On September 29, 2009, Paramore released Brand New Eyes, an album that would help define an entire era of alternative rock. Sixteen years later, it still stands as one of the band’s most important works — a record that blended vulnerability with defiance, heartbreak with hope, and honesty with unforgettable hooks.
A Turning Point for the Band
Coming off the back of Riot!’s breakout success, Paramore faced enormous pressure. The group was young, suddenly famous, and grappling with internal tensions that nearly tore them apart. Those struggles are written all over Brand New Eyes.
From the sharp, sarcastic bite of “Ignorance” to the darker storytelling of “Brick by Boring Brick”, the album feels like a diary ripped open for the world to see. Even the gentler tracks, like “The Only Exception”, carry the weight of a band pushing through uncertainty while finding clarity in the music.
Written in Turmoil, Delivered with Confidence
On this day in 2009, Brand New Eyes became the record that cemented Paramore’s greatness. Building on the blistering energy of Riot!, the band leaned into a more polished, refined sound that still carried plenty of edge. Fans and critics alike praised the album, particularly for the way it contrasted explosive tracks like “Ignorance” with the stripped-down vulnerability of “The Only Exception.”
Like many great records, it was born from conflict. Vocalist Hayley Williams and guitarist Josh Farro had recently broken up, a time Williams described to Rolling Stone as “a dark season” for the band. That tension hung heavy during the writing process, eventually leading to major line-up changes after the album’s release. Yet in spite of — or perhaps because of — this turmoil, the group delivered one of their most compelling and cohesive statements.
The album’s success gave Paramore the confidence to push forward, proving that they could survive upheaval and emerge stronger.
“Ignorance” – A Cultural Touchstone
Paramore introduced Brand New Eyes with the ferocious lead single “Ignorance”, a track that immediately resonated with fans. For countless high school emo kids, it was a rallying cry — an anthem of anger, frustration, and individuality. To this day, it remains a cultural marker of its era.
But beneath its raw aggression, “Ignorance” was also deeply personal. It served as a release valve for the tensions within the band itself. As Hayley Williams explained:
“In my eyes, this song is a huge turning point for the band. The truth of it is, growing up is not easy. We’re five different people who have to work towards the same goal on a daily basis. There were a lot of times when I felt really alone or angry or insecure. I don’t always feel good at confronting people, especially people that I love, like these guys.”
Songs That Still Resonate
Every track on Brand New Eyes has a story — and a place in Paramore’s legacy.
- “Ignorance” – An explosive opener that set the tone, capturing Hayley Williams’ frustration and independence.
- “Brick by Boring Brick” – A sing-along anthem with a darker core, tackling escapism and disillusionment.
- “Playing God” – A sharp, unapologetic call-out track that still hits with biting relevance.
- “Turn It Off” – A reflective cut that slows the pace and exposes raw self-doubt.
- “Looking Up” – One of the most hopeful songs in their catalogue, acknowledging the turmoil yet choosing optimism.
- “All I Wanted” – The soaring closer, with Williams’ powerhouse vocals creating a fan-favourite moment that has become legendary.
Chart Success and Legacy
Brand New Eyes made an immediate commercial impact, debuting at #2 on the Billboard 200 and reaching the UK Top 10. Over time, it has continued to resonate with fans worldwide, earning significant certifications:
- The album is now 2× Platinum in the UK, cementing its lasting popularity.
- Lead single “Ignorance” recently achieved Platinum status as well, proving its enduring influence.
These milestones show that Brand New Eyes wasn’t just a success of its time — it remains a cornerstone of Paramore’s career.
Why Brand New Eyes Endures
The album’s lasting power comes from its duality: it’s both deeply personal and universally relatable. It’s about fractured friendships, broken trust, love that barely holds together, and the fragile hope that things can get better. For listeners, it soundtracked late-night car rides, teenage heartbreak, and the long process of figuring out who you are.
Sixteen years later, the themes haven’t aged a bit. If anything, they’ve deepened. Songs like “The Only Exception” and “All I Wanted” remain staples at Paramore shows, proof of their timeless impact.
A Legacy Cemented
Looking back, Brand New Eyes feels like the bridge between the Paramore fans first fell in love with and the fearless, genre-blurring band they would later become. It was messy, emotional, and brave — and that honesty made it iconic. Now, at sixteen, it isn’t just an album of its time; it’s a piece of alternative music history. For longtime fans, it’s a reminder of where they were when they first heard it. For new listeners, it’s a discovery that still feels fresh.
So here’s to Brand New Eyes at 16 — a record that continues to resonate, inspire, and prove that Paramore’s music was never just about the moment. It was always built to last.