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

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  1. CouchPotato200
    Jul 3, 2023
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of my most re-listened to albums of all time. The hidden narrative makes every song fit together perfectly, and somehow makes almost every song perfect. Yeah, "almost"...
    Teenagers kinda ruins the album for me. Especially because Sleep, Disenchanted and Famous Last Words would make a flawless final 3 songs. Teenagers is the only song that, as far as I'm concerned, does not fit within the story of the album (I'm ignoring Blood, but that one sucks too). I really don't care if the "official" story has a reason for Teenagers being on the album, I hate it. Overall though, this album is an insane experience that I think is a masterpiece and a must listen for anyone and everyone. Of course, I think that Teenagers and Blood should be taken as a separate work from the rest of the album, and I skip them every time, but if you interpret the narrative different than me, maybe you'll like them.    … Expand
  2. AdriianZoe
    May 27, 2023
    10
    This Album Is awesome, I really enjoy all the songs, especially "mama", this is the best song i was listen, thanks MCR
  3. egg_addict
    May 18, 2023
    8
    a wonderfully dramatic rock opera. this is mcr's magnum opus. i think this is one of the more interesting ways i've seen a band approach death, and i think mcr managed to be dramatic and edgy, but not to where it removed from the experience of the album. just sit back and devote your attention to the album, and bathe in the edginess.
  4. JackLikesMusic
    Feb 19, 2023
    9
    I myself don't normally listen to the Emo genre but years ago I used to and I decided I was going to relisten to the album.On the first relisten I was astonished the the this genre could but something out this gut-punching and loud but also controlled and beautiful.Concept albums don't usually hit for me as well as other people but this one was really interesting.The story or idea behindI myself don't normally listen to the Emo genre but years ago I used to and I decided I was going to relisten to the album.On the first relisten I was astonished the the this genre could but something out this gut-punching and loud but also controlled and beautiful.Concept albums don't usually hit for me as well as other people but this one was really interesting.The story or idea behind it is disturbing and horrifying.The lyrics are disturbing and unsettling.Overall the albums idea was extremely well performed and executed.I will definitely come back to this record but really my only complaint is that often throughout the album you can barely hear the vocals and that can take away from the story but the albums guitars are fun and it is a perfect example of of what the emo genre should be.… Expand
  5. tripled24
    Feb 13, 2023
    10
    A great record. Never thought they would get this good after their first 2 records.
  6. DrPebba
    Jan 14, 2023
    10
    Probably one of the best albums of all time, the concept and narrative of this album is some of the most detailed and interesting in any kind of music, it follows the story of a cancer patient who has a couple weeks to live and shows how he deals with death and thinks back on his life. All of this is just the writing of the album, the instrumentals and the way it correlates with all theProbably one of the best albums of all time, the concept and narrative of this album is some of the most detailed and interesting in any kind of music, it follows the story of a cancer patient who has a couple weeks to live and shows how he deals with death and thinks back on his life. All of this is just the writing of the album, the instrumentals and the way it correlates with all the themes the album shows, the songs are creative, the writing and concept are so well made and explained, and from start to finish the album always hooks you and never slows down. Sleep and Mama are arguably some of the best rock songs of all time, it's something that you have to listen to understand… Expand
  7. That1Person
    Dec 23, 2022
    10
    A true masterpiece. To the person who hasn't attempted to try out The Black Parade, I can't begin to express how sorry I feel for you. This is a must listen for any connoisseur of rock music.
