For over fifteen years, Paramore has held a special place in my music library. Even as a long-time fan, 2024 brought a fresh perspective on what I consider their best song. My journey with this Tennessee band started back in 2006, prior to the release of their breakthrough album Riot!, at the UK’s Give It A Name Introduces tour.
While Paramore wasn’t the headliner then, their performance was undeniably captivating. Looking back, predicting their ascent to stadium-filling status might have been a stretch, but their early energy was undeniable. (Fun fact: a friend and I even found ourselves seated near some band members and exchanged greetings, though Hayley Williams wasn’t around at that moment).
Since those early days, I’ve caught Paramore live numerous times, from their own headlining gigs to festival appearances. However, my last Paramore show was at Reading Festival in 2014. It wasn’t intentional, just a matter of tour schedules and timing not aligning. That decade-long gap ended in 2024 when I saw them as the supporting act for Taylor Swift’s monumental Eras Tour at Wembley Stadium. Their set was fantastic, so impactful that it completely reshaped my opinion on their best song.
Why Paramore’s “Last Hope” Initially Flew Under My Radar
Released on Their Self-Titled Album, This Track Was a Sleeper Hit for Me
Being someone whose musical inclinations heavily favored emo and pop-punk albums, I naturally gravitated towards Paramore’s more energetic and faster-paced tracks. “crushcrushcrush” was always my immediate answer when asked about their best, or at least my favorite, Paramore song. Even as Paramore’s sound evolved, exploring diverse genres with impressive results, it was always the songs from their initial three albums that resonated most deeply. Tracks like “Pressure,” “All We Know,” “For A Pessimist, I’m Pretty Optimistic,” and “Brick by Boring Brick” were constant replays for me.
| Paramore – Self-Titled Album Track List |
|---|
| # |
| 1 |
| 2 |
| 3 |
| 4 |
| 5 |
| 6 |
| 7 |
| 8 |
| 9 |
| 10 |
| 11 |
| 12 |
| 13 |
| 14 |
| 15 |
| 16 |
| 17 |
When it came to Paramore’s slower and more emotionally driven songs, I tended to favor tracks like “The Only Exception,” “Hate To See Your Heart Break,” or “26.” Despite countless listens to Paramore’s self-titled album upon its 2013 release, “Last Hope,” the eighth track, simply didn’t register as particularly special. Even seeing it performed live at Reading in 2014 didn’t change my perception. In retrospect, youthful oversight definitely played a role.
The 2024 Live Performance That Unveiled the True Power of “Last Hope”
Experiencing This Song Live Is a Transformative Event
Paramore opening for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in the UK might have seemed like an unexpected pairing genre-wise, yet considering their long-standing mutual admiration, it was a brilliant move. Both artists are regulars on my Spotify Wrapped, so witnessing them together at Wembley was a dream concert experience. While Swift was undoubtedly the main attraction, Paramore’s set alone would have been worth the ticket. Among crowd-pleasers like “Misery Business” and “Ain’t It Fun,” it was the performance of “Last Hope” that truly resonated and became the standout moment.
It’s just a spark but it’s enough to keep me going
And when it’s dark out and no one’s around it keeps glowing
It’s just a spark but it’s enough to keep me going
And when it’s dark out and no one’s around it keeps glowing
That performance was a revelation, making me question how I’d overlooked the song’s brilliance for over a decade. It was the kind of potent live music experience that feels truly transformative. Hayley Williams’ vocals were central to this, delivering not just impeccable sound but a palpable wave of emotion.
Hayley Williams of Paramore performing live, highlighting her powerful vocals for "Last Hope" during the Eras Tour.
The performance of “Last Hope” managed to be both intimate and expansive, perfectly filling a 90,000-capacity stadium. It was uplifting, hopeful, poignant, and profoundly beautiful. Music’s power lies in its ability to evoke emotion, and no Paramore song has ever achieved this for me as profoundly as “Last Hope” did live. I felt a deeper connection to the music, the lyrics, and the sheer energy of the live performance.
[ Hayley Williams of Paramore performing live, highlighting her powerful vocals for "Last Hope" during the Eras Tour.
](/why-josh-zac-farro-left-paramore-explainer/) Related
Why Josh & Zac Farro Left Paramore (& Why Only Zac Returned)
There was a time when fans couldn’t imagine Paramore without Josh and Zac Farro. Why did the two leave the band, and why did only one of them return?
Since that concert, I’ve listened to the studio version of “Last Hope” with fresh ears, appreciating its depth in a way I never had before. However, the 2024 live rendition remains, by far, the best musical experience Paramore has ever offered me. This isn’t a casual statement, considering my history of seeing them live numerous times and generally loving their entire discography.
Paramore’s overall live presence feels more refined and powerful than ever (and they’ve always been exceptional live performers). The synergy between Williams, Zac Farro, and Taylor York is palpable. Williams’ energy, combined with her incredible vocal ability, is particularly striking in their faster songs. Yet, it’s the memory of “Last Hope” that will endure. It was undeniably more than just a spark; it was truly transformative.
