Pop punk starlets Paramore released their seminal album Riot! in 2007, to the highest acclaim. The burgeoning act had some modest success with their previous record All We Know Is Falling, whose hits included “Emergency” and “Pressure,” but when Riot! hit the industry with an almighty bang, the band truly propelled into a contender for every accolade possible. Led by the engrossing Hayley Williams, the outfit soared up the pecking order, and they garnered even more fans.

By elevating to the summit of exposure, and with an album brimming with hits, Paramore became a successful group playing shows in America and beyond. With Riot! as their lynchpin, they knew they had made it, and they knew their songs would resonate with the pop punk faithful. And as a youthful phenomenon, the pop punk outfit was classed as pop punk saviors, pushing the boundaries of the genre. Williams had this new lyrical swagger, and her writing became more coherent, with the guitar sequences an infectious backbeat.

Riot! did not rely on a template that was done to death. It had a fresh sound attached to its inner core, and Paramore searched inside their souls for the perfect balance. There were riffs aplenty, melodies that worked immensely. And Williams’ range and vocal work was pristine and sincere. She sang with rage, especially on the louder tracks, and this was to tell the stories that she created.

Riot! had its hits. Truthfully, every song could have been a single. All the tracks had that sheen and polish, a slickness that excited the fans. “For A Pessimist, I’m Pretty Optimistic” started the record off in a loud, raucous fashion, serving up a hugely successful and soaring opening. “Hallelujah” pierced the norm, and the commanding riff complemented the vocals from an emotional Williams. The chorus is one of the most notable sections. “Misery Business” became a phenomenon, a song that Williams dislikes and in hindsight regrets writing—a definitive and catchy number even if it is a tad sugar-coated.  

“When It Rains” was a turning point. The track showcased Williams’ wonderful vocals and lyrical intelligence. She sang with urgency and intent, spearheading a melodic piece of brilliance. “Let The Flames Begin” followed on as another wonder. Fiercer and integral to the album, it blew the roof off as a standout. “We Are Broken” was a beautiful, lyrical, serene ballad. Williams offered her voice to the instrumentals and the final creation blew the minds.

Riot! was a commercial success, Paramore became a dominant force in the pop punk sector, and their music was lapped up by even the most discerning music fan. This was a testament to a behemoth record that cemented Paramore as a frontrunner.

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