Throughout my exploration of the many different genres of music, I landed face first into the pit of alternative rock. And through that pit, I found a band called My Chemical Romance.
My Chemical Romance (MCR) consists of four band members named Gerard Way, Frank Iero, Mikey Way, and Ray Toro. This band gave birth to such popular songs like Teenagers, Welcome to the Black Parade, and Helena. Why should that convince anyone to listen to this emo band?
Well for starters, each album they’ve released tells a different story. So, not only will you get to listen to some excellent music, but you’ll also have an entertaining story sung to you as well. It’s not just their music that is entertaining, but the music videos that come with them are just as amusing to watch. Just seeing a second or two will really allow you to see just how much creative effort and thought is put into everything this band invents.
My Chemical Romance also has singles that convey their emotions towards the political state of the world. Even if you don’t follow the storyline to each album, there are other topics one can relate to. I know people can benefit from listening to this band because I have. I have gained so much from listening to this band because the music they produce will allow me to forget any negative remarks made in my day.
The reason I’m so passionate about this band is because their songs have been with me through so many journeys of my life; it feels like they’re a part of my family at this point. Starting at 4th grade and continuing forward, the band My Chemical Romance accompanied me in the background of all my homework, showers, drawing time, and car rides. Listening to MCR improved my time spent doing these hobbies or tasks. It made me appreciate the moment even more because something I love was there with me through it all.
My Chemical Romance is a great starter band for people ready to indulge in more alternative rock. I know. I was officially hooked on this genre of music when I listened to “The Only Hope For Me Is You” for the first time. MCR was founded in 2001 in response to the tragic events of 9/11. The lead singer, Gerard Way, said that viewing the attacks tearing down the towers looked as if it was the end of the world; an apocalypse. The events of that day inspired Gerard to start the band MCR.
In conclusion, My Chemical Romance is a band that discusses topics through their songs like: tragedy, love, hope, mourning, politics, and mental health. They are pretty much targeted towards teens and up, but that shouldn’t stop any parents from blasting their music around their kids (at least I know it didn’t stop my dad). If a band that contains albums with interesting stories and hardcore original music videos consisting of relatable topics doesn’t interest you in the slightest, then maybe their music isn’t for you; and that’s okay.
Anabel Rodriguez – St. Laurence High School – DMSF Class of 2030
Photo Credit: arrowsmith2 – Adobe Stock