my chemical romance
[Photo by Chapman Baehler]

10 essential My Chemical Romance songs that encapsulate every era

Four years ago, My Chemical Romance‘s contemporary presence was limited to posthumous remembrances, memes, and the odd rehearsal rumor fueled by Joe Jonas. But since their 2019 resurrection, they’ve grabbed the emo scene by the collar once again. From legendary setlists and tour looks to their first new music release in eight years, they’ve kept us continuously engaged — and, of course, we’re as thrilled as we are unsurprised. But far be it from a bunch of emo kids to loosen their death grip on nostalgia. MCR could hit us with a new single every day for the next year and we’d still find ourselves in the early trenches. This fact raises the question: What are the most essential My Chemical Romance songs? You know, the ones destined to carry on?

Read more: Every My Chemical Romance album ranked

Admittedly, the search for a definitive answer was a bit of an exercise in futility. After all, there are no tried-and-true methods for condensing a decades-spanning discography full of intense, concept narratives and groundbreaking endeavors. But if there’s anything that a deep dive into such a reserve can demonstrate, it’s that “popular” is no more synonymous with “overrated” than it is “superior.” All of MCR’s eras are a testament to this fact, featuring as many exemplary hits as they do lesser-known gems. Here, we consider songs of both designations.

“Our Lady of Sorrows

When thinking back on the decades-spanning tenure of My Chemical Romance, it’s easy to underestimate the power of their debut. Though now often overshadowed by the popularity of the band’s second and third compositions, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love set the stage for their meteoric rise. For a demonstration of that formidable nature, look no further than “Our Lady of Sorrows.” Driven by raw, adrenaline-inducing punk-rock energy, this powerhouse is an effective encapsulation of MCR’s breakout era. Even 20-plus years later, it’s still a regular feature of the band’s live sets.

Demolition Lovers

Closing I Brought You My Bullets…, “Demolition Lovers” is a six-minute fireworks display of all the successful dynamics present in its preceding tracks. Kicked off by a simple-but-captivating melody, this song initially feels out of place on the thrashy heels of “Cubicles.” However, as it amps up, it becomes abundantly clear that the intro was nothing but a brief divergence before the grand finale. For fans that are drawn to MCR for their theatricality and flair for the unexpected, this is an essential component of any circulation.

Helena

The opening track of MCR’s Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge not only set the foundation for the band’s second era — it cemented their standing as poster children for the 2000s emo scene. Inspired by the then-recent death of the Way brothers’ grandmother, “Helena” is woefully melancholic. From a valley of whispered introduction to mountains of high-octane choruses, the song exudes sentimental energy. Augment that with gothic, funeral-themed visuals and you have a hit that was made to be eternally embedded in edgy hearts — so much so that eagle-eyed fans are still spotting potential nods in modern music videos and blockbuster movies.

I’m Not Okay (I Promise)

It’s hard to imagine another song more quintessentially representative and aware of its time than “I’m Not Okay (I Promise).” Toeing the line between MCR’s harder, punk-rock underpinnings and the refined, goth-leaning transcendence of their sophomore record, the anthem oozes early scene nostalgia. Even so, it’s the sheer, purgative catchiness of the chorus and hooks (or lack thereof) that make “I’m Not Okay” a cornerstone of any 2000s alternative playlist.

Cemetery Drive

Admittedly, “Cemetery Drive” may not be as universally recognizable as the previous two tracks. But for the more entrenched fans, it’s a time-tested staple of the broader My Chemical Romance discography. The band seem fully aware of this fact as well, seeing as the line “Did you get what you deserve?” echoes clearly in the later-released “Dead!” Of course, this is a predictable effect. Spotlighting Gerard Way’s haunting, throaty vocals and thrashy-but-melodic instrumentation, the song epitomizes the intersection of early 2000s emo and post-hardcore. And even today, nearly two decades since its debut, the poignance runs thick. 

Welcome to the Black Parade

Let’s be honest: You probably expected a G note and a “Welcome to the Black Parade” marquee when you opened this article. Ever since its 2006 premiere, The Black Parade‘s lead single has been a beacon for not only die-hard fans but the emo crowd at large — largely defining an era that has now inspired everything from birthday cakes to LEGO designs, and even a viral video posted by Andrew Lloyd Webber. And that’s for good reason. It’s a masterful curation of the theatricality, grit, and compelling narratives that have elevated My Chemical Romance as generation-defying icons.

I Don’t Love You

Though nested in the context of My Chemical Romance’s poetic prowess, “I Don’t Love You” spares all sense of subtlety. Temporarily stepping back from the instrumental complexities of “Welcome to the Black Parade,” it showcases visceral relatability to full effect. This is a track that feels at home in the 2000s alternative repertoire, tying the album to its contemporary Warped Tour backdrop. For fans of more pop-leaning flavors of the time, it offered a commonality. Still, it has a standout, dark-laced quality that can hold its own in even the most stacked throwback playlists. 

House of Wolves

In the shadow of The Black Parade‘s more popular tracks stews an angsty storm called “House of Wolves.” Bookended by balladic catharsis in “I Don’t Love You” and “Cancer,” the track offers an extrication through ferocity that calls back to MCR’s foundational punk inclinations. Like a sinister burst of sunlight in a dark hallway, it creates contrast against edges that would otherwise go unrecognized. But this charge isn’t limited to its three-minute runtime. Rather, it amplifies the uptempo current that first flashes white light in “Dead!,” bridging the energy ahead of the hard-hitting tracks to come.

Teenagers

You don’t have to look past My Chemical Romance’s Spotify page to gauge the legacy of “Teenagers.” With over 700 million streams, the song’s popularity is entirely unmatched even by the ever-iconic “Welcome to the Black Parade.” Of course, it should come as no surprise to any of the edgy, elder emos who made it a staple of their iPod playlists in the late 2000s and beyond. “Teenagers” is the definition of an alternative anthem, highlighting the persistent problem of teenage violence with enticing facetiousness. Even the most resolute alternative gatekeepers would be hard-pressed not to consider this a setlist essential. 

SING

This list wouldn’t be complete without at least one mention of Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys. And while you probably anticipated a callout to “Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na),we’re here to surprise. In truth, while “Na Na Na” first introduced the band’s era, “SING” seems to better encapsulate it. This single doesn’t hold back on the punchy energy that carries through Danger Days. Rather, it oscillates through its wide-reaching dynamics with drawn-out-but-rhythmic verses and crisp, soaring choruses. Make no mistake: This is the essential song to listen to for a comprehensive taste of MCR’s fourth iteration.