The landscape of alternative rock and pop-punk has been significantly shaped by the presence of Paramore, a band that has navigated nearly two decades of industry evolution, internal shifts, and sonic experimentation. At the center of this journey is Hayley Williams, a vocalist and songwriter whose transparency regarding her creative process has endeared her to millions. In a definitive moment of self-reflection that resonated across the global music community, Williams took to social media and subsequent interviews to rank her personal top five Paramore songs. This selection surprised many long-time enthusiasts by focusing exclusively on a single era of the band’s history, providing a unique window into the artist’s personal connection to her work and the emotional weight of her discography.

To understand why Hayley Williams chose these specific tracks, one must look at the broader context of Paramore’s career. Founded in Franklin, Tennessee, in 2004, the band initially gained notoriety for their high-energy pop-punk anthems. However, as the members matured, so did their sound. The transition from the angst-driven riffs of the mid-2000s to the sophisticated, groove-heavy textures of their later work represents one of the most successful artistic pivots in modern music. Williams’ ranking serves as a testament to this growth, highlighting songs that balance technical proficiency with profound lyrical vulnerability. These tracks are not just commercial successes; they are the milestones of a woman who has spent her entire adult life in the spotlight, navigating the complexities of fame and mental health.

The ranking provided by Williams features five songs all hailing from the 2017 album, After Laughter. This record marked a significant turning point for the band, following the return of original drummer Zac Farro and a shift toward 1980s-inspired synth-pop and New Wave. For Williams, this era represents the first time she felt fully in control of her narrative, using upbeat melodies to mask deeply personal explorations of depression, anxiety, and the exhaustion of maintaining a public persona. By selecting these five tracks, she reaffirms that her most “successful” work, in her own eyes, is the work that speaks most honestly about her internal reality.

The first track on her list, Told You So, is a rhythmic masterpiece that showcases the intricate guitar work of Taylor York. The song is built around a syncopated, Nile Rodgers-esque riff that demands physical movement from the listener, yet its lyrics are steeped in the paranoia of being watched and judged. Williams has often discussed how this song reflects the “told you so” culture of the internet, where people wait for public figures to fail just so they can claim foresight. The vocal delivery is sharp and percussive, mirroring the anxiety of the subject matter. It is a track that perfectly encapsulates the “happy-sad” dichotomy that defines the band’s later output, making it a natural choice for one of her top slots.

Following closely is Hard Times, the lead single that introduced the world to the After Laughter aesthetic. Musically, it is an explosion of color, featuring marimbas and a driving bassline that evokes the spirit of Talking Heads. However, the lyrics deal with the crushing weight of depression and the feeling of being “hit by a lightning bolt” of misfortune. Williams’ preference for this track stems from its role as a survival anthem. It was the song that signaled Paramore was still alive and capable of reinvention after a period of intense internal turmoil and legal battles. For the frontwoman, Hard Times is a badge of resilience, proving that even the darkest periods can be transformed into something vibrant and enduring.

The inclusion of Pool in her top five highlights Williams’ appreciation for complex emotional metaphors. Pool is often cited by fans as a deep cut that deserves more recognition, and Williams clearly agrees. The song uses the imagery of diving into a swimming pool to represent the act of returning to a relationship that one knows might be damaging. The shimmering, aqueous guitar tones create a dreamlike atmosphere that contrasts with the lyrical acknowledgment of “diving into the deep end” despite the risks. It is a song about the cyclical nature of love and the human tendency to repeat mistakes, delivered with a sophisticated pop sensibility that shows how far the band has come since their early days of straightforward power chords.

Rose-Colored Boy occupies the fourth spot on her list, and it is perhaps the most direct commentary on the pressures of optimism. The song’s title refers to a person who refuses to see anything but the positive, effectively “gaslighting” those who are struggling with reality. Williams has described this track as a personal protest against the societal expectation to always “stay positive.” The cheerleading-style backing vocals add a layer of irony to the track, emphasizing the artificiality of forced happiness. By choosing this song, Williams highlights her commitment to validating the full spectrum of human emotion, including the parts that aren’t convenient or “marketable” in a traditional pop context.

Rounding out the top five is Caught in the Middle, a track that explores the stagnation of early adulthood and the fear of moving forward. With its ska-influenced rhythm and infectious hook, it feels like a spiritual successor to the band’s earlier energy, but with a much more cynical edge. The lyrics, “I was moving too fast / Now I can’t even get out of bed,” resonate with anyone who has experienced a “quarter-life crisis.” Williams’ selection of this track reinforces the theme of the After Laughter era: the struggle to reconcile who you were with who you are becoming. It is a song about being stuck in the “middle” of a transition, a feeling that Williams has navigated publicly for years.

To fully appreciate the weight of these selections, one must look at the evolution of Paramore’s discography. The band’s journey can be categorized into several distinct phases, each marked by a shift in personnel and creative philosophy. This history provides the necessary background to understand why the After Laughter tracks hold such a special place in the lead singer’s heart compared to the band’s earlier, perhaps more commercially “iconic” hits.

