Hayley Williams Celebrates Album Release with “Dead Horse” Music Video
The day is finally here! Paramore’s Hayley Williams just released her first solo album, Petals For Armor, and it is stunning. To make this day even more special, Hayley has also just shared the music video for her single “Dead Horse,” appearing in Part II of the album. Hayley wrote “Dead Horse” with Daniel James, and Taylor York produced it. Zac Farro directed the new music video.
The track begins with Hayley apologizing for being “in a depression,” piano underneath, before the drum beat kicks in. What follows is the one of the most pop songs on Hayley’s new album. “Dead Horse” shimmers with sweetness and layers over a funky groove, yet its lyrics are as dark as we’d expect. Hayley describes her decade-long relationship with ex-husband Chad Gilbert, revealing its shocking beginning and the later consequence of that. The chorus explodes into Hayley’s self-deprecation over her continued suffering within and talking about this ill-fated relationship. “Dead Horse” sounds bubbly, yet it’s the most revealing song we’ve heard from Hayley. It could have fit on Paramore’s last album, After Laughter.
In the lo-fi new music video, we watch as Hayley – dressed in silver sparkles – stares at herself in the mirrors. It’s not a look of vanity, though: She’s searching for herself, looking deep inside to find her or remember her. In other shots, we see a parade of Hayleys, each sporting a different hair style and color from the past decade – red, yellow, blue, green. Still another Hayley hangs lifeless in her blond beau’s arms, dramatizing the torment she’s felt. Finally, we get a clear-headed Hayley, clad in a black suit, hair teased like it’s the ’80s (it reminds us of her her “Rose Colored Boy” music video). This version of her seems to admonish the rest and guide them back to where they started.
Watch the music video for “Dead Horse” – directed by Zac Farro – below:
“Dead Horse” appears on Hayley’s new album, Petals For Armor, released today. You can buy or stream the album from your favorite music providers here.
Petals For Armor includes all the previously released songs from the first two EPs. Petals For Armor I featured the songs “Simmer,” “Leave It Alone, “Cinnamon,” “Creepin,’” and “Sudden Desire.” Meanwhile, Petals For Armor II featured Hayley’s five more recent releases: “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris,” “Over Yet,” “My Friend,” “Why We Ever,” and “Dead Horse.” The album also comes with Part III, featuring the final five songs of the record.
Touring & Paramore’s Future
Hayley had previously announced an intimate solo tour across North America and Europe, which was supposed to begin right about now. Unfortunately, just like everything else, the tour has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New dates are expected for 2021, so hang tight.
Paramore fans also don’t need to worry: Hayley has also confirmed that Paramore is not over. They will make music together again, though it probably won’t sound like her forthcoming solo material. In any case, Hayley indicated that this solo album is an important step that will only help the band grow.
Petals For Armor
Hayley’s debut solo album, Petals For Armor, just came out today. Catch up on all that went into making here, and be sure to read our review here!
Enjoy the new music video for “Dead Horse,” and enjoy the new album, Petals For Armor, out now! Keep checking back here for all the latest Hayley Williams music news.
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