Released in 2007, Paramore’s second studio album, Riot!, was the definitive breakthrough moment that launched the band into the mainstream. With anthems like “Misery Business” and “Crushcrushcrush,” the album became a pop-punk touchstone, blending raw energy with undeniable catchiness. Certified triple-platinum in the US and platinum across the UK and Australia, its influence still resonates across alt-rock and emo pop today.
A Fan Won a Contest to Sing Back-Up Vocals on ‘Born for This.’ During the production phase, Paramore held an online contest called “The Last Song You’ll Ever Sing,” inviting fans to submit videos on YouTube for a chance to sing back-up. The winner, Mary Bonney of McLean, Virginia, was featured on the track “Born for This.”
The Single “That’s What You Get” Was Co-Written by a Touring Member. “That’s What You Get,” one of the album’s successful singles, is notable for being the only song on Riot! co-written by guitarist Taylor York, who was only the band’s touring guitarist at the time. York would later become an official member of Paramore.
The Music Video for “Crushcrushcrush” Was Cut Short by a Sandstorm. The official video for the album’s third single shows the band performing in a barren desert. However, bassist Jeremy Davis later revealed that they were unable to fully finish the shoot due to a large sandstorm that swept in, forcing the director to repeat some shots in the final cut.
An Expelled Member Was Reinstated Before Recording. Before work on Riot! began, bassist Jeremy Davis was expelled due to a “lack of work ethic.” Following his departure, the Farro brothers convinced Hayley Williams to bring in Taylor York, but Williams insisted on Davis’s reinstatement, which the remaining members eventually agreed to.
“Hallelujah” Is One of the Band’s Oldest Songs. Hayley Williams recounted that “Hallelujah” is one of the band’s oldest songs, but they felt it fit better on Riot! than on their debut album. She described the song as “a claim of victory for both ourselves and our fans.”