations, I love every Paramore album and After Laughter is one of my favourite albums from recent years, I was excited in the direction they were heading towards. So when Hayley announced the album I was beyond excited to see if she wouldThis is Hayley's first look into the world of working by herself and releasing something that is completely hers. So as a result for me I had high expectations, I love every Paramore album and After Laughter is one of my favourite albums from recent years, I was excited in the direction they were heading towards. So when Hayley announced the album I was beyond excited to see if she would blow me away like Paramore have done every time. All I can say is that the new album was not in anyway a disappointed, her excellent songwriting from Paramore is beautifully projected onto her songs her and she gives us a more in depth look into her mind, following her through very dark and hopeless times, to more happy times where she dedicates songs to her friends. The album is split up into three parts, part one is a dark look into Hayley's psyche dealing with rage and anger from the opening "Simmer" and even death with "Leave it alone". Part two is more uplifting I guess, the music is more up beat and not as timid such as songs like "Dark horse" which is incredibly catchy and her song about appreciating the people around her with the song "My friend". The final part I struggle to put into a category to be honest, it seems to be more fun and energetic often resembling some songs off After Laughter with songs such as "Pure love" and "Sugar on the rim" and finishing with my personal favourite off the album "Crystal clear" which deals with the idea of moving on from a part from her life, it seems so personal and gives me as much emotion as "26" did off After Laughter. I know I keep comparing the two albums but that's because it was her most recent work before this solo album. The production is fantastic and her singing and instrumentation feels personal like on songs such as "Roses/Lotus/Violet/iris" and more explosive on songs like "Pure love". It deals with many different musical tones and as a result it leads to possibly one of the only criticisms I have with the album, due to each part of the album is so different, listening to it seamlessly can make it feel disjointed, or without a clear direction. One other issue I would say is her style of singing on some songs, this Is just a personal preference complaint but I think the way she stretches her words can be a bit hit or miss, sometimes I love it but on other songs it can almost be a little bit funny to me. Overall this album is absolutely amazing, but only one or two issues. All the songs land and it does a great job at giving us a more personal and deeper look into Hayley's mind. Whether it's a new Paramore record or another one of Hayley's solo albums, I'll be on board and looking forward to every song.… Expand
  13. ava_lv
    Jun 8, 2020
    10
    It's a genuine album. You can her emotions with every track, and the instrumental alongside with add-ins really make it complete. This album allows you to hear her journey. The vocals and bass were also insane.
  14. altrvega
    Jul 7, 2020
    9
    I did not listen Hayley's Paramore work. But i really liked this album. Maybe part 3 takes more time to like for me. But overall it's very good. I liked almost all the songs.
  15. MarcosBassBR
    Aug 7, 2020
    10
    It’s the sound of an artist blooming into some of the best music of her career.
  16. Javanz
    Jul 18, 2020
    10
    Petals For Armor is a well-written and well-produced body of work. It's three-part format is brilliant as it envelopes five songs each to emphasize the themes and substance resonant to each part. Hayley's vocals was well-utilized for each track added to Taylor York's genius production that created unique value to each track. This masterpiece is entirely perfect; no skips and has a geniunePetals For Armor is a well-written and well-produced body of work. It's three-part format is brilliant as it envelopes five songs each to emphasize the themes and substance resonant to each part. Hayley's vocals was well-utilized for each track added to Taylor York's genius production that created unique value to each track. This masterpiece is entirely perfect; no skips and has a geniune replay value.… Expand
  17. jeanus
    Jul 27, 2020
    10
    Williams leaves her heart and vurnerability in this record. She opens up to her way of getting over pain and we can all relate to that. This experimental approach she takes is perfect because it paves the way for a lot of different tastes in music to follow her along through hee journey of self discovery
  18. PINEAPPLE_X12
    Jul 28, 2020
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This thing is honestly kinda boring and unoriginal. “Dead Horse” is a great track though. Another great song is “Simmer,” but other then that this album is very average.… Expand
  19. mozaichearts
    Aug 31, 2020
    10
    never underestimate Hayley Williams’ songwriting skills bc she’s really one of the best of it
  20. peronah
    Aug 31, 2020
    10
    Desde la feminidad y tristeza de Hayley, hasta un espíritu más feliz y con esperanzas. Hayley Williams se reinventa en sonido y lírica en su nuevo disco. insultar, hablar de sexo, hablar de Dios de una manera no positiva, etc. son cosas nunca antes vistas en Hayley en paramore, que aquí se hacen presentes. destacó sudden desire como su mejor canción. una canción que habla de su feminidad,Desde la feminidad y tristeza de Hayley, hasta un espíritu más feliz y con esperanzas. Hayley Williams se reinventa en sonido y lírica en su nuevo disco. insultar, hablar de sexo, hablar de Dios de una manera no positiva, etc. son cosas nunca antes vistas en Hayley en paramore, que aquí se hacen presentes. destacó sudden desire como su mejor canción. una canción que habla de su feminidad, de sexo, de una persona que no la dejaba tranquila, y se sentía culpable por querer algo con el, sim contar el gruto ahogado del final. es un disco que tiene muchos sentimientos y nunca se queda con un solo sonido, pero a la vez forma una masa homogénea que combina y suena muy bien, se parecen, pero no tanto, y lo hace especial. sin contar la inspiración de cantantes de los 80s o 00s como Bjork. es una experiencia que recomiendo a todos escucharla. uno de los mejores discos del año. y no es sólo una Hayley deprimida. es una Hayley deprimida, enojada, alegre, que trata de superar a alguien. es una Hayley persona la que se ve representada a lo largo de todo el disco.… Expand
  21. reisdrop
    Oct 24, 2020
    9
    The album is full of emotion with beatiful ballads like Roses/Violet/Lotus/Iris or Why We Ever, fun songs like Sugar on the Rim or Pure Love, etc. Plus, the production of Taylor York makes it a good album to listen. The only bad thing is the way some lyrics are just simple and easy to see. But everything else is good.
