The Black Parade
by My Chemical Romance
  • Record Label: Reprise
  • Release Date: Oct 24, 2006
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 790 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 708 out of 790
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 790
  3. Negative: 63 out of 790

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. nura
    Dec 1, 2006
    9
    all the songs in this album are superb! i like the new MCR! keep up with the good work, guys!
  2. BrendanD
    Dec 27, 2006
    8
    I couldn't believe it. I just couldn't. All you MCR fans out there can tell me what an idiot I am, go ahead, because I despised this band, banishing their songs to the same realm as other neo-bombast bands like the Killers. Oh man, was I wrong. One day, I was listening to a radio program that was reviewing it, and I heard the opening lick of "Teenagers." I thought to myself, I couldn't believe it. I just couldn't. All you MCR fans out there can tell me what an idiot I am, go ahead, because I despised this band, banishing their songs to the same realm as other neo-bombast bands like the Killers. Oh man, was I wrong. One day, I was listening to a radio program that was reviewing it, and I heard the opening lick of "Teenagers." I thought to myself, 'Hmm, self, this is pretty good. I wonder who it is.' When the announcer came on and said it was My Chemical Romance, I almost choked on the meatless ribs I was eating at the time. When the critics started giving it rave reviews, I just had to take a look. And, well, damn. It's "A Night at the Opera." It's "The Wall." It's "Quadrophenia" (actually, it's way, way BETTER than "Quadrophenia"). But what it REALLY is is "American Idiot, Part II." Which is fine -- "American Idiot" was a great, great record. Look, you can't possibly call this album a masterpiece. It's got very little below the admittedly fantastic bombast on the surface, and the vocals can get very, very trying at times. But despite the non-masterpieceness of "The Black Parade," it's a helluva lot of fun, perfect especially for males who are physically or psychologically between the ages of 13 and 17.… Expand
  3. JoseR
    Oct 23, 2006
    10
    This album will very quickly become the soundtrack to your life.
  4. JoshH
    Oct 23, 2006
    10
    Very, very impressive.
  5. GerardW
    Oct 23, 2006
    10
    hope you all like it!
  6. LindsayA.
    Oct 23, 2006
    10
    I love this album!
  7. Jasonw
    Dec 4, 2006
    10
    awesome album, a little differnt taste then their first , which at first dissapointed me, but now i can't i can't stop listenning to the music, its AMAZING. great job guys on producing another great album.
  8. JoeA
    Oct 24, 2006
    10
    My Chemical Romance has really matured as a band with this latest effort. Their music has found where it wants to be and they have taken their place at the forefront of theatrical rock music. This isn't emo, this isn't alternative, it's just music and by God, it's good music. The single "Welcome to the Black Parade" is in keeping with the classic Queen tradition of My Chemical Romance has really matured as a band with this latest effort. Their music has found where it wants to be and they have taken their place at the forefront of theatrical rock music. This isn't emo, this isn't alternative, it's just music and by God, it's good music. The single "Welcome to the Black Parade" is in keeping with the classic Queen tradition of overdone rock opera, but it's one of the best tracks on this album. Another standout includes the Misfits-meets-Panic!esque Mama, whereas Dead! is a singalong pop song in the style of Three Cheers' instant hooks and unforgettable riffs. Most of all, The Black Parade reeks of a band having a lot of very good fun, and it seems as if MCR really did while they were making this. Overall, this effort is so much better and so much more mature than their previous two albums. Difficult third album? Not for MCR.… Collapse
  9. JamesJ
    Oct 24, 2006
    10
    MCR have made one amazing album here. Pure sonic joy in all of its absurd and over the top brilliance. One of the top 3 albums this year.
  10. kirstyh
    Oct 24, 2006
    10
    i think this is a very good album and it should be number 1 on the charts
  11. JohnB.
    Oct 24, 2006
    9
    Reminiscent of Green Day's "American Idiot," but more ambitious. It overreaches itself at times, but overall an excellent record.
  12. Lou
    Dec 5, 2006
    4
    Anyone else think these guys sound like Styx meets Dashboard Confessional?? Its Arena meets Emo. I dub this new genre - Arenamo!!
  13. FreddyF
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    CLASSIC album. They have far reached what I think anyone thought they could do. TEENAGERS and MAMA are instant classics. Who ever gives it a 2 definitely hasn't heard or given the album a chance and is just biased against the bands for no reason, except for being a critical D*ck. Pretty much discredits them. This album is a MUST PICK UP!!!!! I applaude MCR vision.
  14. rafaelas
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    its a very good album!!!
