Joshwritescopy's lists

Best "Emo" Bands of All Time

Before the word "emo" became a four-letter word and all the kids turned it into a giant fashion competition there were a bunch of bands who coupled melody and emotion with the hardcore music they grew up with and created a whole new genre. What are some of the best true emo bands that ever existed?

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1. Mineral

Honestly, the first time I heard Mineral I thought it was too soft and slow. The more I listened to it, the more I loved it. Now I can't imagine not ever hearing it. The lyrics and music are equally breathtaking and, for me, life-changing.

2. Sunny Day Real Estate

The first "emo" band I was ever exposed to, their album "Diary" made a huge impact on me and started the end of me listening to punk and moving into a more meaningful arena of music.

3. The Promise Ring

Less "emo" than most "emo" bands, The Promise Ring added a tongue-in-cheek, self-deprecating twist to some really good music.

4. Elliott

More breathtaking music, even if you can't make out what vocalist Chris Higdon is singing most of the time. Still great stuff.

5. Texas is the Reason

TitR is a favorite among the "emo" crowd and are for a reason - their music was punchy and driving, and the lyrics were often thought-provoking.

6. The Get Up Kids

They may be, in my mind, the last great "emo" band. They're music and lyrics will always be a huge influence on me as a writer and a musician.

7. Jawbreaker

Less "emo" than any of the rest of these bands, this three-piece played a raw, hard-edged brand of music that was accented by Blake's deep, gritty vocals and lyrics.

8. Jimmy Eat World

Probably the most well-known of these bands but most don't know how great their first album, "Clarity" was.

9. Further Seems Forever

Chris Carraba, of Dashboard Confessional fame, sang on their first album and Jason Gleason sang on the second. Both are great for their own reasons. Their third, and final album, not so much.

10. The Gloria Record

Chris Simpson went on to create The Gloria Record after Mineral broke up but the music wasn't very much of a departure outside of more atmospheric instrumentation and dream-like lyrics.