While their spunky blend of emo-pop and anthemic rock would eventually make them stars on both sides of the Atlantic, Paramore began humbly enough in Franklin, TN, where lead singer Hayley Williams met brothers Josh and Zac Farro (guitar and drums, respectively) after moving to town from Mississippi. The two Farros had a young band that the burgeoning singer was asked to join. After the brothers opened Williams' 13-year-old eyes to the likes of U2, the Cure, Sparta, and Failure, the teenagers began performing together under the name Paramore following the addition of Jason Bynum on rhythm guitar and Jeremy Davis on bass. Local hangouts and a school talent show helped the young bandmembers hone their chops before graduating to higher-level gigs at area rock clubs.

The quintet's sweet melodies and earnest charisma -- not to mention Williams' powerhouse vocals -- eventually caught the attention of Florida's Fueled by Ramen label, which signed the band in...