The Foundational Years: 2005–2009

Paramore’s early career was defined by the explosive success of All We Know Is Falling and the genre-defining Riot!. During this period, the band was a cornerstone of the Fueled by Ramen roster, characterized by high-octane energy and Hayley Williams’ fiery orange hair. Songs like Misery Business and That’s What You Get became anthems for a generation of teenagers. However, this era was also fraught with internal tension regarding the band’s direction and the intense media focus on Williams as a solo entity rather than part of a collective. While these songs laid the groundwork for their global stardom, they also represented a time of immense pressure and youthful naivety that Williams has since distanced herself from, both vocally and lyrically.

The Transitional Peak: 2010–2013

Following the departure of founding members Josh and Zac Farro, Paramore faced a critical juncture. The release of Brand New Eyes in 2009 was a commercial triumph but documented the band’s internal fractures. The subsequent self-titled album in 2013, Paramore, was a bold statement of independence. It featured their biggest hit to date, Ain’t It Fun, which won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. This era saw the band experimenting with funk, soul, and gospel influences, proving they could thrive as a trio. Despite the success, this period was also the precursor to the deep emotional burnout that would eventually lead to the creation of the songs Williams now ranks as her favorites.

The Artistic Reinvention: 2017–Present

The After Laughter era, from which Williams’ top five songs are drawn, represents a hard-won maturity. It was followed by a period of hiatus during which Williams released two solo albums, Petals for Armor and Flowers for Vases / Descansos. When the band returned in 2023 with This Is Why, they integrated the angularity of post-punk with the wisdom of their previous decade. The “Best Songs” list curated by Williams reflects this trajectory—valuing the complexity of the present over the nostalgia of the past. Her choices are a declaration that the band’s current identity is their most authentic one.

When analyzing the technical aspects of these five tracks, it is impossible to ignore the contribution of Taylor York. As the band’s primary composer and producer during this era, York moved away from the heavy distortion of the early 2000s in favor of clean, delayed guitar tones and intricate layering. This sonic shift allowed Williams to explore a different vocal register, moving away from the “belting” style of her youth toward a more nuanced, conversational delivery. The synergy between York’s production and Williams’ lyrical honesty is what makes these songs stand out in their discography. They represent a partnership that has survived the highest highs and lowest lows of the music industry.

The lyrical themes present in Hayley’s top five choices provide a roadmap for modern songwriting. She has moved away from the “us vs. them” narratives of her early work and toward an internal dialogue. In Caught in the Middle and Hard Times, the antagonist is not a rival or a former lover, but her own mind. This shift toward mental health awareness in music has been a significant trend over the last decade, and Paramore was at the forefront of this movement. By ranking these songs so highly, Williams acknowledges the therapeutic value of music, not just for the listener, but for the creator as well.

The impact of these songs on the band’s fan base cannot be overstated. While some older fans initially resisted the shift away from pop-punk, the After Laughter era brought in a new demographic of listeners who appreciated the band’s newfound sophistication. The “Paramore is a band” mantra, which became a rallying cry during their more turbulent years, is fully realized in these tracks. Every instrument has its place, and every note serves the emotional core of the song. This cohesion is likely why Williams feels such a strong attachment to this specific body of work.

In addition to the musical and lyrical elements, the visual identity of the songs Williams chose played a crucial role in their success. The music videos for Told You So and Hard Times utilized bold primary colors and retro-futuristic aesthetics that matched the sonic brightness of the tracks. These visuals were a stark contrast to the dark, moody imagery of the Brand New Eyes era. This intentional branding helped define a new chapter for Paramore, one that was comfortable with contradictions. The “Technicolor sadness” of these songs became a signature look and sound that influenced a wave of indie-pop artists in the years that followed.

Critical reception of Williams’ top five has generally aligned with her own views. Music critics praised After Laughter for its “sophisti-pop” sensibilities and its willingness to tackle difficult subjects without losing its pop appeal. The album appeared on numerous “Best of the Year” lists, and tracks like Hard Times are now staples in the band’s live performances. Even as the band evolves into the This Is Why era, the DNA of these five songs remains present in their approach to songwriting: a commitment to rhythm, a focus on lyrical truth, and a refusal to be pigeonholed into a single genre.

The professional trajectory of Hayley Williams also informs these choices. Outside of the band, she has become a successful entrepreneur with her hair color company, Good Dye Young, and an advocate for mental health resources. Her growth as an individual has allowed her to look back at her older music with a sense of perspective. While she still performs Misery Business (after a brief period of retiring it due to its lyrical content), it is clear that she finds the most fulfillment in the songs that reflect her adult self. This maturity is what allows a band to survive for twenty years without becoming a legacy act that only plays their old hits.

Analyzing the specific elements of Paramore’s sound during the period these songs were written provides further insight into their lasting appeal. The band moved toward a production style that prioritized clarity and space. Instead of a “wall of sound,” listeners can hear the distinct interplay between the instruments. This is particularly evident in Pool, where the layers of guitar create a shimmering effect that mimics the movement of water. This level of detail is a hallmark of a band that has mastered their craft and is no longer afraid to experiment with subtlety.

