Alright, let’s talk about Hayley Williams’ most recent release, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party. It’s been almost a full year since the release of this album, and yet here I am, still addicted to her latest installment to her discography.
Throughout this project, you can really feel her emotions on every track. The topics being explored include, but are not limited to, being alone, killing your ego, relationship trauma, & mental illness.
I adore her vocals because she sets such a powerful, very mature tone for the entire album. Tracks like “glum,” “mirtazapine,” “hard,” & “kill me” are the heaviest, not only tone-wise but also topic-wise as well. They are also my favorite tracks.
I found them to be the most relatable as someone who struggles with mental illness & relies on medication to live a somewhat “normal” life. It really hit home to hear one of my favorite artists of all time talk about her problems.
I didn’t grow up listening to Paramore, but I did enjoy some of their hits, such as “Misery Business” & “Ain’t It Fun.” Back then, it felt like all eyes were on Hayley, & to this day, they still are. It’s amazing that she’s been able to stay relevant all this time. It’s no surprise either.
At her age, she seems to be reaching a point in her life where it’s almost impossible not to feel distressed with all she’s been through & what she is currently going through. I mean, she was very young when she got famous, & I can see how that might affect a young woman with mental health issues.
Hayley talks about being stuck in a world that seems to fall apart without the help of her medication. “mirtazapine” is the definitive track that feels like a love song but references the aid the medication provides to those who take it.
“hard” is another favorite track of mine because she talks about her ribs being “metal cages that protect her heart.” I adore that usage of imagery. She is extremely gifted in that area.
I’m all about lyrics, & she takes advantage of being a poet & demolishes all competition.
Alright, I hear what you’re saying… Maybe I’m a bit biased, but I just love her so much. She’s an absolute icon.
I digress.
This project is a bit long, & normally that would bug me, but in this case, it’s very easy to pause & take a break before carrying on.
It’s not your typical pop-punk album either. I’m pretty certain she had ONE song on here that came even a little bit close.
She kills not only her ego, but she learns to honor it.
I believe she is nearing forty years of age, so it’s a good thing her music is aging beautifully with her as well.
Some honorable mentions on this project that were more fun than upsetting or unsettling in tone are “Brotherly Love,” “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party,” & “Hard.”
My final thoughts on this album… excellent, innovative, creative, & a beautiful story about a young woman really learning how to navigate the world while nearing the age of forty years old. Reliving her past traumas in order to heal from them.
I’m gonna give this one a 9/10 rating just because I think she could’ve easily split this into two different albums. Otherwise, I truly adore her & this project.
Let me know what you think!
