Paramore burst onto the music scene during the peak of the emo era in the early 2000s. Since then, the band — consisting of members Hayley Williams, Taylor York, and Zac Farro — has cemented its place as one of the most popular, if not the greatest, female-fronted rock bands in history. Perhaps best known for its longevity and enduring relevance, Paramore continues to reinvent itself through its sound and overall musical style, achieving immense fame despite the music industry’s ever-changing landscape.
With a powerful vocalist and songs that have resonated with fans across the globe, the influential band — formed in Franklin, Tennessee, back in 2004 — has remained a powerhouse for years, delivering some of the most memorable tracks in music. While it was a struggle narrowing it down to just ten, especially with deep cuts like “When It Rains” and “Last Hope” leaving a lasting impression among avid fans, these are the best Paramore songs that have strongly defined their career and helped secure their status as an iconic cult band.
10
“This Is Why”
‘This Is Why’ (2023)
Off their 2023 studio album This Is Why (their latest so far), the album’s opening track ushers in a new era for Paramore, one that is reminiscent of their old sound while harboring some of After Laughter’s pop-heavy undertones. One of the most highly anticipated records from the band, “This Is Why” marked Paramore’s long-awaited return following Hayley Williams’ two solo albums, Petals for Armor and Flowers for Vases / Descansos.
A track that bears an uncanny resemblance to Paramore’s earlier work, particularly “Now” and “Monster,” the post-punk single harks back to everything the band is best known for: loud, emotional, and aggressive. It was the last song written for their sixth studio album, created out of frustration against those who still chose to be terrible even after the world came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic — a social commentary, as is typical old Paramore fashion. Even more, the entire record won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album and another one for Best Alternative Music Performance, proving the band’s long-lasting vigor.
9
“Pressure”
‘All We Know Is Falling’ (2005)
This is the song that started it all. “Pressure” (a perfect debut single, so to speak) from their first album, All We Know Is Falling, plays around with the classic pop-punk and alternative rock sound, paired with a message about one’s internal struggle. Hayley Williams’ undeniable singing prowess also stands out, perfectly embodying the song’s emotional narrative.
Although “Pressure” was not as chart-topping as Paramore’s succeeding songs, the band’s choice for a debut single set listeners’ expectations about what Paramore was really about. The song’s gritty and upbeat tempo went on to become a signature Paramore sound years later, complemented by the raw, honest, and vulnerable lyricism that has become the band’s brand of storytelling.
8
“Brick by Boring Brick”
‘Brand New Eyes’ (2009)
After Paramore’s second studio album Riot! took the world by storm, expectations for the next one were understandably high. Paramore moved away from the second album’s energetic tone toward a more mature and raw sound for Brand New Eyes. The second single, “Brick by Boring Brick,” showcases a mildly experimental form.
Singing about escaping cruel reality and the dangers that come with it, the song begins with a plain number — impressive, yet nothing fancy. It then introduces a tonal shift, transporting listeners to a completely different (and rather fantastical) vibe as soon as the line, “Keep your feet on the ground / When your head’s in the clouds,” ends. It’s as if the song is begging listeners to finally come to terms with their own reality. The band exquisitely divides the song into two parts, telling a story not only through its introspective lyrics but also through sound.
7
“Now”
‘Paramore’ (2013)
The first single from their self-titled studio album, “Now,” details Paramore’s first step into a new chapter of their lives. It chronicles their departure from the past and their yearning for the future, no matter how uncertain. Of course, Hayley Williams was once again lauded for her exceptional vocal range as she sings about resilience and embracing new beginnings.
While noticeably different from their earlier sound, the track still incorporates the band’s pop-punk influences while experimenting with an unfamiliar terrain. The following songs from the album also integrate the band’s new musical style, probably a prelude to what would later become After Laughter.
6
“Ignorance”
‘Brand New Eyes’ (2009)
“Ignorance,” from the third studio album Brand New Eyes, showcases Paramore in all its glory. The track is angry. It is vulnerable yet intense. It is loud. It is explosive. It is, in many ways, everything Paramore has come to be known for, presenting them in their true alternative rock element. Once again, Hayley Williams’ vocal strength became the song’s defining feature, further enhanced by her bandmates’ natural ear for music.
Although the band delved into a soft-leaning sound over the past years, they will arguably be remembered for their grit and rage. “Ignorance,” the angriest out of all their songs, is just one of the many reasons why Paramore remains a musical force to be reckoned with. And with the song’s aggressive tune come equally aggressive and emotionally charged lyrics. It goes, “You treat me just like another stranger / Well, it’s nice to meet you, sir / I guess I’ll go / I best be on my way out,” as though the resentment had been bottled up for years, leading to a bitter goodbye.