  15. JulesE
    Oct 25, 2006
    4
    Just what we needed - meatloaf meets green day. I read an interview with MCR and they namedropped Rocky Horror as major influence - now if only they had more Dr Franfenfurter and less meatloaf...either way the whole 'new generational music' tag from Los Angeles Times is laughable or perhaps just sad
  16. SyarufI
    Oct 25, 2006
    10
    The Best Album In The World
  17. nickm
    Oct 25, 2006
    9
    who ever thinks this is crap is thinking too hard, not everything has to be refered back to your glory days
  18. TomH
    Oct 25, 2006
    0
    Sorry bout being a old school MCR fan i was really hoping to see more punk sound from them cos i heard they were completely changing their sound but didnt realize they'd do a damn britney spears on us and produce nothing but pure pop trash. This album could quite possibly be the worst album of the year, even the lead singer sounds more gay
  19. DanielM
    Oct 25, 2006
    6
    It is very disturbing that this got a better review than Mastodon's Blood Mountain. Not bad, but certainly not as good as its rating suggests
  20. JustinT
    Oct 25, 2006
    9
    Great 3rd album. Happy with how good it is. Definitely a good sound, sounds like MCR.
  21. NickS
    Dec 6, 2006
    6
    MCR has definitley proven themselves as musicians, I really cant compare this album to the first one. First one in my opinion blows it away. A lot of good songs on this album, but not a hit album, they might get 2 singles out of this one.
  22. M88
    Oct 26, 2006
    9
    I'm not a fan of this "type" of music. But i find this album extremely addictive. And to say this band's new cd is just "emo-pop" is kind of a cop-out.
  23. Carl
    Oct 26, 2006
    8
    For the first time in a long time, a band I like has put out a record that went in a new direction but brought me along with them from the first note of the first song on the album. This is an album album. Songs like "Welcome to the Black Parade" which I had gotten sick of from radio overplay now fit seemlessly into the sequence of songs on the album. MCR takes familiar musical themes For the first time in a long time, a band I like has put out a record that went in a new direction but brought me along with them from the first note of the first song on the album. This is an album album. Songs like "Welcome to the Black Parade" which I had gotten sick of from radio overplay now fit seemlessly into the sequence of songs on the album. MCR takes familiar musical themes from the likes of Queen, Bowie, and even The Beatles and put it's signature snarky sound to it, creating a delicious hybrid of sound that's like nothing else in rock today yet fortunately like the best of classic Classic Rock.… Expand
  24. coreys
    Oct 26, 2006
    10
    two glaring omissions from everyone's "spot the influences". cheap trick and the marvelous 3. nobody writes a hook like cheap trick and the marvelous three is just as underrated. just like "american idiot". don't think too hard about it, just enjoy it. it's rock n roll.
  25. joanthans
    Oct 26, 2006
    10
    It is supremly different from "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge" and "I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love" but even despite the huge transition in mood, singing level, and overall beat and sound to their music, MCR still continues to be one of the best around. This time around they're not nearly as post-hardcore and as such the whole CD is slowed down significantly. The It is supremly different from "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge" and "I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love" but even despite the huge transition in mood, singing level, and overall beat and sound to their music, MCR still continues to be one of the best around. This time around they're not nearly as post-hardcore and as such the whole CD is slowed down significantly. The lyrics/songs don't hold as much punch as the first two CDs, but if you can get used to the transition when listening to the three back-to-back-to-back, then it is still on par with their first two. I would not however say that it is their best album, probably from the fact that it differs just that much.… Expand
  26. LeNlEnahbasta
    Dec 6, 2006
    10
    oh my god this song really unbelievable its really amazing woah ang ganda super!!!!! hehehhe its a perfect song for a rebel one!!!!!!!!!
  27. jim
    Oct 26, 2006
    0
    if you love music, than you will hate this. and btw nme: american idiot is not a good album.
  28. Cassandra
    Oct 26, 2006
    8
    This is one of those albums that slowly grows on you. The best songs are the infectiously My Chem-style infused ones, like "Mama" "Hidden Track" "Dead" and "Welcome to the Black Parade" although "Disenchanted" reminds me of their first CD (an excellent cd that every fan should have, by the way). There are some near the end that I didn't like, such as "Teenagers" and "Sleep", so it This is one of those albums that slowly grows on you. The best songs are the infectiously My Chem-style infused ones, like "Mama" "Hidden Track" "Dead" and "Welcome to the Black Parade" although "Disenchanted" reminds me of their first CD (an excellent cd that every fan should have, by the way). There are some near the end that I didn't like, such as "Teenagers" and "Sleep", so it doesn't get a 10.… Expand
  29. MaxL
    Oct 27, 2006
    9
    I have to say that I am a little surprised at the quality of this album. I wasn't a fan of their last record, but they poished themselves silly on this one. It's really quite fun, and at times, a little beautiful. And really, this is rarely the sort of thing I like. I'm shocked.
  30. MikeN
    Oct 28, 2006
    1
    The fact that this record and Sgt. Pepper are even mentioned on the same page makes me break out in hives. This is emo-pop high school bombast and self-indulgence dressed up with second rate def leopard hooks and queen histrionics. How is this so well reviewed, I feel like I am taking crazy pills here!?!
