Hayley Williams Surprise-Releases New 17-Track Album ‘Ego’

Hayley Williams has dropped her new 17-song album ‘Ego’, marking a bold step as an independent artist with fresh solo material.

A Surprise Drop: ‘Ego’ Arrives With 17 Tracks

Hayley Williams, the energetic frontwoman known for her compelling solo work and as the lead singer of Paramore, has just stunned fans by surprise-releasing a brand-new solo album titled ‘Ego’. This impressive collection includes 17 tracks and comes only days after Williams premiered new music on a Nashville radio station.

Hayley Williams unleashes fresh music with her new album ‘Ego’

The album’s release feels like a breath of fresh air for fans who have eagerly awaited new material since Williams transitioned to an independent artist status, following the end of her deal with Warner/Atlantic.

Sneak Peek: ‘Mirtazapine’ and ‘Glum’ First Heard in Nashville

Last week, WNXP Nashville gave fans a taste of what to expect by premiering the track ‘Mirtazapine’, paired with another song, ‘Glum’, both of which are featured on the new album. Fans were immediately hooked by the raw, guitar-driven vibe of “Mirtazapine.”

On the track, Williams sings:

“Here comes my genie in a screw cap bottle / To grant me temporary solace / I could never be without her / I had to write a song about her / Who am I without you now? / Mirtazapine / You make me eat, you make me sleep / Mirtazapine / You let me dream, you let me dream.”

The lyrics explore themes of solace and dependency in a poetic, heartfelt way that resonates deeply.

Exclusive Access to ‘Ego’ Through Good Dye Young

Fans can access the album via a unique 16-digit code available through purchasing items from Williams’ hair dye company Good Dye Young’s latest drop. This creative release method adds an interactive element to the album rollout, reminiscent of early 2000s website aesthetics where the tracklist is presented in a random order.

The tracklist includes:

• Kill Me
• True Believer
• BloodBros
• Negative Self Talk
• EDAABP
• Ice In My OJ
• Mirtazapine
• Brotherly Hate
• I Won’t Quit On You
• Disappearing Man
• Hard
• Glum
• Love Me Different
• Whim
• Discovery Channel
• Dream Girl In Shibuya
• Zissou

Fan Reactions: A Warm Welcome for ‘Mirtazapine’

The guitar-driven tunes have already struck a chord with listeners. Social media buzzed with praise, with one fan calling “Mirtazapine” “one of the best songs I’ve ever heard.” Others expressed pure joy that Williams continues to venture confidently into solo work, reinforcing her status as a dynamic, evolving artist.

A Pattern of Surprise Releases

This isn’t the first time Williams has embraced surprise drops. Her previous solo album, ‘Flowers for Vases / Descansos’, was released in February 2021 with barely a day’s notice, taking fans by surprise in the best way.

That album, a follow-up to 2020’s ‘Petals For Armor’, earned widespread acclaim for its intimate, raw emotion, described as softer and more exposed than her debut solo release. Critics noted her voice as the centerpiece, carrying a more vulnerable tone compared to the fiery energy of her earlier work.

Recent Collaborations and Festival Appearances

Since releasing ‘Flowers for Vases / Descansos’, Williams has kept busy:

• Collaborated with Turnstile in April
• Dropped the sensual joint “I Like It I Like It” with Moses Sumney in May
• Featured on David Byrne’s new album ‘Everybody Laughs’ in June

Additionally, she recently joined a star-studded lineup at the Newport Folk Festival, sharing the stage with artists such as Waxahatchee, Jeff Tweedy, Weyes Blood, Rufus Wainwright, Maren Morris, and Dan Reedy, performing alongside Bleachers.

What’s Next for Hayley Williams?

With ‘Ego’, Hayley Williams continues to chart her own course, embracing independence and creative freedom. Her bold surprise release strategy, combined with heartfelt songwriting and fresh collaborations, cements her place as a powerhouse in the alternative music scene.

“Perhaps partly as a result of how it was created, ‘Flowers for Vases/descansos’ is less spiny and biting than her debut solo album... it’s an approach that reaps rewards.”

— Critical review on Williams’ previous album

Explore this fresh, unfiltered side of Hayley Williams by checking out ‘Ego’ now. Whether you’re drawn in by the lyrics or the compelling instrumentals, this album promises an immersive experience.

Have you listened to ‘Ego’ yet? Which track is your favorite so far?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is unique about Hayley Williams’ album ‘Ego’?
  It was surprise-released with 17 tracks and is her first album as an independent artist post her major label contract.
• How can fans access the album?
  Fans can get a 16-digit code to access the album by purchasing items from her Good Dye Young hair dye collection.
• What themes does ‘Mirtazapine’ explore?
  The song reflects on solace, dependency, and personal struggle, wrapped in poetic lyrics.
• Has Hayley Williams released solo albums before?
  Yes, she has two previous solo albums: ‘Petals For Armor’ (2020) and ‘Flowers for Vases / Descansos’ (2021), both received positively.
• Is Hayley Williams collaborating with other artists?
  Recently, she collaborated with Turnstile, Moses Sumney, and David Byrne, showcasing her versatility.

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