5
“That’s What You Get”
‘Riot!’ (2007)
“That’s What You Get” is a catchy and upbeat emo track possessing Paramore’s quintessential pop-rock flair. Coming from the band’s most successful album, Riot!, the chart-topping single received positive feedback from critics at the time of its release and has become one of the fan favorites due to its infectious melody and relatable lyrics.
The heartbreak anthem talks about the consequences of easily letting your heart dictate your actions instead of using your senses. On the edge of self-deprecation and bordering on self-awareness, the song questions why people “like to hurt so much,” holding itself accountable for the outcome of, well, letting the heart win. Lyrically, “That’s What You Get” is anything but fun. Sound-wise, it is a certified emo bop.
4
“Decode”
‘Twilight: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack’ (2008)
It’s nearly impossible to discuss Paramore’s career without ever mentioning the attention “Decode” brought to the band and just how great the entire song is. Beyond that, the song was also nominated for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the Grammys. It is definitely a hallmark Paramore tune, written as a soundtrack for the 2008 romantic fantasy film Twilight. At that point, Twilight already had a growing fan base even before the movie adaptation came out, with “Decode” introducing Paramore to a wide audience.
Paramore’s customary intense approach perfectly complements the song’s dark, angsty, and atmospheric tone. It was written solely about the complex romantic affair between the film’s protagonists, Edward Cullen and Bella Swan. The massive hit wasn’t the only Paramore song featured on the original film soundtrack album, with the other one being “I Caught Myself.”
3
“Hard Times”
‘After Laughter’ (2017)
After Laughter is an entirely different flavor compared to Paramore’s past albums. The album’s vibrant and upbeat tone is a striking contrast to its themes of depression, anxiety, and the complexities of human experience. Perhaps still similar to the band’s confessional style of lyricism, After Laughter’s joyful approach makes it — in retrospect — even more melancholic. Case in point: “Hard Times.”
The new wave-inspired album’s lead single saw the band depart from their pop-rock roots and lean heavily on the funky and synth-pop sound. Setting the tone for the whole album, “Hard Times” — a song about going through challenging moments — is an acclaimed single, with critics heaping praise on its somber meaning and contrasting cheerful melody.
2
“Ain’t It Fun”
‘Paramore’ (2013)
“Ain’t It Fun” is a lively and playful track, though — unlike the previous entry — it’s somehow genuinely optimistic and forward-looking, albeit sarcastically. In this specific era, Paramore has found a new voice. It stems from the period in Hayley Williams’ life as she navigates adulthood, realizing that growing up isn’t all that fun. In a way, it’s almost as if the metaphorical castle in “Brick by Boring Brick” represents the fantastical world they needed to destroy in exchange for the real world in “Ain’t It Fun.” Only, it isn’t fun at all.
The song also celebrates resilience and acceptance. It is about accepting adulthood as it is and realizing that there really is nothing we can do about it except move forward, with or without company. Paramore reached significant milestones (and a few first times) with this one, signifying a fresh start for the band and a newfound recognition away from their usual edgy persona. Apart from being the first Paramore song to ever include a gospel choir, the track earned them their first Grammy Award in 2015. It may be a different Paramore color — a few shades away from the previous ones — but boy, did we have fun.
1
“Misery Business”
‘Riot!’ (2007)
“Misery Business,” or “Miz Biz” as longtime fans call it, is the single that objectively brought Paramore vast mainstream attention. The acclaimed track is widely considered the band’s breakout hit and remained the highest-peaking single until “Ain’t It Fun” took the spot several years later. But that’s not to say the song is any less triumphant. From a subjective standpoint, Paramore wouldn’t be the band it is today if it weren’t for “Misery Business.” This is despite Hayley Williams having mixed feelings about it and ultimately retiring the song from their setlists for a time. Essentially, the song is about a bitter teenage romantic drama — nothing too serious, considering Williams wrote the song when she was just 17.
The song received mostly positive feedback upon its release, but public perception changed over the years. It was later criticized for the line, “Once a whore, you’re nothing more, I’m sorry that’ll never change,” with some arguing it bears internalized misogyny. Williams has since then grown up, and so have her thoughts and opinions towards fellow women. Fortunately, Paramore eventually reintroduced the song to their live performances, notably during a duet performance with Billie Eilish in 2022. After all, “Misery Business” didn’t just define the band’s early career, but it also became an essential part of the pop-punk and emo scene, leaving behind a legacy arguably bigger than Paramore itself.