  31. AnthonyV
    Oct 28, 2006
    5
    Jamie Hogdson of the Observer seems to be the only person whose review has the guts to out this album for what it truly is. IT'S NOT THAT GOOD, PEOPLE. The songs are merely serviceable and the performances sound like every other God-forsaken whiney emo-boi-band on the planet. Don't believe the hype. Unless you can tolerate the cookie-cutter big-budget production and the Jamie Hogdson of the Observer seems to be the only person whose review has the guts to out this album for what it truly is. IT'S NOT THAT GOOD, PEOPLE. The songs are merely serviceable and the performances sound like every other God-forsaken whiney emo-boi-band on the planet. Don't believe the hype. Unless you can tolerate the cookie-cutter big-budget production and the every-emo-band-and-their-grandmother performances, you won't want to listen to this album more than once.… Expand
  32. AllistairP
    Oct 31, 2006
    5
    Don't be fooled by all the "it trancendes TRL shit and is true art" because It straight up isn't. I loved thier debut when it came out (haven't listened to it in a while, so might not anymore). Their sophmore album was a complete cope out. While their debut seemed to side step the horrible linear songwriting and bubblegum production, they became exactly those things with Don't be fooled by all the "it trancendes TRL shit and is true art" because It straight up isn't. I loved thier debut when it came out (haven't listened to it in a while, so might not anymore). Their sophmore album was a complete cope out. While their debut seemed to side step the horrible linear songwriting and bubblegum production, they became exactly those things with thier 2nd album. Now they just prettied it up and use all kind of dull tricks to try to make a song that sounds like every other one of their songs a little different. Just junk, and they honestly coulda been great.… Expand
  33. KyleB
    Oct 31, 2006
    8
    I wouldn't call this a phenomenal album, but I now have an enormous amount of respect for these guys.
  34. bob
    Oct 31, 2006
    8
    In a world grown weary of razor cuts and tight jeans, MCR fearlessly and unashamedly takes their art and pushes it to the next level. Finally, an "emo" band whose music justifies their excessive use of mascara. MCR's balls have dropped this time around, but that doesn't mean they have dropped the ball. They've raised the bar with this record so enjoy it while you can. In a world grown weary of razor cuts and tight jeans, MCR fearlessly and unashamedly takes their art and pushes it to the next level. Finally, an "emo" band whose music justifies their excessive use of mascara. MCR's balls have dropped this time around, but that doesn't mean they have dropped the ball. They've raised the bar with this record so enjoy it while you can. It's only a matter of time before the other bands make it bland and boring.… Expand
  35. JonnyH
    Oct 30, 2006
    9
    Blinkin' great... Who reads NOW "magazine" anyway? As for the Observer Music Monthly, obviously some little lord trying to stand out, s/he has done, but for all the wrong reasons.
  36. RichardE
    Jan 13, 2007
    2
    overrated crap
  37. EvanN
    Jan 16, 2007
    10
    Every song was great. I never have to skip to songs that I like on the CD because every single one of them is a masterpiece. Kep it up MCR!
  38. CatherineL
    Jan 18, 2007
    10
    Best album of the year, loved every song.
  39. SuzanneJ
    Jan 19, 2007
    10
    MCR r the best band eva i never buy any CD's but i had 2 av this album so i got it
  40. MeganP
    Jan 25, 2007
    10
    Best ever!!!
  41. Cretni
    Jan 28, 2007
    0
    This is what is wrong with music today.
  42. SeanS
    Jan 29, 2007
    10
    With their new album, MCR have not only reinvented themselves, but created the greatest rock album since Tool's monstrous Lateralus. The Black Parade is about a hospital patient who is about to die, and how death is dealt with, among other things. What I think howver, is that the patient is symbolic of the old MCR, because thier music and overall presentation has made a dramatic With their new album, MCR have not only reinvented themselves, but created the greatest rock album since Tool's monstrous Lateralus. The Black Parade is about a hospital patient who is about to die, and how death is dealt with, among other things. What I think howver, is that the patient is symbolic of the old MCR, because thier music and overall presentation has made a dramatic turn. They have effective created thier own style of rock music that can be categorized under no current musical genre. They sport a more maturured, and significantly better sound than thier previous albums (particularly Gerard's vocals), which I was not particularly a huge fan of, though I did enjoy some of the songs. However, EVERY track on TBP is amazing. From the anthem "Welcom to the Black Parade" to the almost humorous, apologetic folk song that is "Mama" and stretching to the haunting, yet strong-willed final cry that is "Famous Last Words" Truly a masterpiece that belongs among the ranks of the top albums ever.… Expand
  43. carah
    Jan 31, 2007
    10
    i think it is AMAZING people say its like green day's 'american idiot'.......uhm no american idiot isn't all catchy and theatrical. i recommended it to all my friends. love it
  44. ValVil
    Feb 15, 2007
    10
    This is one of the few albums that actually has a meaning behind it. Every part of every song has a purpose. Plus, they sound great.
