Top 10 Emo Bands of the 2000s
#10: Panic! at the Disco
Top 10 Panic! at the Disco Songs
Although the now-disbanded group Panic! At the Disco branched out after becoming a solo endeavor for frontman Brendon Urie, it was once a pinnacle of the genre. The band burst onto the scene with 2005’s “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out,” which had an infectiously upbeat quality prevalent in mainstream emo. The album was also unique in how it was divided, with both halves thematically charting the group’s sonic evolution. Plus, the second single, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” was inescapable – not that we wanted to get away from it. Panic! at the Disco began to drift away from emo with their follow-up album, “Pretty. Odd.,” but we’ll always appreciate their roots.
#9: Dashboard Confessional
What began as an acoustic solo album for Chris Carrabba grew into an emo empire. Beginning with 2000’s “The Swiss Army Romance” album, Carrabba injected his simple compositions with lyrics both heartfelt and somber. More members would join for the sophomore album, leading Dashboard Confessional to have a louder sound to match Carrabba’s sensitive vocals. The group would put out multiple albums throughout the decade, with fans hanging on to every sad word. They even released one of the best movie tie-in tracks ever with “Vindicated” for “Spider-Man 2.” Though Dashboard Confessional is still going strong today, it’s hard to imagine their influence being as widespread as it was in their heyday.
#8: The Used
Top 10 Boy Bands of the 2000s
Channeling some leftover ‘90s angst and well-placed screams, the Used became one of the premiere emo groups at the start of the decade. Their 2002 self-titled debut catapulted them into the mainstream with tracks that were catchy, yet drenched in anger and sorrow. Their second album, 2004’s “In Love and Death,” was inspired by frontman Bert McCraken’s personal struggles and the band’s frustrations while recording. The hard times worked artistic wonders, and the album is among the band’s most successful. The group never slowed down though, releasing two more albums before the decade was up. And despite some line-up changes, they continued putting out great emo jams in the 2010s, too.
#7: Paramore
Top 10 Paramore Music Videos
In a mostly male-dominated genre, Hayley Williams’ incredible vocals have been a breath of fresh air since the 2000s. With 2005’s “All We Know Is Falling,” Paramore stood tall with many other emo groups of the time. But that was honestly nothing compared to the two albums that came afterward. 2007’s triple-platinum “Riot!” grabbed everyone’s attention with energetic singles like “Misery Business.” And it led to the group’s first Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Though it wasn’t as commercially successful, 2009’s “Brand New Eyes” was still a stellar release. Songs like “The Only Exception” and “Brick by Boring Brick” signaled a mature and unique direction that kept fans coming back for more.
#6: Motion City Soundtrack
Motion City Soundtrack's Justin Talks Dance Moves, Debut Album
After forming in 1997, the Minneapolis-based Motion City Soundtrack released their first studio album in 2003. “I Am the Movie” showcased pop punk energy with a synthesizer that gave the band a unique style. This style pairs wonderfully with the deep lyrics, which often focus on feelings of inadequacy and unease. The group’s sophomore album, produced by Blink-182’s Mark Hoppus, improved on every element that made the first successful. “Commit This to Memory” arguably marked the peak of their output, with “Everything is Alright” solidifying itself as one of the decade’s best emo songs. But 2007’s “Even if it Kills Me”’s upbeat compositions and catchy hooks also had us singing along with its dejected lyrics!
#5: Fall Out Boy
Top 10 Best Taylor Swift Songs to Listen to in the Fall
Patrick Stump has one of the best emo voices in the business, full stop. That much was obvious with Fall Out Boy’s debut, 2003’s “Take This to Your Grave.” With frenetic energy, Stump’s unique vocals, and lyrics fans could relate to, it paved the way for the band to take over radios everywhere. That’s exactly what happened with 2005’s “From Under the Cork Tree,” whose singles saw the group smash into the mainstream. Its immense success solidified their music as a vital piece of mid-2000s pop culture. We defy anyone to not scream along to the chorus of “Sugar, We’re Goin Down.” Fall Out Boy would keep the emo sensibilities while branching out to rock and pop for future albums, bringing them even more success.
#4: Taking Back Sunday
Interview with Taking Back Sunday
Formed in Long Island in 1999, it wasn’t long before Taking Back Sunday had emo kids everywhere chanting along. The group enthralled fans of the genre through its first two albums, “Tell All Your Friends” and “Where You Want to Be.” With some much appreciated, post-hardcore aggression and Adam Lazzara’s piercing vocals, those in the know couldn’t get enough. However, with 2006’s “Louder Now,” the band found themselves a much wider audience. Thanks to infectious tracks with snappy choruses, like lead single “MakeDamnSure,” it pleased hardcore fans and new ones alike. While they've arguably never recaptured that glory, Taking Back Sunday remains one of the strongest emo groups of the 2000s.
#3: Brand New
Top 10 Brand Jingles That Didn't Have to Go THAT Hard
With four albums released across the 2000s, Brand New gave emo fans plenty to be grateful for. With 2001’s “Your Favorite Weapon,” the group featured similar pop punk vibes as other artists of the time. But the scathing lyrics, whether directed at lost loves or former friends, set them apart. But the band also showed an extreme willingness to evolve with 2004’s “Déja Entendu,” an album that shows more maturity than its predecessor. Brand New continued to hit all the right notes with 2006’s “The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me” and 2009’s “Daisy.” Constantly experimenting with new sounds, both albums feel distinctly memorable. And through it all, the songs remain heartfelt and gripping.
#2: Jimmy Eat World
RIP Jimmy Buffet & Steve Harwell | Arctic Monkeys Concert Review | Dank Jones Interview
Jimmy Eat World released several albums in the ‘90s. But the 2000s are when they found their greatest success by a mile. “Bleed American” skyrocketed them to popularity in 2001, in part thanks to the poppy, surprisingly optimistic “The Middle.” Don’t get us wrong though, that’s far from being the only stellar track on the album. They’d follow it up with 2004’s “Futures,” which would give them their second biggest hit song in “Pain.” Despite those albums being incredible releases, 2007’s “Chase This Light” charted even higher. At the end of the day, Jimmy Eat World has never shied away from distorted rock rhythms, with Jim Adkins’ personal, confessional delivery selling each lyric. It’s no wonder they’re still going strong today. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Cursive An Example of Experimental Emo at Its Finest Thursday They Led the Screamo Charge in the Early 2000s Senses Fail Their Songs Never Failed to Get Us Headbanging & Moshing Say Anything Blending Humor & Self-Loathing Like Only They Can
#1: My Chemical Romance
Top 10 2000s Songs That Became Popular Again
Many bands of the 2000s followed trends, but My Chemical Romance was one of the few to set them. Though their 2002 debut grew out of the post-hardcore scene like many others, the group soon found themselves leading the emo charge. 2004’s “Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge” went Platinum thanks to awesome guitar riffs, clever lyrics, and lead singer Gerard Way’s unforgettable vocals and stage presence. Then came 2006’s “The Black Parade,” one of the most impressive albums of the decade, no matter the genre. The rock opera spotlights a terminal cancer patient’s experience with death, and went Triple Platinum. They just don’t quite make ‘em like this anymore.
