When I first heard My Chemical Romance, I hated them. Their brand of EMO / Punk / Rock thing made me just want to turn the radio off. And I kept hating them until a friend of mine, whose musical taste is more or less identical to mine, told me to check out their album The Black Parade (2006). He told me that that album was one of the best CDs he had heard in a long, long time. I was hesitant at first, but I decided to give it a go – and I’m glad I did, because that album is a masterpiece. Every damn song on there is brilliant. I also checked out their two earlier albums, but they weren’t even close. In fact, their debut still sucks. With The Black Parade in my mind, I was very excited when I heard that My Chemical Romance was about to release a new album, their first in four years.
But when I listened to their new album the first time I was a bit disappointed. I had hoped that they would make an album somewhat similar to The Black Parade, but this album is nothing like it. On the other hand, I think it’s great that some bands refuse to repeat themselves and that they keep on moving forward instead. And after a few listens the album had grown on me and I note that they have once again made a great album, although it’s really not anywhere near The Black Parade. And first single, ”Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)” didn’t impress me at first, but now I think the song is fantastic. It’s a pop song with rockier undertones, catchy as Hell and a hit, I’m sure. Same with ”Bulletproof Heart”. Catchy and rocking and if you can’t remember that chorus after one listen, you’re senile. ”S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W” is a half ballad and one of the best songs they have ever written. It totally floored me the first time I heard it, ”Summertime” is a bit too pop but a very good song, ”Destroya” is frantic rocker with a very memorable melody and ”Vampire Money” is a great album closer, all Pop / Punk / Rock n’ Roll. No really bad tracks on here, but ”Planetary (Go)” isn’t really my bag. Too much techno – disco influences. But it is a great CD and if their EMO stamp hasn’t been washed off with The Black Parade, it really should be with this album. My Chemical Romance aren’t emo. Anymore. They’re a rock band, plain and simple. And a damn good one as well.
Jon Wilmenius (8/10)
Tracklist:
1.Look Alive, Sunshine
2.Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)
3.Bulletproof Heart
4.Sing
5.Planetary (GO!)
6.The Only Hope For Me Is You
7.Jet-Star And The Kobra Kid/Traffic Report
8.Party Poison
9.Save Yourself, I’ll Hold Them Back
10.S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W
11.Summertime
12.Destroya
13.The Kids From Yesterday
14.Goodnite, Dr. Death
15.Vampire Money
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