  45. JimH
    Feb 17, 2007
    9
    I'm over 40. I picked this up to share it with my tween daughter because of the hype around its debut. At first, I thought it was more like Offspring's Smash than anything else: a flash-in-the-pan band with too much bluster and not enough mustard. But this lives. "Mama," "Cancer," "Teenagers" and a handful of other tracks get better with every listen. And all great rock albums I'm over 40. I picked this up to share it with my tween daughter because of the hype around its debut. At first, I thought it was more like Offspring's Smash than anything else: a flash-in-the-pan band with too much bluster and not enough mustard. But this lives. "Mama," "Cancer," "Teenagers" and a handful of other tracks get better with every listen. And all great rock albums have at least one "empty screamfest" although I'm not sure I hear one here. Kudos to a band of true believers who - like Queen, the Pumpkins, Green Day and all the other great examples to which they are compared - believes that there is still room for one more classic classic rock album, long after rock and roll has been declared dead.… Expand
  46. BriannaL
    Feb 18, 2007
    10
    This is by far one of the best albums put out from 2006 to now and it probably won't even be knocked off the list until 2008. From a consumer and a person who loves music, this CD is absolutely amazing. The lyrics are edgy and catchy. Not only that the album is very balanced, they have their serious songs and their just plain fun and wild ones. Gerard's influential voice adds a This is by far one of the best albums put out from 2006 to now and it probably won't even be knocked off the list until 2008. From a consumer and a person who loves music, this CD is absolutely amazing. The lyrics are edgy and catchy. Not only that the album is very balanced, they have their serious songs and their just plain fun and wild ones. Gerard's influential voice adds a theatrical closeness to the songs. He goes all out when he sings. I've listened to Welcome to the Black Parade about 220 times and I still want to jump up and sing when I hear it. I became a fan of My Chemical Romance when I heard this album so when I first heard the album I was completey unbiased. This album is worth every penny you spend on it.… Expand
  47. MabelysM
    Feb 6, 2007
    10
    My Chemical romance had succed once again, in showing the real meaning of music. I havent hear a CD this good since a long time ago, it had that old-school-rock edge but with My Chemical romance written all over it. I give it a 10
  48. mariap
    Mar 23, 2007
    10
    MCR is one of the best bands and this is a great album. sure it has songs about death, but hey death is real. it has death, but it also has hope ("famous last words").
  49. coled
    Mar 29, 2007
    10
    One of the best cd's EVER!!!
  50. JustinS.
    Mar 7, 2007
    10
    this album is total awesomeness!!! i just don't get why people are giving it low scores. if u hate MCR then why bother listening to it and give it a bad score? Its WAY better than the crap hip hop and gangsta rap that we have today like 50 cent and jim jones or whoever sings that crap basketball song that proves rappers think they are better than everyone else.
  51. BethL
    Apr 12, 2007
    10
    This is good, though it could use less cussing. I like how they approach death in a straightforward, in-your-face kind of way.
  52. jyotirmayad
    Apr 19, 2007
    8
    i like the energy in this album... it is indeed one good album for MCR... a step up as they say... up to where still resonates in my mind... such a wild record... yeah, i love it!!!
  53. MCRobsession
    Apr 21, 2007
    10
    My mom absolutly HATEs it, she thinks it is depressing and all they talk about is death... NO they are about carrying on through the shitty times and NOT killing yourself, they do not worship suiside... or satent for that fact, i love this cd and mcr and it could very well be the soundtrack to my life... btw, if you think this album, let alone mcr is crappy and fake... SUCK IT!!!!!
  54. xxhopingtearsxx
    Apr 29, 2007
    10
    This was the best album by My Chemical Romance.. Unlike it's previous albums which sounds like a man focusing to fit the word "Earl" with every word.
  55. AlyssaD
    Apr 4, 2007
    10
    This album is wonderful. It has very heartfelt,beautiful lyrics sung by someone with an insanely good voice with alot of talent that he puts to use. Love this. A must buy!
  56. TrishL.g
    Jun 17, 2007
    10
    I haven't been this excited about an album in awhile. F'ing awesome.
  57. LindsayA.
    Jun 29, 2007
    10
    I love this album!
  58. RockMusicLover
    Jul 17, 2007
    3
    If you all expected "The Black Parade" to be the next BIG THING, then it sure as hell ISN'T! I had high hopes for this album when I heard "Welcome to The Black Parade"and I was honestly hoping for another "Three Cheers" and "I Bought My Bullets..." with a more "opera" flare to it, but upon hearing it it turned out to be just another "Wall/Sgt. Peppers"and Green Day re-hash thanks to If you all expected "The Black Parade" to be the next BIG THING, then it sure as hell ISN'T! I had high hopes for this album when I heard "Welcome to The Black Parade"and I was honestly hoping for another "Three Cheers" and "I Bought My Bullets..." with a more "opera" flare to it, but upon hearing it it turned out to be just another "Wall/Sgt. Peppers"and Green Day re-hash thanks to it's repetitive and bland musical performances. MCR isn't a GREAT band as Pink Floyd and Queen, just a mere "OK" band. You'll probably buy it for "W.T.T.B.P." and "Famous Last Words" but that's about it.… Expand
  59. rutha
    Aug 11, 2007
    10
    I love this album.. especialy "I don't Love you" and "disenchanted" song Its wonderful!
