This 2007 explosive track from Riot! remains Paramore’s signature song and the moment they transcended the scene to become mainstream rock royalty. Produced by David Bendeth, “Misery Business” combines bratty confidence with an absolutely ferocious guitar hook that demands immediate head-banging. Williams delivers each line with vindictive glee, her voice soaring through the infectious “Whoa-oh” sections that have become singalong moments at festivals worldwide. The production captures that perfect mid-2000s pop-punk energy—crisp drums, punchy guitars, and a mix that prioritizes aggression without sacrificing melody. Josh Farro’s guitar work shines particularly during that iconic breakdown before the final chorus, creating one of the most recognizable moments in alternative rock history.
“Still Into You” – Pop Perfection in Pastel Colors
By 2013’s Paramore album, the band had shed members and transformed their sound into something more polished and pop-forward. “Still Into You” represents this evolution beautifully, trading angst for genuine romantic affection wrapped in bright, jangly guitars and an irresistibly bouncy rhythm. Justin Meldal-Johnsen’s production gives the track a sun-soaked California feel that contrasts beautifully with the band’s Tennessee roots. Williams’ vocal performance radiates warmth and playfulness, particularly in the “Can’t count the years on one hand” bridge section that showcases her ability to convey vulnerability without losing power. The song’s success on mainstream pop radio proved Paramore could dominate beyond alternative stations, eventually becoming certified platinum multiple times over.
“Ain’t It Fun” – Grammy-Winning Reality Check
The lead single from Paramore earned the band their first Grammy Award for Best Rock Song, and it’s easy to hear why. This track incorporates gospel choir elements, funky bass lines, and a brutally honest lyrical examination of growing up and facing reality outside your comfortable bubble. The production layers are immaculate—listen on quality headphones and you’ll catch the subtle horn arrangements and hand claps that give the track its infectious groove. Williams sings with a smirk and a shrug, acknowledging life’s harsh lessons with both humor and resilience. The accompanying music video’s one-take format, featuring various Guinness World Record attempts, perfectly captures the song’s playful defiance. If you’re looking for gear that captures every nuanced layer of this complex production, check out our headphone comparisons to find your perfect match.
“Decode” – Twilight’s Most Enduring Legacy
Written specifically for the Twilight soundtrack in 2008, “Decode” stands as evidence that soundtrack commissions can produce genuinely great art. The song’s brooding atmosphere and metaphor-heavy lyrics about complicated relationships fit the vampire romance theme while remaining compelling outside that context. Taylor York’s guitar work creates swirling, atmospheric textures that support rather than overwhelm Williams’ emotive delivery. The bridge section, where everything strips back to just vocals and minimal instrumentation before exploding back to full band intensity, demonstrates Paramore’s understanding of dynamics and tension. Despite being a commercial soundtrack contribution, “Decode” became a fan favorite and frequent setlist inclusion, proving its artistic merit beyond its cinematic origins.
“The Only Exception” – Vulnerability in Its Purest Form
Paramore shocked fans in 2010 with this stripped-down acoustic ballad from Brand New Eyes, showcasing a tenderness rarely displayed in their earlier punk-adjacent material. Williams wrote the song about her own experiences with parental divorce and subsequent fear of commitment, delivering each line with heartbreaking sincerity. The production, handled by Rob Cavallo, wisely keeps things minimal—acoustic guitar, subtle strings, and space for Williams’ voice to carry the emotional weight. The final chorus, where the full band crashes in with electric guitars and drums, feels earned and cathartic rather than manipulative. This track proved Paramore possessed range beyond power chords and proved Williams could command a room with nothing but an acoustic guitar.
“Hard Times” – Disco-Funk Reinvention
The lead single from 2017’s After Laughter announced a radical sonic departure that initially polarized longtime fans. “Hard Times” embraces 80s new wave influences with synthesizers, funky bass lines, and production so glossy it practically reflects light. Yet beneath the danceable exterior lies some of Williams’ most depression-tinged lyricism, creating fascinating cognitive dissonance between sound and content. Justin Meldal-Johnsen and Taylor York’s co-production creates layers that reveal themselves across multiple listens—the subtle guitar stabs, the layered vocal harmonies, the way the bass line subtly shifts throughout. The music video’s vibrant color palette and choreographed dancing emphasized the intentional contrast between upbeat sound and heavy themes, establishing the aesthetic identity of Paramore’s most mature artistic statement.
“Ignorance” – Anger Channeled Into Perfect Pop-Punk
Opening Brand New Eyes with furious intent, “Ignorance” addresses interpersonal band tensions with barely contained rage wrapped in an absolutely massive chorus. The production from Rob Cavallo captures raw energy without sacrificing clarity—each drum hit lands with purpose, the guitars create a wall of sound that still allows space for melody, and Williams’ voice cuts through with knife-edge precision. The bridge section, where she screams “I’m not the same kid from your memory,” remains one of her most powerful recorded vocal moments. This track showcases Paramore at their most aggressive and urgent, proving they could mature beyond Riot! without losing intensity.
