Black Parade, The (Parental Advisory) [PA] - My Chemical Romance > Reviews > Great album by a great band!

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	thoughtful, tuneful and inspiring
Disadvantages:	Lyrics are slightly depressing

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

To class My Chemical Romance as emo doesn't really do them justice, what with all the negative associations (wrist-slitting, depression etc.). This band is one of the best out there; if you by some strange sequence of events have managed to avoid purchasing this album, then DO SO NOW!

The Songs:

The End:

Starts off the "story" of the album with the beeping of some hospital machine, followed by relatively quiet vocals, acoustic guitar and keyboards. This then is interrupted by heavy, loud, full-on rock, and the two alternate until the end of the song. Admittedly the lyrics are somewhat depressing, but thought provoking and deep

Dead:

This is made to follow on from The End, and the songs should only be listened to in that order. Cheerful isn't exactly the word, but the song is bouncy and mostly in the major. At times it is almost jazzy, and the lyrics are ironic, and bitter in a funny way.

This Is How I Disappear:

This starts off loud and does not get quieter. A proper Hard Rock track, this is pacey and passionate. The lyrics are still rather depressing and completely death-orientated, but there you go.

The Sharpest Lives:

One of the best tracks on the album, this starts off eerily, and slowly builds up, the drums coming in more and more. The chorus is one of the most memorable on the album. There are multiple voices, but it all fits together perfectly.

Welcome to the Black Parade:

The song that everyone has heard, and the reason I decided to get the album. The sweet, soft intro with just a keyboard and vocals slowly builds into an anthem with soft drums and guitar, with rhythmic, well-thought-out lyrics, and a catchy tune. The first part of the song ends with Gerard shouting the same tune again with full backing from the guitars and drums.
Then the second part starts. Much more bouncy and happy, this is My Chemical Romance at their finest. The chorus is just asking to be sung along to, and air guitar accompaniment is definitely a good idea!

I Don't Love You:

One of the slower tracks, it has a wistful, sad feel to it. The key to enjoying this song is the lyrics and slow guitar riffs. They build the song up to a limit and stop just before it becomes too different.

House of Wolves:

Aptly named, this track is a raucous but extremely enjoyable heavy rock song. The lyrics centre around themes of death and afterlife, with a fantastically aggressive chorus.

Cancer:

Although this is Gerard Way's favourite song, it's not mine. It's just too slow and simple. The lyrics are excellent, granted, but it's just not got the complex harmonies or interesting rhythms that make up My Chemical Romance. The weakest link in my opinion.

Mama:

The other weaker track on the album. My Chemical Romance have tried a different style here, which is great, but it just isn't as good as what they can do. It's too melodramatic and theatrical for my taste.

Sleep:

Another of the best tracks on the album, this starts off with whispers as if on a radio. After a while the piano comes in playing a chord sequence, and then all of a sudden there is this sudden blast of sound as everything else comes in. Really, brilliantly exhilarating. Great tune, one of the tunes that comes back to stay in your head even when you haven't listened to the album in ages.

Teenager:

The least serious track on the album, this is upbeat, and the lyrics put a smile on your face. Also, talk about sing along... I mean, he actually shouts "All Together Now!". Has a distinct feeling of togetherness as well, which makes a difference from some of the other tracks' offbeat melodies.

Disenchanted:

When I first listened to this I thought it was pretty weak, but it's grown on me. It starts with simple vocals and guitar, and brings the rest of the band in on one beat. The lyrics are excellent, and the harmonies that they have in this song are really striking if you listen for them.

Famous Last Words:

Another of the best tracks. Racked with suspense at the beginning, it goes into easy yet dramatic rock, featuring some exquisite guitar riffs and a tune that you can't get tired of.

Blood (Hidden Track):

This starts with 50 odd seconds of silence, which are followed by a slightly pathetic little march featuring the word "blood" much too many times. Definitely the weakest link in the album. I never listen to it.

What else can I say? You NEED this album! The Black Parade outstrips even the band's "Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge", which is also an outstanding album. Buy it now!