My Chemical Romance fans across the globe erupted in celebration when the iconic rock band officially announced their reunion and return to the stage. While the possibility of new music remains a tantalizing mystery, this long-awaited comeback provides the perfect opportunity to revisit their incredible discography and immerse ourselves once more in the brilliance of their era-defining music from 2002 to 2010. While devoted MCR fans might passionately defend their debut album, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love, or champion their fourth LP, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys, Billboard has curated a list highlighting the undeniable power of the strongest tracks from their breakthrough sophomore album, 2004’s Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, and their monumental masterpiece, 2006’s The Black Parade.
In honor of My Chemical Romance’s triumphant reunion, join us as we explore Billboard‘s definitive ranking of 15 essential My Chem songs, and discover if your favorites made the cut.
15. “Vampires Will Never Hurt You” (I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love)
Opening with a compelling combination of rhythmic percussion and a subtly building guitar riff, “Vampires Will Never Hurt You” from I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love truly ignites with its explosive chorus and maintains that intensity throughout. The song’s clever use of vampire metaphors gives way to some of the most dramatically emo lyrics in My Chemical Romance’s impressive catalog. Lines like “And these thoughts of endless night/ Bring us back into the light/ Can you stake my heart?” perfectly capture the band’s signature blend of theatrical darkness and raw emotion, solidifying its place as a standout track for dedicated early MCR fans.
14. “The Kids From Yesterday” (Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys)
In a twist of fate, “The Kids From Yesterday” became My Chemical Romance’s final single release before their hiatus, unknowingly serving as a poignant farewell. This track from Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys beautifully encapsulates the bittersweet emotions associated with endings and transitions. Its melancholic melody, coupled with lyrics reflecting on the complexities of adulthood and growing up, resonated deeply as a final, heartfelt goodbye from the band to their devoted fanbase. The song’s themes of nostalgia and change make it a particularly powerful and enduring piece within My Chemical Romance’s body of work.
13. “Mama” (The Black Parade)
Imagine My Chemical Romance amplifying their theatrical tendencies to the extreme, injecting a massive dose of dark humor, and featuring a legendary guest vocalist – the result is “Mama,” a uniquely unhinged B-side from The Black Parade. Characterized by its wildly shifting musical styles, Gerard Way’s increasingly theatrical and almost manic vocal performance, and a memorable guest spot from the iconic Liza Minnelli, “Mama” remains one of the most audaciously creative and undeniably entertaining songs My Chemical Romance has ever unleashed. Its sheer unpredictability and theatrical flair make it a must-listen for anyone exploring the depths of The Black Parade.
12. “The Ghost of You” (Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge)
While perhaps not as immediately catchy as other singles from Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge, “The Ghost of You” holds a special significance for My Chemical Romance’s dedicated followers, largely due to its deeply emotive and powerful chorus. Adding to its impact, the music video is one of MCR’s most visually striking and emotionally charged, transforming its narrative of loss and remembrance into a cinematic experience inspired by D-Day imagery. This dramatic visual interpretation intensifies the song’s themes of grief and memory, making “The Ghost of You” a truly resonant and unforgettable track.
11. “Skylines and Turnstiles” (I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love)
Composing a song about the September 11 attacks is a daunting undertaking for any artist, especially early in their career. My Chemical Romance bravely confronted this challenge with “Skylines and Turnstiles,” released mere months after the tragedy as one of their first songs. The band adeptly navigated the sensitive subject matter, capturing the raw emotion of the moment without resorting to exploitation. “Skylines” became more than just an early single; it profoundly shaped the band’s musical direction and thematic concerns throughout their career, demonstrating their commitment to addressing complex and emotionally resonant themes.
10. “Cancer” (The Black Parade)
My Chemical Romance may not be the first band that comes to mind when thinking of ballads, but “Cancer” stands as compelling evidence of their ability to create profoundly moving and heartbreakingly beautiful slower songs. As the title directly suggests, “Cancer” offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of an individual’s battle with illness, amplified by a somber piano riff that intensifies the song’s emotional weight. With “Cancer,” MCR proved their capacity to delve into even deeper emotional territory than tracks like “The Ghost of You,” showcasing their range and vulnerability.
9. “You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison” (Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge)
Beginning with a deceptively funky musical introduction, “You Know What They Do to Guys Like Us in Prison” quickly descends into a whirlwind of pure, unadulterated emo-rock intensity. The song narrates a tale of imprisonment and unexpected attraction between cellmates, exemplifying My Chemical Romance’s penchant for theatrical and campy delivery. Gerard Way’s soaring vocals, combined with high-energy guitar riffs and explosive drum fills, create a sonic landscape reminiscent of a chaotic prison riot, making it a standout track for its dramatic flair and musical dynamism.