  22. Edwinrates
    Oct 29, 2020
    10
    Hayley Williams has outdone herself!

    Petals For Armor is the emotional rollercoaster I think a lot of us needed. Very much like she did with the guys on After Laughter, Hayley Williams brings out raw and uncensored emotion. This time she depicts her own journey of healing and the bumps along the way. Knowing that acceptance, redemption, and self-love can manifest from pain and rage is the    Hayley Williams has outdone herself!

    Petals For Armor is the emotional rollercoaster I think a lot of us needed. Very much like she did with the guys on After Laughter, Hayley Williams brings out raw and uncensored emotion. This time she depicts her own journey of healing and the bumps along the way. Knowing that acceptance, redemption, and self-love can manifest from pain and rage is the light I think we all need to know is at the end of the tunnel. It was so beautifully depicted in the three separate parts that make up the album. Hayley has outdone herself! Hats off to her and Taylor York who produced this album.    … Expand
  23. bruvernaschi
    Nov 3, 2020
    10
    The sonority of this album make me CRAZY. This is an easy go-to happy album, love it.
  24. sr_ini
    Jan 1, 2021
    10
    Nesse álbum a Hayley mostrou um lado dela que estava escondido há muito tempo no Paramore. A letra, a melodia e as batidas foram muito bem representadas. Por esse motivo, posso afirmar, com certeza, que o álbum poderia entrar tranquilamente na lista dos melhores de 2020. Espero ter mais da Williams nos próximos anos.
  25. IsaacJ0nes
    Feb 5, 2021
    8
    An absolutely beautiful record with deep and intimate as well as soaring vocals. Deeply intricate and oftentimes in the case of "Cinamon" strange instrumentation that shows the versatility of Hayley Williams. Definitely something to listen and go back to. The lyrical depth is astonishing; you really feel you get a look into an otherwise quiet world.
  26. themc
    Feb 5, 2021
    10
    Why we ever isn't just a song, ITS THE SONG. I love how the lyrics convey so much feeling.
  27. ariannasodre
    Mar 21, 2021
    10
    Simplesmente um dos melhores álbuns de 2020. Ela conseguiu colocar nas músicas todos os seus sentimentos, revoltas e angústias de forma impecável e bela.
  28. AdityMaha
    Oct 10, 2022
    8
    "Petals for Armor" was actually a really enjoyable debut Solo Album from Hayley and I love that she made a record that actually felt like a Solo Album and not like any of Paramore’s Albums even tho some tracks like "Dead Horse" which btw is one of my favorite tracks from 2020, well even tho sounded like something straight out of After Laughter. Which isn't a bad thing cause I really loved"Petals for Armor" was actually a really enjoyable debut Solo Album from Hayley and I love that she made a record that actually felt like a Solo Album and not like any of Paramore’s Albums even tho some tracks like "Dead Horse" which btw is one of my favorite tracks from 2020, well even tho sounded like something straight out of After Laughter. Which isn't a bad thing cause I really loved that Album. Anyway to me the absolute best and standout tracks on here were: the lead single and also Hayley’s Debut Single as a Solo Artist that of course being Simmer which was an amazing dark and moody sounding song that I think Hayley’s vocals were so amazing and the lyrics about how Rage is a quiet thing and you just have to simmer down was pretty amazing. Dead Horse which I mentioned earlier as my favorite track on the album was probably the most pop sounding track on here along with the amazing "Sudden Desire" which was amazing on here as well. Anyway on Dead Horse she talks about her relationship with her ex husband Chad Gilbert from New Found Glory and she managed to talk about that kinda **** up relationship and still make an amazing and catchy af song. So Yeah Overall this Album was a fantastic Debut Solo Album from Hayley and a Strong 8 out of 10 imo.… Expand
  29. Stavush
    Apr 12, 2022
    10
    This album is absolutely brilliant. The lyrics are heartbreaking, but through the album they get more optimistic, so this album takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that never gets old.
  30. M4CC4
    Aug 22, 2022
    10
    Brilliant album, thoroughly enjoy Hayley’s solo work, she is so so so good!
  31. Dexterity26
    Aug 23, 2022
    10
    Hayley's vocals are pure love and her signature style of writing has the ability to transport you into the scene.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
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