  60. MCRF
    Aug 12, 2007
    10
    great album, my favourite song is I don't Love You, and all the songs are great.
  61. jessicah
    Aug 14, 2007
    10
    this album is so much better than there other albums and i loved them. the music was really complmented by gerard way's singing. i know that band pot everything they had into this and were nealy came to bracking pont. i even know people that hate them and there music, i don't know why, that love the songs on this album. they did so well and i thank them for this album but i hope this album is so much better than there other albums and i loved them. the music was really complmented by gerard way's singing. i know that band pot everything they had into this and were nealy came to bracking pont. i even know people that hate them and there music, i don't know why, that love the songs on this album. they did so well and i thank them for this album but i hope there is still better to come.… Expand
  62. SmileyR.
    Aug 2, 2007
    10
    One of my favorite CD's EVER! if you haven't listened to it...your missing out BIG time.
  63. Jo
    Aug 24, 2007
    1
    This popdrama-album gets higher ratings than Ryan Adams, And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead's masterpiece "Worlds Apart", all of Interpol's efforts, Editors, latest Manic Street Preachers and even Zeitgeist?! Well, you reviewers just lost all of their credibility. This well-calculated act (alongside with Fall out boy, Panic! etc) illustrates exactly what 's wrong w/ This popdrama-album gets higher ratings than Ryan Adams, And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead's masterpiece "Worlds Apart", all of Interpol's efforts, Editors, latest Manic Street Preachers and even Zeitgeist?! Well, you reviewers just lost all of their credibility. This well-calculated act (alongside with Fall out boy, Panic! etc) illustrates exactly what 's wrong w/ rockmusic today. I still find it hilarious to see them in that 'Tonight Tonight' video rip-off (that is 'The Black Parade') going nuts on their softly -bearly distorted- popguitars like they rock. That some reviewers even dare to compare them with Smashing Pumpkins is beyond any respect and musical knowledge, they have musically nothing in common! Even the melodies aren't good, really I gave it a chance. Maybe if your young full of drama and just discovering music, but if your life's really drenched in teenangst I beg you to please buy 'Mellon Collie & the Infinite Sadness' instead, a rock monumentum that greatly influenced all of the formentioned bands. You will love it.… Expand
  64. emoD.
    Sep 12, 2007
    9
    This album rocks! All the songs are great, there are only 2 songs ont he whole album that i dont like, but all the rest are top quality. But beware, this album is quite different from mcr's older albums.
  65. LimSH
    Sep 15, 2007
    10
    I have followed MCR since their first album was out. True this album sounded abit polished up and unlike their old style it did seem abit overdone. But I'm still going to give them credit for coming up with their own music and the lively and energetic performance they did. As if there aren't worse bands! Think Simple Plan, Linkin Park and Good Charlotte. These are all overly I have followed MCR since their first album was out. True this album sounded abit polished up and unlike their old style it did seem abit overdone. But I'm still going to give them credit for coming up with their own music and the lively and energetic performance they did. As if there aren't worse bands! Think Simple Plan, Linkin Park and Good Charlotte. These are all overly commercialised and overrated bands! Not to mention whiny and uses the usual subjects to capture the audience(bombs iraq and teenage 'depression'). MCR is different from them. They do not come up with whiny lyrics that anyone can come up with to easily capture a teenagers heart. Gerard's vocals are lively and the 'screams' are not everywhere but is where it should be. Comparing with old bands is just as childish as other bands are even more tasteless that they might not have heard of Iron maiden. To say they copied is out of the topic, MCR has been fans of the misfits iron maiden and queen, it's quite possible tht their music are similar to these bands because they are inspired by them. Therefore to be fair, I'm judging this album BY the album itself. Whatever I said previously is to explain why the bad reviews from some unknown magazines are wrong.… Expand
  66. MissR
    Oct 17, 2008
    10
    Different to the previous one, but it's fantastic. If It was exactly the same, then it woldn't be good. all the songs are great, and gerard's brash voice matches the songs perfectly, and the theme is united as well. It's an experience of listening to someone's story though music.
  67. mewtwo62
    Feb 7, 2008
    9
    There is absolutely no favoritism in this album. you'll definitely find yourself listening to the whole CD straight and skipping absolutely NOTHING. this is a must buy for new time and old time MCR fans. what the hell, this is a must buy for every single alternative rock fan on the planet! three cheers for the black parade!
