Fan Poll: 5 greatest emo songs of all time
Over the years, emo has taken on many forms. Depending on who you talk to, they might have a strong case for why one song falls into the category of emo over another. But emo really skyrocketed to popularity in the ’80s back in D.C., and more often than not, the band Rites of Spring is credited as the godfather of the genre. But over the years the genre has gone through a series of evolutions—from ’90s stalwarts like Jawbreaker to the early ’00s Warped Tour era to modern emo up-and-comers like The Wonder Years and Mannequin Pussy.
Needless to say, the topic still prompts a ton of debate. So, we asked our readers to choose the greatest emo songs of all time. The top five fan picks are ranked accordingly below.
5. “Mr. Brightside”
You might be wondering why “Mr. Brightside” made this list, but the anthemic track from The Killers is one of their most melancholy. Since the song is really about a guy who’s pained by the jealousy of the girl he’s into seeing someone else, the indie rock hit has been reclaimed by emo fans over the years.
4. “Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut from the Team)”
When Taking Back Sunday released “Cute Without the ‘E'” (Cut from the Team), the band bridged the gap between post-hardcore and emo. Today it remains a seminal song in the genre for portraying what it’s like to feel used in a relationship.
3. “I Miss You”
blink-182‘s downtempo track “I Miss You” is not only one of the band’s most iconic songs, but a haunting depiction of depression and its effect on romantic relationships. That vulnerability has become a hallmark of some of the band’s best work.
2. “Welcome to the Black Parade”
“Welcome to the Black Parade” is one of My Chemical Romance’s most iconic tracks, but it’s also one of the most gutting. From the band’s 2006 album The Black Parade, the album tells the story of a dying person, their experiences in the afterlife and their memories. The song is a poignant portrait of a memory and a triumphant look at what it means to leave a legacy behind.
1. “Hands Down”
“Hands Down” by Dashboard Confessional is our No. 1 track on the list. The slow-burning track recounts the best day of Chris Carrabba’s life and has become a euphoric if not nostalgic anthem for emo fans everywhere.
