From my 1st time listening to it I really like it. Although I can tell they were confused on what to do with this album, that's for sure. To me all the album sounds different. Maybe it's more pop-like sound, but that's more cause of all the effects. They added in A LOT of effects. crushcrushcrush is incredible and seemed like they had a lot of fun with that one. We Are Broken I really liked it and it's probably the softest song on the album (in sound) compared to everything else. Closest to that is When It Rains. The main point of the album is for us and to enjoy it. (meaning live) RIOT! okay they say full of emotions and that's what I think we got. It's all over the place and very entertaining.
Now to compare to AWKIF is pretty tough to be honest. I mean some can give a straight up opinion and say it's worse than the previous album, but some might say it's even better. Some might be confused and aren't sure yet cause it's not even really out. I personally think it's amazing and I give Paramore huge respect for what they've done. Whenever the 3rd album comes out I'm sure it'll be even more amazing. Cause they keep growing and learning more day by day, so they learn new things. As do well all of course, but Paramore is Paramore, and they are a wonderful band to watch and listen to. They deserve to be where they are right now.