  68. Jake
    Mar 12, 2008
    10
    Absolute masterpiece. The 'Mellon Collie' of the new millenium. For the girl who was appalled that The Black Parade was rated higher than 'Zeitgeist', have you heard 'Zeitgeist'? I loved the Smashing Pumpkins as much as anybody but when exactly did Billy Corgan forget how to write songs? I find it hard to believe that the same guy who wrote 'Today' Absolute masterpiece. The 'Mellon Collie' of the new millenium. For the girl who was appalled that The Black Parade was rated higher than 'Zeitgeist', have you heard 'Zeitgeist'? I loved the Smashing Pumpkins as much as anybody but when exactly did Billy Corgan forget how to write songs? I find it hard to believe that the same guy who wrote 'Today' and 'Tonight Tonight' came up with the mindless drivel that is 'Tarantula'. The Black Parade is by far the best record since Mellon Collie, only better. Mellon Collie has a few hole in it, you would be hard pressed to find a hole in The Black Parade.… Expand
  69. JoshL.
    Jul 19, 2008
    9
    A great album with some awsome songs like Teenagers, I don't love you, Welcome to the black parade, the sharpest lives, dead!, and famous last words.
  70. RigobertoR
    Mar 19, 2009
    0
    Terrible music, pretentious and awful record.
  71. rotflsryraecouldnthelpbutsendspam
    Apr 27, 2009
    10
    I think this band is the most amazing thing created in music history. Though that is my personal belief, many people worship them as much as I do. I do not believe this band will save your life however, it only pushes you towards the fact that you are special, and nobody else is better or worse. My Chemical Romance has great feeling and it speaks its mind. It is a big FREAK YOU to the I think this band is the most amazing thing created in music history. Though that is my personal belief, many people worship them as much as I do. I do not believe this band will save your life however, it only pushes you towards the fact that you are special, and nobody else is better or worse. My Chemical Romance has great feeling and it speaks its mind. It is a big FREAK YOU to the preps. ~love a 14 year old MCRmy troop… Expand
  72. RyanB
    Nov 1, 2006
    8
    At one point, not too long ago, it would've ashamed me to admit to liking a single song by My Chemical Romance. They were a cheesy emo-pop band that produced ridiculous videos, along with the odd catchy song. Now, however, I am not at all ashamed to admit I enjoy an entire album of theirs. The Black Parade is full of catchy songs, and while many have a certain degree of campiness, At one point, not too long ago, it would've ashamed me to admit to liking a single song by My Chemical Romance. They were a cheesy emo-pop band that produced ridiculous videos, along with the odd catchy song. Now, however, I am not at all ashamed to admit I enjoy an entire album of theirs. The Black Parade is full of catchy songs, and while many have a certain degree of campiness, and there is still arguably nothing totally original, it only tends to add to each song. I can't fault a band for being catchy, especially when they realize their own cheese-factor and capitalize on it. Congratulations MCR, an album like this has been a long time coming.… Expand
  73. AnOnymous
    Nov 16, 2006
    3
    Meh. MCR wants to be big and important and high-minded, but this mostly sounds exactly like all the other chugga-chugga pop-punk out there. It's all just so pretentious, and the marketing hype makes it more annoying - it's a concept album! cancer! whatever! If you need to explain how deep and meaningful it is ad nauseum, well, you paint your audience into a corne, eh? Better Meh. MCR wants to be big and important and high-minded, but this mostly sounds exactly like all the other chugga-chugga pop-punk out there. It's all just so pretentious, and the marketing hype makes it more annoying - it's a concept album! cancer! whatever! If you need to explain how deep and meaningful it is ad nauseum, well, you paint your audience into a corne, eh? Better bands than this have stolen from Queen and Pink Floyd, and without being so obvious about it. Frankly all the slobbering over this album just puzzles me.… Expand
  74. Lee
    Nov 16, 2006
    10
    MCR brazenly decided to make a Big Album. Their chutzpah is jaw-dropping. But damned if it doesn't work. This album has the feel of "The Wall" and "Ziggy Stardust" and ever other classic concept record -- it's all of a piece, its whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It's a glorious, glorious record. We need look no further than the first song, fittingly Titled "The MCR brazenly decided to make a Big Album. Their chutzpah is jaw-dropping. But damned if it doesn't work. This album has the feel of "The Wall" and "Ziggy Stardust" and ever other classic concept record -- it's all of a piece, its whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It's a glorious, glorious record. We need look no further than the first song, fittingly Titled "The End," to see MCR's ambition laid bare. MCR does something bizarrely cocky. They take the first song off of Bowie's Ziggy Stardust, "Five Years," and fuse it with the first song off of Pink Floyd's The Wall, "In the Flesh?" and they fuse them together. And they aren't hiding it. They want you to know it. It's blatantly obvious... the verses copy Floyd, the chorus is Bowie, the general song structure is Bowie, the bombast is Floyd. And it works. It works really, really well. Perhaps I appreciate the acheivement of "The Black Parade" because I am 41 and I can appreciate everything they are calling on in their work, but this is my favorite album of 2006, and I listen to a lot of music -- prior to hearing this album, my favorite 2006 CDs were Deerhoof, Tapes N Tapes, and Decemberists... just to show you where my tastes generally lie -- not in the Emo genre -- that's usually the stuff my 13 year old daughter is discovering. But nothing has hit my like this record since The Arcade Fire's "Funeral." It's that special.… Expand
  75. MadelineH
    Nov 18, 2006
    7
    This is on the whole, a good, even great album with well structured songs with good lyrics. The best track is Teenagers, and many of the songs have the ability and potential to be huge.
