I’m a sucker for an alternative rock anthem, especially when it features powerful female vocals. I grew up listening to popular tracks from both Paramore and Michelle Branch, two artists that dominated the charts in the early 2000s. I’m particularly a fan of their singles “Decode” and “Are You Happy Now?,” songs that I think have sonic similarities in addition to their respective meanings. While one song is about the beginning of a relationship and the other is about the end of one, I would consider these songs sisters because they both express frustration and uncertainty about figuring out someone else’s feelings.

“Decode” – Paramore

“Decode” is Paramore’s eighth single and was written for the iconic movie Twilight. Although Paramore had seen some early success with their album Riot!, this song catapulted them into the superstars we know and love today. Lead vocalist Hayley Williams shared in a blog post that “the song is about the building tension, awkwardness, anger, and confusion between Bella and Edward.” We can all relate to how frustrating it feels to not fully comprehend someone else’s feelings, especially when those feelings are deeper than surface level admiration. The chorus begins with “How did we get here? / Well I used to know you so well”, which shows Bella’s struggle to read Edward. The beginning of each verse also shows this struggle, with lyrics that say “How can I decide what’s right / When you’re clouding up my mind?” and “The truth is hiding in your eyes / And it’s hanging on your tongue.”

“Are You Happy Now?” – Michelle Branch

“Are you Happy Now?” is the lead single from Michelle Branch’s second studio album Hotel Paper. One of her biggest hits to date, it peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained on the list for 20 straight weeks. This song details the tension around a relationship’s ending, instead of its beginning like “Decode” does. Branch is talking to an ex-lover and questioning if they truly are happy with the split. The chorus is written as if she is actively questioning them, asking “Could you look me in the eye / And tell me that you’re happy now?” and “Could you tell it to my face? / Or have I been erased?” The frustration continues into the bridge with “Do you really have everything you want? / You can’t ever give something you ain’t got / You can’t run away from yourself.” She is also struggling to read her ex’s true feelings on the status of their relationship.