What makes Brick by Boring Brick by Paramore notable?

'Brick by Boring Brick' received critical acclaim, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance. The album marked a turning point for Paramore as they began to explore deeper themes in their music, influencing a generation of pop-rock bands that followed. Released on October 30, 2009, 'Brick by Boring Brick' was Paramore's third studio album, following their successful sophomore effort 'Riot!' from 2007. At this point, the band was solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene, transitioning from their earlier pop-punk roots into a more mature sound characterized by introspective lyrics and varied musical influences.

How many songs are on Brick by Boring Brick?

Brick by Boring Brick has 2 tracks, running approximately 8 minutes.

Released 17 years ago this October

Brick by Boring Brick

Paramore · 2009

8 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of soaring melodies and intricate storytelling wrapped in vibrant pop-rock energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Brick by Boring Brick — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of escapism and the challenges of facing reality through clever metaphors and an engaging chorus.
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Brick by Boring Brick (acoustic) — This acoustic version strips down the original, emphasizing the raw emotional weight of the lyrics while showcasing Hayley Williams' vocal prowess in a more intimate setting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

54 /100

Foothills

Higher than 43% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks cohesion due to its limited tracklist.

What we noticed

The main track features a driving rhythm with layered guitars and dynamic shifts in intensity, creating an energetic atmosphere.
The acoustic version strips down the instrumentation, focusing on vocal delivery and lyrical clarity, contrasting with the original's production.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Paramore's reputation with critical acclaim and commercial success.
Themes: childhood fantasies· escape from reality· fairy tale disillusionment
Career context: Released on October 30, 2009, 'Brick by Boring Brick' was Paramore's third studio album, following their successful sophomore effort 'Riot!' from 2007. At this point, the band was solidifying their place in the alternative rock scene, transitioning from their earlier pop-punk roots into a more mature sound characterized by introspective lyrics and varied musical influences.
Stylistic neighbors: PVRIS· Tonight Alive· We Are the In Crowd