  76. eduardom
    Nov 2, 2006
    4
    Their debut album in 2002 was a true emo-core album, I loved the dark wicked lyrics. Their second album got a little pop but was still a great album. The Black Parade, is as too pop, too polished to squeaky clean. They lost their their goth-style screamo sound and turned it to straight pop. I think Ill go back and listen to " I brought you my BUllets You brought me your LOve
  77. BobL
    Nov 20, 2006
    10
    Amazing. Purely amazing, full of emotion and great vocals. The lyrics are great.
  78. Veronica
    Nov 20, 2006
    10
    Amazing album. Literally every song is fantastic. They're my favorite band right now, they're all I listen to. They better rack up all kinds of Grammys next year.
  79. DG
    Nov 24, 2006
    9
    Surprsingly original for the current day. It is melodic and echoes of wall-of-sound recordings from the sixties and seventies.
  80. JimmyH
    Nov 3, 2006
    10
    The best album i have heard this year, for the first time i finally believe rock may become what it once was, MCR is the most unlikely band to do it, yet look what they have done. From the beginning to the end (or from "the end" to "famous last words" rather) this album shows why rock will never die in the razor blades and black sweaters of the "emo" kids. It will thrive in them. If this The best album i have heard this year, for the first time i finally believe rock may become what it once was, MCR is the most unlikely band to do it, yet look what they have done. From the beginning to the end (or from "the end" to "famous last words" rather) this album shows why rock will never die in the razor blades and black sweaters of the "emo" kids. It will thrive in them. If this does not win a grammy, the voters might as well stop the award ceremony entirely.… Expand
  81. Jimbo
    Nov 5, 2006
    10
    This album is uncomparable. It completely changes all the mindless punk lyrics that we hear way too much and puts a meaning behind them. The track "Cancer" is one of the most compelling songs I've ever heard...you just don't hear tracks like that from other bands in their category, whatever category you think they're in.
  82. alyssal
    Nov 7, 2006
    10
    this is the greatest album in the world, thank you very much!
  83. matteof
    Dec 12, 2006
    5
    every song sounds exactly the same. the record is overproduced. there are too many back-up screams: they are supposed to keep the attention awake, but they only hurt my ears. for those who don't want to get into the album, here goes the description: fourteen times I'm Not Ok, with a redundant background orchestra, some kind of plot (not to care too much about anyway), supposedly every song sounds exactly the same. the record is overproduced. there are too many back-up screams: they are supposed to keep the attention awake, but they only hurt my ears. for those who don't want to get into the album, here goes the description: fourteen times I'm Not Ok, with a redundant background orchestra, some kind of plot (not to care too much about anyway), supposedly "grown up" lyrics. this is some pretentious, self indulgent crap. never trust a band that relies too much on costumes and coreographies.… Expand
  84. MichaelS
    Dec 19, 2006
    10
    I bought it last weekend and it's amazing...I'm too old to know anything about Emo, but I know what I like!
  85. thommyt
    Dec 22, 2006
    10
    love this album. a vast improvement over the previous album. cancer, i dont love you, teenagers, mama, welcome to the black parade dead, the end.cmon. gotta love this one
  86. GabiS
    Dec 25, 2006
    10
    This is the best album evere!!! they do deserve a ten score!
  87. OriD
    Oct 23, 2006
    10
    So darkly devious that it radiates
  88. LC
    Oct 23, 2006
    3
    Pure crap.
  89. JoshN
    Oct 23, 2006
    9
    Once i got a chance to listen to the mcr's new cd "The Black Parade," i finally got to see how much more mature romance has become. This cd is very mid 70s ish and i love the influences they used for this album. From "the wall" by pink floyd to "sgt. pepper" of the beatles, mcr mixes and matches very well. It is very highly recommended. Don't just judge mcr for their image, Once i got a chance to listen to the mcr's new cd "The Black Parade," i finally got to see how much more mature romance has become. This cd is very mid 70s ish and i love the influences they used for this album. From "the wall" by pink floyd to "sgt. pepper" of the beatles, mcr mixes and matches very well. It is very highly recommended. Don't just judge mcr for their image, there music is really awe inspiring. Songs of notability: Mama, I Don't Love You, Teenagers, Welcome to the Black Parade, and Dead!… Expand
  90. Chris
    Oct 23, 2006
    9
    Actual Score: 9.3 (metacritic doesnt allow decimals)
  91. DaveD
    Oct 23, 2006
    10
    Absolutely FANTASTIC. No Need to even had to defend that. Listen for yourselves!!! Way to go guys the BEST ROCK album of the year so far.