“crushcrushcrush” – Kinetic Pop-Punk Energy
From Riot!, this frenetic track captures the overwhelming rush of romantic obsession through relentless pacing and Williams’ most animated vocal performance. The verses practically sprint forward, barely pausing before launching into that infectious, chant-worthy chorus. David Bendeth’s production emphasizes momentum—nothing overstays its welcome, transitions happen with urgency, and the entire song feels like a controlled explosion. The guitar work from Josh Farro creates angular riffs that add edge to the pop sensibilities, while Zac Farro’s drumming drives everything forward with youthful exuberance. “crushcrushcrush” became a staple of mid-2000s alternative radio and remains a crowd-pleasing setlist inclusion that never fails to ignite audiences.
“Rose-Colored Boy” – Cynicism in Major Keys
Another standout from After Laughter, “Rose-Colored Boy” addresses toxic positivity and the pressure to maintain happiness with ironic cheerfulness. The production layers synthesizers and programmed drums with organic instruments, creating a hybrid sound that defined the album’s aesthetic. Williams’ vocal delivery drips with sarcasm during lines like “Just let me cry a little bit longer,” turning the song into both a catchy singalong and a middle finger to superficial optimism. The chorus features some of the album’s most complex vocal arrangements, with harmonies stacked to create an almost overwhelming wall of voices. This track proves Paramore’s ability to package genuine frustration in deceptively upbeat wrapping.
“That’s What You Get” – Consequences and Catharsis
This Riot! track examines the aftermath of rushing into relationships with both regret and acceptance. The production captures classic Paramore energy—aggressive drums, power chord progressions, and Williams delivering lines with equal parts anger and resignation. The pre-chorus builds tension beautifully before releasing into a chorus that’s simultaneously bitter and liberating. Josh Farro’s guitar solo section provides brief respite before the final emotional push, demonstrating the band’s ability to incorporate traditional rock elements into their pop-punk framework. The song’s commercial success on alternative radio helped solidify Paramore’s position as genre leaders rather than mere scene participants.
“Brick by Boring Brick” – Fairy Tale Deconstruction
Opening with a music box melody before exploding into full-band intensity, “Brick by Boring Brick” from Brand New Eyes uses fairy tale metaphors to explore disillusionment and reality. The production creates distinct sonic sections—the delicate intro, the aggressive verses, the soaring chorus—that mirror the lyrical journey from fantasy to harsh truth. Williams’ vocal performance navigates these shifts with remarkable control, from whispered verses to powerful belt notes. The breakdown section features some of the album’s most intricate guitar work from Josh Farro, creating atmospheric tension before the final chorus. This track showcases Paramore’s growing sophistication in song structure and thematic development beyond straightforward verse-chorus formats.
“Pressure” – Debut Album Diamond
From their 2005 debut All We Know Is Falling, “Pressure” introduced the world to Paramore’s potential with youthful energy and surprising maturity. The production feels comparatively raw against their later polished work, but that urgency serves the song’s themes of feeling overwhelmed and suffocated. Williams, only 16 during recording, delivers vocals with power beyond her years, particularly during the emotionally charged bridge. The guitar work establishes the melodic sensibilities that would become Paramore signatures, while the rhythm section provides solid foundation without overcomplicating arrangements. This track proved Paramore wasn’t just another Warped Tour band but artists with staying power and genuine songwriting chops.
“Fake Happy” – Masking Pain With Smiles
One of After Laughter‘s most emotionally gutting moments arrives disguised as an upbeat new wave track. “Fake Happy” directly addresses depression and the exhausting performance of pretending everything’s fine. The production’s bright synthesizers and bouncy rhythm create intentional dissonance with lyrics like “I bet everybody here is fake happy too.” Williams’ vocal delivery oscillates between detached observation and desperate plea, particularly during the bridge where the facade cracks momentarily. The song’s structure refuses traditional build-ups, maintaining consistent energy that mirrors the relentless effort of maintaining appearances. For capturing every nuanced vocal inflection and synthesizer layer, quality audio equipment makes a substantial difference—explore our earbud comparisons for portable listening excellence.
“Monster” – Transformers and Transformation
Originally released for Transformers: Dark of the Moon in 2011, “Monster” explores themes of identity and perceived corruption with industrial-tinged production. The track features heavier electronic elements than typical Paramore releases, with aggressive synth bass lines and distorted guitars creating darker atmosphere. Williams’ vocals carry both defiance and vulnerability as she addresses feeling misunderstood and judged. The chorus explodes with raw emotion, particularly in her delivery of “Why won’t anybody answer my call?” The song bridges the gap between Brand New Eyes and Paramore, hinting at their forthcoming sonic experimentation while maintaining core intensity.
“Playing God” – Swagger and Accusation
From Brand New Eyes, “Playing God” channels frustration with controlling people into one of Paramore’s most confidently aggressive tracks. The production emphasizes attitude—the guitars swagger rather than simply rock, the drums punctuate with purpose, and Williams’ vocals drip with contempt. The bridge section, where everything strips to just bass and vocals before building back, demonstrates the band’s mastery of dynamics. Josh Farro’s guitar solo adds melodic flair without showboating, serving the song rather than overtaking it. This track became a fan favorite for its unapologetic confrontation and remains a cathartic live performance moment.
