What’s that noise coming through my streaming player? It’s the sweet sound of 1984.

Tennessee-born Paramore has returned with the ’80s throwback “Hard Times,” and this fan of new wave music had to resist reaching for the comb and putting on a bathroom concert!

Courtesy RCA Studio B / Fueled by Ramen

From that opening Lionel Richie/Miami Sound Machine-evoking riff to the chicken-scratch guitars and analog-sounding vintage synths, “Hard Times” builds up to a chorus that drives home the new-ish, but old school, sound for Paramore. The bass line is super catchy, combined in the rhythm section with furious hi-hat disco drums by Zac Farro.

Lead singer Hayley Williams is excellent in the role, evoking a New Romantic vibe with her performance in the music video and in live performances of the track. Her stellar voice is paired with an undeniable charisma she’s always sported, elevating the band’s stature and allowing them to stand out from their peers as they move away from the original emo pop sound they’re known for.

“Hard Times,” written by Williams and Taylor York and produced by York and Justin Meldal-Johnsen, a native of Eugene, Oregon, who has worked with a wide variety of bands, is a song about exactly that – hard times! The lyrics are upbeat but still retain some of Williams’ emo longings.

Hard times, gonna make you wonder why you even try
Hard times, gonna take you down and laugh when you cry

The chorus is capped by a cute, high pitched punk-pop line by Williams exclaiming, “I gotta get to rock bottom!”

If I had one complaint it’s that I wish the song was longer. I know too much of a good thing is NOT a good thing, but my replay button is getting a workout.

“Hard Times” was released April 19, 2017, as the lead single from After Laughter, Paramore‘s fifth studio album. The song peaked at #90 on the US Billboard Hot 100, #6 on the US Hot Rock Songs chart.

A perfect song for summer driving, if this is hitting rock bottom then I wanna be there.