The legacy of these five songs is also tied to the band’s resilience. The fact that Paramore was able to produce what their lead singer considers their best work after years of lineup changes and personal struggles is an inspiration to many. It reinforces the idea that creativity is not a finite resource and that an artist’s best years are not necessarily their first ones. For Williams, these songs are proof that the band’s “second act” was just as vital as their first, if not more so. They represent a victory over the circumstances that threatened to tear the band apart on multiple occasions.

The impact of Zac Farro’s return on these tracks is also significant. His drumming style, influenced by his time away with his project HalfNoise, brought a new rhythmic complexity to Paramore. His ability to blend rock power with danceable grooves is a key component of why Told You So and Caught in the Middle feel so fresh. The chemistry between the core trio of Williams, York, and Farro is palpable in these recordings, and it is likely this feeling of unity that contributes to Williams’ high regard for the tracks. They aren’t just songs; they are the sound of a band finding their way back to each other.

Key Milestones in the Paramore Songwriting Process

Collaborative Composition: Unlike the early years where roles were more rigidly defined, the After Laughter era saw a deeply collaborative approach. Taylor York would often present instrumental demos that Hayley Williams would then layer with lyrics and vocal melodies, a process that allowed the music to dictate the emotional tone.
Lyrical Vulnerability: Williams began keeping extensive journals during the band’s hiatus, which served as the primary source material for songs like Hard Times. This practice of direct, unfiltered writing resulted in some of the most relatable lyrics in modern alternative music.
Studio Experimentation: Working with producer Justin Meldal-Johnsen, the band utilized a vast array of vintage synthesizers and percussion instruments. This willingness to step outside the traditional “rock band” setup was essential for achieving the unique textures found in Rose-Colored Boy.
Visual Storytelling: The band treated their music videos as extensions of the songs’ themes rather than just promotional tools. The Red Beret outfits in Told You So, for example, became an iconic symbol of the band’s unified front during a period of transition.
Live Evolution: These songs were designed with the live experience in mind, incorporating “jam” sections and extended outros. This has allowed the tracks to grow and change over years of touring, keeping them relevant for both the band and the audience.

In the broader context of the music industry, Paramore’s success with these five songs serves as a case study in brand evolution. They managed to retain their core audience while expanding their sound to appeal to critics and new listeners alike. This is a notoriously difficult feat for bands that start in a “scene” like pop-punk, which often prizes stagnation over growth. By following Williams’ lead and embracing her favorites, fans are participating in a journey that values artistic integrity over commercial safety. These five songs are the pillars of that philosophy.

Pro Tips for Understanding Paramore’s Discography

For those looking to dive deeper into the world of Paramore, it is essential to listen to their albums in chronological order to appreciate the sonic evolution. Pay close attention to the transition between Brand New Eyes and the self-titled album, as this is where the experimental seeds were first planted. Additionally, exploring Hayley Williams’ solo work provides vital context for the lyrical themes of her top five songs, as her solo albums deal with the personal aftermath of the After Laughter era. Finally, watching live performances from the 2017–2018 Art + Friends tour will show how these songs were meant to be experienced: with high energy, community spirit, and a touch of theatricality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Hayley Williams only choose songs from one album?

Hayley Williams has stated in various interviews that the After Laughter era was the most honest and creatively fulfilling period for her. She feels those songs best represent who she is as an artist and a person, whereas earlier hits feel like they belong to a different version of herself.

Does Hayley Williams still like the band’s early hits like Misery Business?

While she has expressed pride in what those songs accomplished, she has also admitted to having a complicated relationship with them. The band famously took Misery Business out of their live sets for several years to reflect their personal growth, though it has since returned to their setlists as a celebration of their history.

What makes After Laughter different from other Paramore albums?

After Laughter is characterized by its 80s-inspired synth-pop sound, complex rhythms, and themes of “smiling through the pain.” It marked the return of Zac Farro and a departure from the distorted guitars that defined their earlier work.

Are there any songs from the This Is Why era that she likes?

While her viral top five list focused on After Laughter, Williams has spoken very highly of the title track This Is Why and Running Out of Time from their 2023 album. She views the latest album as a natural progression from the songs she ranked in her top five.

Who wrote the songs on Hayley’s list?

The songs were primarily written by Hayley Williams and Taylor York, with Zac Farro also contributing significantly to the arrangements and rhythmic structure upon his return to the band.

The ranking of Hayley Williams’ five favorite Paramore songs offers much more than a simple list of tracks; it provides a profound insight into the heart of an artist who has spent her life evolving in the public eye. By selecting Told You So, Hard Times, Pool, Rose-Colored Boy, and Caught in the Middle, Williams has signaled that her most valued contributions are those defined by honesty, resilience, and musical sophistication. These songs represent the pinnacle of Paramore’s artistic reinvention, proving that the band’s legacy is not just built on their past successes, but on their ability to face the present with uncompromising truth. As the band continues to move forward, these tracks remain a definitive guide to the emotional and sonic depth that makes Paramore one of the most enduring acts in modern music.