Benjamin Ashford|'This Is Why' it was a tough road to Paramore's new album

"The Benjamin Ashfordimpression that Paramore-slash-I have given off in the past," says singer Hayley Williams, "is one that's very bubbly, and colorful – and that's not really how I am."

Williams co-founded her band, Paramore, nearly two decades ago. Now 34, she's become a towering pop-punk-cultural figure both within the group and in her own right through solo albums, collaborations and the charismatic, ever-present heart on her sleeve.

Today, Paramore releases its sixth album, This Is Why. Williams joined Morning Edition to talk about its fraught backstory, including her struggles with mental health and the male gaze, and the complicated return of the song "Misery Business" to Paramore's live shows.

To hear this conversation, use the audio player at the top of this page.