Emo

Prompted by Sam, I decided to start my own emo playlist. But before I get into it, I wanna make a few things clear. Emo is essentially a label for hardcore punk rock, because it was the original genre for which the label was created. But, times have changed, and the word has widened in meaning. Despite that, it still retains many of its old traits.

That said, I don't think Sam's list is true emo (Haha sorry, Sam!). If you check out his list, you'll see that it's mostly love songs. If it could be considered emo, it's love emo. But most of them aren't sad. Even sad or depressing love songs are slightly emo, but they just make the grade; in general, love songs do not fall under the emo umbrella 'cause they're a different expression of emotion. Furthermore, "feel-good" songs (i.e. songs that actually make you feel better and all happy) are not considered emo, no matter how emo they sound.

In many ways, emo songs tend to make you feel worse in a good way. Or better in a worse way. Know what I mean? They let you emotionally wallow. Sometimes you're all like, I hate the world, and then you listen to an angry song and then you're all like, YEAH!!!!!! Or if you love someone, and he/she won't give you the time of day, and you feel all emo, listening to an emo love song will either make you feel "I wish I didn't love you". Or you'll be all "LOVE ME, B!+(#".

*Ahem*

An emo song may have one or all of the elements of anger, self-pity, cynicism, depression, and general anti-social (and sometimes belligerent) tendencies. And as for love... well, any love expressed in an emo song is not done so in the conventional way.

Also, that's why many rock (true rock, not the light stuff today) and metal songs can be considered emo, because they have many of the hallmarks I just listed. Anyway, here's the best of my list (in alphabetical order, no less):

Alanis Morissette - You Oughta Know
Every emo list should have ol' Alanis on it. She showed that girls can be f****** emo too.

Coldplay - Trouble
Coldplay may not be an emo band, but much of their music and lyrics definitely do lean that way. They're like an emo band without the heavy.

Deftones - Change
Starts slow, then builds up. Slightly disturbing, but perfect for those "I love you but I hate you" moments.

Jay Gordon - Slept So Long
This is from the Queen of the Damned soundtrack. This is a great example of the expression of emo love.

Kittie - Run Like Hell
Listen to this and you'll see why this is emo. Warning: if heavy (and I mean heavy) metal scares you, avoid this.

Korn - Freak on a Leash
Cynicism at its finest.

Lamb - Gabriel
This is a slow one. A love song, but a depressing one. I first heard this song ages ago, and forgot about it. I recently heard it again on a CSI rerun where they used it as a funeral, and remember feeling so depressed. I had to download it.

Linkin Park - Easier To Run
Linkin Park is a great emo rap-rock band. This song is one of their slower ones, but it has captures just as much emotion.

Metallica - Sad But True
It's Metallica. 'Nuff said.

P.O.D. - Will You
One of their decidedly secular songs. Another great example of emo love. "WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW?!"

Rage Against The Machine - Killing In The Name Of
I was originally gonna say that Linkin Park was the epitome of rap-rock bands, but even before Linkin Park was an idea, these guys were showing everyone how it should be done. This song in particular is a big cynical emo song. One of my faves growing up whenever I felt anti-authority.

The Spill Canvas - Staplegunned
Here's a rarity-- an emo love song that isn't negative. This is what I meant by unconventional expression. "Do I have to spell it out for you or scream it in your face?"

Tracy Bonham - Mother Mother
This song is fun. Oh, don't get me wrong. It's angry and totally emotional, but listen till a minute or so into it, and you'll understand. Being far from home, this is my anthem right now whenever I feel alone and anti-social. It's fun to shout.


NB: This list is by no means definitive. There are many who would disagree over songs I call emo. And that's totally fine. I'm just saying, these are emo for me. Beyond the music genre, "emo" has so many undertones. Sam's love emo definition is one facet. My rock-metal emo definition is another. What's yours?

By Chester with 7 comments