“Careful” – Opening Salvo of Maturity
The opening track of Brand New Eyes immediately established the album’s more mature, introspective direction. “Careful” addresses betrayal and manipulation with measured anger rather than explosive rage. The production from Rob Cavallo creates space and clarity, allowing each instrument to occupy its own sonic territory while contributing to the cohesive whole. Williams’ vocal performance showcases increased range and control, particularly during the soaring “The truth never set me free” refrain. The guitar work creates atmospheric layers that add depth without cluttering the mix, proving Paramore had evolved beyond straightforward power chord progressions into more sophisticated arrangements.
“Now” – Defiant Return
Opening their self-titled 2013 album, “Now” announced Paramore’s continuation despite lineup changes with fierce determination. The production feels intentionally raw and immediate, capturing the band’s need to prove themselves anew. Williams delivers lines about moving forward and refusing to dwell on the past with convincing urgency. The chorus builds into an anthemic declaration of perseverance that translates powerfully in live settings. This track served as both statement of intent and proof that Paramore could survive internal turmoil while creating some of their best work. The energy never lets up, maintaining intensity from opening note to final crash.
“All I Wanted” – Vocal Tour de Force
Arguably showcasing Williams’ most impressive recorded vocal performance, “All I Wanted” from Brand New Eyes strips away aggressive production for vulnerable emotional exposure. The verses feature delicate acoustic guitar and restrained vocals before building to an absolutely explosive chorus where Williams reaches for the upper limits of her range. The bridge section, where she sustains notes with raw power, became legendary among fans and frequently appeared on “best vocal moments” compilations. The production wisely stays minimal, allowing the vocal performance to command complete attention. This track proves Paramore’s greatest asset has always been Williams’ voice and the emotional truth she channels through it.
“Told You So” – Vindication in Synth-Pop Form
From After Laughter, “Told You So” packages righteous vindication in shimmering 80s-influenced production. The lyrics address critics and doubters with a knowing smirk rather than angry defensiveness. The chorus features layered vocal harmonies creating almost overwhelming texture, while the verses maintain restraint that makes the chorus impact even stronger. The production incorporates programmed drums, synthesizers, and minimal guitar, fully committing to the new wave influences that defined the album. Williams’ vocal delivery balances confidence with underlying hurt, acknowledging that being right doesn’t always feel good. This track demonstrates how effectively Paramore integrated new influences while maintaining their core identity.
“Anklebiters” – Self-Titled Deep Cut
One of Paramore‘s most underrated moments, “Anklebiters” addresses critics and naysayers with defiant optimism. The production creates an almost whimsical atmosphere with chiming guitars and bouncy rhythm that contrasts with the defensive lyrical content. Williams’ vocal performance radiates determination rather than anger, transforming potential bitterness into empowering declaration. The bridge features gospel-influenced vocal arrangements that hint at the direction “Ain’t It Fun” would take further. This track proves that Paramore’s album cuts often match or exceed their singles in quality, rewarding fans who dig beyond the obvious hits. For experiencing the full depth of these productions, explore our comprehensive guide to songs across genres and discover what makes great recordings truly shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paramore’s biggest hit song?
“Misery Business” remains Paramore’s signature song and biggest cultural impact, though “Ain’t It Fun” achieved greater mainstream commercial success, reaching number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning the band their first Grammy Award. Both tracks represent different eras of Paramore’s evolution—”Misery Business” capturing their explosive pop-punk youth, while “Ain’t It Fun” showcased their mature genre-blending capabilities.
What genre is Paramore considered?
Paramore started as pop-punk and alternative rock but has evolved dramatically throughout their career. Their early albums (All We Know Is Falling, Riot!, Brand New Eyes) fit firmly in pop-punk and emo categories, while Paramore incorporated new wave and funk influences, and After Laughter fully embraced 80s synth-pop and new wave aesthetics. The band resists genre limitations, preferring to explore whatever sounds serve their artistic vision.
Has Paramore won any Grammy Awards?
Yes, Paramore won their first Grammy Award in 2015 for Best Rock Song with “Ain’t It Fun” from their self-titled album. They’ve received multiple Grammy nominations throughout their career, including nods for Best New Artist in 2008 and Best Rock Album for Brand New Eyes in 2010, establishing their critical acclaim beyond commercial success.
Who writes Paramore’s songs?
Hayley Williams has been the consistent primary songwriter throughout Paramore’s career, though collaboration dynamics have shifted over time. Early albums featured significant contributions from founding guitarist Josh Farro before his 2010 departure. Since then, Taylor York has become Williams’ primary co-writer, with the duo crafting the Paramore and After Laughter albums together. Williams’ solo work has further demonstrated her songwriting prowess independent of the band context.
What is Paramore’s most recent album?
After Laughter, released in May 2017, stands as Paramore’s most recent studio album. The record marked their most dramatic sonic departure, incorporating 80s new wave, synth-pop, and funk influences while addressing themes of depression, anxiety, and growing up. Despite the significant gap since 2017, the band has released occasional singles and continued touring, with fans eagerly anticipating their next full-length project.