  92. ColbyS
    Oct 23, 2006
    3
    Nothing new here, just another pussy emo album meant for whining along with. Welcome To The Black Parade simply adds squealing hair metal elements in hopes of brownie points for being unique. It doesn't work.
  93. ZachP
    Dec 4, 2006
    9
    "The Black Parade" is definitly worth the listen. It has incredible lyrics. If you loved "Three Cheers..." prepare to love this one. It is completely different.
  94. TerrieG
    Oct 24, 2006
    10
    Pushes the envelope in lots of different directions. Power ballads and polkas. Creative and energetic. If you "bah humbug" this cd, you might as well go back to your Buddy Holly collection and pretend rock died with him.
  95. Konron
    Oct 25, 2006
    9
    I'm no fan of emo, but this new album doesn't sound very emo at all, considering what band it came from. It's catchy, dramatic, like some kind of Broadway punk musical with plenty of nods to Queen and Pink Floyd. Color me pleasantly surprised; this is definitely one of the year's best.
  96. DrakenaD
    Dec 6, 2006
    8
    Pretty damn good.... getting a little poppy, hopefully if they ever make another album it will be more like there very first album which i quite enjoyed. Now i must go play source.
  97. MattD.
    Oct 26, 2006
    9
    Emo taken to a new level! I never thought it could be this fun.
  98. CoreyH
    Dec 6, 2006
    10
    I'm only 33. I'm not an old man yet, but I'm surely older than the fan base of MCR. I haven't been excited about music in years. Really, not since 1991 and Nirvana's Nevermind, although Radiohead has been a steady source of enjoyment for me. But as for albums that preyed on my mind, songs that embedded themselves into my subconscious and became a part of my mental I'm only 33. I'm not an old man yet, but I'm surely older than the fan base of MCR. I haven't been excited about music in years. Really, not since 1991 and Nirvana's Nevermind, although Radiohead has been a steady source of enjoyment for me. But as for albums that preyed on my mind, songs that embedded themselves into my subconscious and became a part of my mental innards, I hadn't seen those since my college days in the early 90s. I had thought genre defying and genre defining albums were a thing of the past. I heard the song "welcome to the black parade" last month on the radio. Something about the opening verse, the references to his father, and death, jerked emotions out of me that had been buried since my own father passed away. Images of my own little son flashed before my eyes. I was *affected* by the song, touched in parts of my soul I'd forgotten about. So I bought the album. And I discovered something. This is one of those great albums I mentioned above. One of those albums without a single bad track. No...that's not strong enough. It's one of those albums in which every track is brilliant, ever track fits, and every track does exactly what is was supposed to and communicates exactly what the author felt. Compare Fleetwood Mac's Rumors, or (as everyone else is) PInk Floyd's The Wall. Thanks, MCR, for letting me experience this again. And to the young'uns out there: enjoy this. This kind of musical experience is few and far between. You won't see its like for at least another 15 years It's an album for this decade, and this generation.… Expand
  99. DarrenS
    Oct 27, 2006
    9
    I love how some publications feel the need to automatically bash a clearly amazing album just because it goes against their indie cred. I listen to mostly indie music, but I acknowledge this as an excellent album from a genre which has produced too few of them. The scope of the band's vision is massive, and I'm throughly looking forward to the next step in their quest to take I love how some publications feel the need to automatically bash a clearly amazing album just because it goes against their indie cred. I listen to mostly indie music, but I acknowledge this as an excellent album from a genre which has produced too few of them. The scope of the band's vision is massive, and I'm throughly looking forward to the next step in their quest to take over the world...if this album doesn't do it for them already.… Expand
  100. LiamK
    Dec 7, 2006
    9
    One of the great albums of its time, but this post is more of a rebuttal. To all you nay-sayers: Grow up and develop some empathy! A band shouldn't just appease their core audience, but try and widen their reach. You say "...they've sold out" and "far too pop" etc. But how is being popular a bad thing? I've never met a band who have said "I only want a small following". A One of the great albums of its time, but this post is more of a rebuttal. To all you nay-sayers: Grow up and develop some empathy! A band shouldn't just appease their core audience, but try and widen their reach. You say "...they've sold out" and "far too pop" etc. But how is being popular a bad thing? I've never met a band who have said "I only want a small following". A band evolves, and if it doesn't: it dies. And that's a fact. MCR have decided that they want to bring a message (and fun to the masses). I applaud them seeing as it's about time we had a rock album that wasn't aimed at a vocal (and very annoying with poor spelling) minority. Stop being so conservative and try something new, and if you don't like it, at least bring a proper argument please. Thanks for reading :)… Expand
Page:

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Most Discussed Album of 2006
3
#3 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 24
  3. Negative: 1 out of 24
  1. The Guardian
    80
    The most bonkers album of the year, but one of the best.
    Read full review
  2. Alternative Press
    100
    The Black Parade is MCR's whole raison d'etre rolled up into one mega-decibel calling card. [Nov 2006, p.179]
  3. Blender
    90
    They've created the Sgt. Pepper of screamo.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »