Paramore has cemented their place in music history, evolving from emo-rock darlings to pop-infused veterans over a career spanning more than a decade. Despite lineup changes and stylistic shifts, their consistent output of high-quality music remains a testament to their enduring talent. From their raw early sound to their more recent pop explorations, Paramore’s discography is rich with memorable tracks. Here, we delve into 10 of their best songs, showcasing the band’s journey and musical prowess.
10. Told You So
“For all I know, the best is over and the worst is yet to come,” Hayley Williams sings in the opening line of “Told You So,” a standout track from their fifth album, After Laughter. This song marked a significant sonic shift for Paramore, leaning into upbeat pop sensibilities while retaining their signature emotional depth. Instead of relying on heavy emo instrumentation, “Told You So” features feather-light guitar lines and a buoyant rhythm, creating an infectious track that speaks to finding joy amidst internal turmoil. It’s Paramore embracing fun and pop experimentation, even with the band’s history and experiences weighing in.
9. The Only Exception
“The Only Exception,” from the 2009 album Brand New Eyes, serves as a tender ballad amidst a more energetic record, much like Muse’s “Falling Away With You”. This track begins with gentle acoustic guitar chords and blossoms into a heartfelt love song. Williams herself has described the song as an expression of her long-held fear of love, revealing a vulnerable side. “It’s not like I’m a total cynic! Love is a good thing,” she clarified in a 2010 interview, underscoring the song’s sincere exploration of overcoming personal barriers to embrace love.
8. Still Into You
Featured on their self-titled fourth album released in 2013, “Still Into You” is a delightful departure into overt sweetness for Paramore. It kicks off with an edgy, slightly dissonant riff, before unexpectedly transitioning into an undeniably charming chorus about the enduring butterflies of a crush. This song showcases Paramore’s ability to blend their rock roots with pop sensibilities, creating a track that’s both energetic and genuinely heartwarming.
7. That’s What You Get
“That’s What You Get,” a single from their 2007 breakthrough album Riot!, stands out for its unconventional time signature shifts, moving between 3/4 and 4/4. Adding an interesting layer to its creation, the lyrics were co-written with a competition winner named Michael Benedict. This track captures the raw energy and emotional honesty that defined Paramore’s early sound, resonating with listeners through its relatable angst and dynamic musicality.
6. Ignorance
The lead single from 2009’s Brand New Eyes, “Ignorance,” is known for its rapid-fire lyrics and incredibly catchy components. From the verses to the pre-chorus and the soaring chorus, the song is packed with memorable hooks, especially Hayley Williams’ distinctive delivery of “just like.” Then there’s the song’s central, biting mantra: “Ignorance is your new best friend.” Williams herself described “Ignorance” to Alternative Press as “like word-vomit,” perfectly encapsulating its raw, unfiltered energy and lyrical intensity.
5. Crushcrushcrush
“Crushcrushcrush” is pure, unadulterated angst wrapped in a three-chord punch. This track, unsurprisingly about having a crush, features Williams snarling, “If you wanna play it like a game, well, come on, come on, let’s play.” The song’s brilliance lies in the small details, like the breathy whispers of “crush” leading into the guttural “2, 3, 4” count-in. “Crushcrushcrush” is irresistibly emo, a perfect encapsulation of the genre’s appeal.
4. Brick by Boring Brick
“Brick by Boring Brick” makes the mundane act of digging holes sound incredibly captivating. This standout track is largely defined by its heavy, unforgettable “BA-DA-BA BA-DA BA-BA-DA” vocalizations. Beyond its catchy vocal hook, the song delves into themes of disillusionment and escaping fantasy, adding a layer of depth to its energetic delivery.
3. Hard Times
When “Hard Times” arrived as the first single from After Laughter in April 2017, it was a surprising sonic evolution for Paramore. With the return of drummer Zac Farro after a hiatus, the trio embraced a new musical direction, swapping out their signature guitar riffs for marimba, bongos, and bright, colorful production. The result is a uniquely upbeat take on dealing with adversity. Williams’ repeated lines, “I still don’t know how I even survive hard times, and I gotta get to rock bottom,” become an anthem of resilient optimism in the face of struggle.
2. Ain’t It Fun
Paramore’s highest-charting single, “Ain’t It Fun,” boasts one of their funkiest guitar riffs, reportedly inspired by Dutch Uncles, a band they had previously supported. The song also features a full gospel choir, adding another layer to its dynamic sound. With lyrics like, “Don’t go crying to your mama cos you’re on your own in the real world,” “Ain’t It Fun” delivers a dose of reality with a playful edge, achieving double Platinum status in the US.
1. Misery Business
“Misery Business,” from 2007, is the quintessential Paramore track – both a beloved classic and a slightly controversial throwback. Like “Ignorance,” it’s a high-speed lyrical ride driven by a killer riff. However, “Misery Business” is known for its more pointed lyrics, telling a story about a girl who intentionally breaks up a relationship. Lines like, “It was never my intention to brag / To steal it all away from you now / But God, does it feel so good / Cause I got him where I want him now,” are undeniably provocative. Hayley Williams has since expressed some embarrassment about the song’s content, stating, “I’m not the same person I was when I wrote it.” Despite its lyrical baggage, “Misery Business” remains their signature song, instantly recognizable and endlessly energetic, solidifying its top spot as one of the best Paramore Songs.
