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When Paramore broke out back in 2007 with its hit album Riot!, people started comparing Hayley Williams to Avril Lavigne. Actually, I’m not sure anybody knew Paramore was a band and thought Hayley Williams was known as Paramore.

Anyway, I hopped on the Riot! bandwagon when my friend Jeremy said he wanted to play “That’s What You Get” on Rock Band. Originally, I laughed at him. But upon playing it multiple times I had a change of heart and decided to give them a chance. Now I know every word to every song Paramore has made.

I liked Avril from the beginning but I never admitted it because I was young and embarrassed to let everyone know I liked Avril’s music. Now I realize that’s stupid and don’t really care if anybody likes my musical tastes. With the reemergence of Avril’s career, I started listening again. Even though her newest album isn’t as good as her older music, I still think she’s awesome and as long as she’s making songs I’ll be listening.

So Who’s Better?

I once put up a Facebook status that said, “Hayley Williams is better than Avril Lavigne in every way.” The comment had some likes but it had some comments that told me to take it back.

It was about a year ago when I put up that status but right after I put it up I realized that I didn’t really think that much into it. Now I caught up on my Avril and am capable of forming a legitimate opinion. I’m going to analyze a few things about the two singers that you may not think are important or relevant but I care so I hope you do too.

I will say one thing. I was wrong to a certain degree. Let’s analyze:

Who has a Better Voice?

Obviously, this should be the first question to ask when you’re comparing singers. I think the answer is simple. Hayley Williams easily has the better vocal range. As far as punk rock singers go, Hayley Williams is rivaled only by Amy Lee (The lead singer of Evanescence) when it comes to punk rock vocal talent.

WINNER: HAYLEY WILLIAMS

Who had more of an Impact on the Music Industry?

This is a simple answer as well. Avril released her first album, Let Go, in 2002 when she was 17-years-old. She burst onto the scene with the hit singles “Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi” and “I’m With You.” The album has sold more than 17 million copies.

Paramore released its first album, All We Know is Falling, in 2005 when Hayley was 16-years-old. If you’re not a fan of Paramore, you would struggle to name one song off that album. When it was first released, All We Know is Falling sold just 50,000 copies. Although All We Know is Falling benefitted from the popularity of the other albums  it still hasn’t sold 500,000 copies.

Paramore’s first album was so weak that the band was nominated for Best New Artist after the release of it’s second album, Riot!. Despite its success, Riot! didn’t top Avril’s second album, Under My Skin, that sold 10 million copies.

Once again, Avril’s third album, The Best Damn Thing, bested Paramore’s third album, Brand New Eyes. Avril’s “Girlfriend” topped the charts giving her five #1 singles in her career to Paramore’s zero.

If that hasn’t proven that Avril had more of an impact on the music industry, then let’s look at the reason I’m typing this post. People say that Hayley is like Avril. She’s a comparable figure because of her fame especially in that era. It’s like when people compare incredible basketball players to Michael Jordan because he’s the greatest basketball player of all time. The same rules apply with Avril. She is one of the most successful punk rock artists of all time.

WINNER: AVRIL LAVIGNE

Who’s Hotter?

All right so this question has nothing to do with their talent but it’s a question on which most people would like to form an opinion. Despite Avril’s vampire teeth, she is still hotter than Hayley. Don’t get me wrong, I think both women are very attractive but I can’t go against Avril on this one.

I don’t think I’m the only one who feels this way. Avril is #34 on the 2011 Maxim Hot 100 list. Hayley is nowhere to be found.

WINNER: AVRIL LAVIGNE

Who has a Better Band?

People who know me know who I’m going to pick but I still have to say it. Paramore has better lyrics and a better sound. I would go to a Paramore concert before an Avril concert. I would put Riot! up against any of Avril’s albums. I would put “Decode” up against any of Avril’s songs. Paramore is better.

WINNER: HAYLEY WILLIAMS

So…Who’s Better?

Hayley is my favorite. Her vocal talent and superior lyrics put her over the top for me. Despite my thoughts, Avril Lavigne is awesome and has already accomplished more than Hayley Williams and/or Paramore ever could. Avril also paved the way for bands like Paramore.

I also don’t think either artist separates herself from the other enough to have a clear answer to this question. I would pick Hayley but its a matter of preference. I could see how someone could like Avril more and I wouldn’t question it.

The truth is both singers are incredibly talented. Both not only sing but also play more than one instrument. They began their careers at the ages of 16 and 17. At that age I didn’t even know what I wanted my major to be when I got to college.