8. “I Don’t Love You” (The Black Parade)
“I Don’t Love You” arguably stands as one of My Chemical Romance’s most unfairly underrated singles. While their high-octane, headbanging anthems often take center stage, the intricate guitar work and the raw yearning in Gerard Way’s vocals elevate the breakup narrative of “I Don’t Love You” to a level of poignant beauty. For anyone who has experienced the painful process of falling out of love, the song’s cathartic release in its final, powerfully belted notes offers a sense of shared experience and emotional resonance.
7. “Vampire Money” (Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys)
Gerard Way performing with My Chemical Romance, live concert setting
Danger Days is often perceived as My Chemical Romance’s foray into a more commercially accessible, pop-influenced sound. However, just as the album seems to be nearing its conclusion, “Vampire Money” erupts as a raw, unapologetically punk track, complete with distorted guitars, a driving drumbeat, and Gerard Way’s almost chaotic vocal delivery. The song also serves as a pointed commentary on the Twilight phenomenon, revealing that the band declined an offer to contribute to one of the movie soundtracks, opting instead to create this high-energy anthem about artistic integrity and resisting “selling out.”
6. “Teenagers” (The Black Parade)
“Teenagers” stands as one of My Chemical Romance’s most universally relatable songs, fueled by its instantly chantable chorus and punchy, driving verses. Ironically, it’s also one of their most subtly subversive tracks: while it critiques the perceived recklessness and disrespect of teenagers, the vast majority of My Chemical Romance’s fanbase during their peak years was comprised of that very demographic. Now, years later, those once-teenage fans have come to understand the anxieties the band members, then in their late twenties, expressed in 2006. This shift in perspective has given “Teenagers” an even deeper layer of meaning and enduring appeal.
5. “Famous Last Words” (The Black Parade)
It might seem counterintuitive to conclude an album centered on themes of mortality with an anthem of hope and resilience, but “Famous Last Words” achieves just that. The song showcases the band’s unwavering commitment to their craft as they defiantly rally against cynicism and despair. The accompanying music video further reinforces this message, depicting the fictional Black Parade band engulfed in flames, yet continuing to perform with undiminished passion. “Famous Last Words” becomes a powerful statement about perseverance and finding strength in the face of adversity.
4. “Helena” (Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge)
“Helena” from Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge marked a crucial turning point for My Chemical Romance and the broader mainstream punk scene. It became their first single to break into top 40 radio, signaling their arrival as a major force in popular music and demonstrating their far-reaching impact. Just moments after Gerard Way’s haunting opening vocals capture the listener’s attention, “Helena” explodes into a captivating frenzy of powerful drums and roaring guitars. Equally suited for energetic moshing and passionate singalongs to the unforgettable “So long and goodnight” hook, “Helena” remains a fan favorite and a defining song of the era.
3. “Dead!” (The Black Parade)
Even within the dark and conceptual world of The Black Parade, My Chemical Romance still injects moments of dark humor and theatricality. “Dead!,” the album’s opening track, embraces the concept of death with a sense of macabre sarcasm, as they gleefully announce to the audience that their life has come to an end. Gerard Way delivers a masterful vocal performance, relishing each syllable with fiendish delight, but the song’s true standout element is lead guitarist Ray Toro’s electrifying guitar work. If The Black Parade explores the experience of dying, then “Dead!” serves as the opening shot, a direct hit to the heart and a thrilling introduction to the album’s themes.
2. “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” (Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge)
Ask anyone who identified with the emo subculture in the mid-2000s about their defining anthem, and the answer will almost invariably be “I’m Not Okay (I Promise).” The song’s infectious melody burrows its way into your mind, compelling you to move and release pent-up emotions. Gerard Way’s angsty vocal delivery perfectly embodies the feelings of being misunderstood and alienated. Adding to its iconic status, the music video, presented as a trailer for a fictional film about bullied prep-school students seeking revenge, became a cultural touchstone. “I’m Not Okay” propelled MCR to global fame and endures as perhaps the quintessential emo anthem, capturing the spirit of a generation.
1. “Welcome to the Black Parade” (The Black Parade)
In an era dominated by pop-punk, My Chemical Romance boldly defied genre conventions by fusing diverse rock influences into a single, monumental track. “Welcome to the Black Parade” encompasses wailing electric guitars, a powerful drumline, anthemic sing-along verses, and even delicate piano melodies that add a touch of poignant beauty. This five-minute epic feels like a call to arms, with My Chem seemingly recruiting listeners to join their Black Parade, united in screaming “We’ll carry on!” and headbanging in solidarity. The overwhelming response confirmed its impact: “Welcome to the Black Parade” reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Alternative Songs chart. It transcended the boundaries of mainstream rock, becoming a cultural phenomenon and proving that embracing one’s emotions, even the darker ones, is a powerful and universal experience.