  8. Franco853
    Aug 11, 2022
    10
    Obra maestra con una excelente historia y de las mejores opera rock de la musica
  9. RB2345
    Jun 25, 2022
    10
    This is the most iconic and amazing concept album since sgt. peppers with the iconic track welcome to the black parade the cry worthy tracks I don't love you cancer The end and disenchanted. The emo rock tracks house of wolves the sharpest lives famous last words teenagers and dead and the
    nice style mix ups of mama and blood make for an amazing experience. The concept of the album is    This is the most iconic and amazing concept album since sgt. peppers with the iconic track welcome to the black parade the cry worthy tracks I don't love you cancer The end and disenchanted. The emo rock tracks house of wolves the sharpest lives famous last words teenagers and dead and the
    nice style mix ups of mama and blood make for an amazing experience. The concept of the album is conveyed beautifully through tragic yet hopeful songs. Without a doubt the best concept album ever created.    … Expand
  10. NeckRomance
    Jan 4, 2022
    5
    Overrated album. I love MCR, but i always show critisism where its due. This album has a lot of bad songs and annoying ones (WTTBP, Mama, TIBID,Blood). Some actual masterpieces get left in the shadow, mainly Disenchanted. I can see this album as an OKAY listen but some songs are jusr so bad I wanna remove it from existence
  11. Isaactorres
    Mar 16, 2021
    10
    This album explains perfectly why rock is one of the best generes of all time. Absolutely stunning and epic Great work of production and the guitars are unbelievably good. One of the best rock albums out there.
  12. PapaRabbi69
    Feb 22, 2021
    10
    This album is a masterclass in music creation. The production is fantastic, as well as the way Gerard's voice cuts through the mix in a way that they had never previously achieved. The concept of this album, while scattered at times, comes together to become one of the most heart-wrenching stories I've ever heard. Unlike the concept for 2004's Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge (Which I alsoThis album is a masterclass in music creation. The production is fantastic, as well as the way Gerard's voice cuts through the mix in a way that they had never previously achieved. The concept of this album, while scattered at times, comes together to become one of the most heart-wrenching stories I've ever heard. Unlike the concept for 2004's Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge (Which I also love), this album takes a much more realistic approach to its storytelling. At times this realism is almost too real with how deeply it can cut into the lives of people who are dealing with cancer. Not in a way that is insensitive, however, just in a way that truly explains the mindsets of people dealing with cancer including the actual patient and the family. Overall, I truly believe this is the peak of all music.… Expand
  13. Thatoneguy34
    Feb 6, 2021
    10
    One of the best emo albums ever. Most enjoyed by all Killjoys. Most classic rock fans will love this albums. It is a modern classic. With it's sound it creates a interesting concept for a album. A man dies on a hospital bed and goes through his thoughts. And we the listeners are placed in his mind. All songs are fantastic. Example of a perfect album.
  14. PrizzBeam1
    Dec 31, 2020
    10
    What do I even say here? It's my favorite album ever. There's a reason why this album is adored by people who are no longer in their "phase". The lyrics here cut like a dagger, and MCR blends their style with classic rock influences from Pink Floyd and Queen without the music being overshadowed by it. I first listened to "Welcome To The Black Parade" to make fun of emo kids in high school,What do I even say here? It's my favorite album ever. There's a reason why this album is adored by people who are no longer in their "phase". The lyrics here cut like a dagger, and MCR blends their style with classic rock influences from Pink Floyd and Queen without the music being overshadowed by it. I first listened to "Welcome To The Black Parade" to make fun of emo kids in high school, but several years later, it's my favorite album ever.… Expand
  15. namhng
    Nov 5, 2020
    10
    Superb album, i was shaking listening to this, it turned me on so high i couldn't get down; and the way it sounds, it's so good, it's so beautiful, hauntingly beautiful!
  16. helenaisadyke
    Oct 30, 2020
    10
    marvelous rock opera with incredibly well written tracks, GREAT guitar solo parts and amazing vocals.
    songs like sleep, mama cancer and disappear will never leave your brain
  17. Simao
    Oct 1, 2020
    9
    the best pop-punk album EVER.

    //trigger-warning// i think most of us came across The Black Parade when we were in our first teen years. for me it was during my 15s, i was going through the worst times of my life, struggling with depression, s*lf-h*rm, and addiction. can i say this album helped me? not at all... it made me even more miserable, it worsened everything i was going    the best pop-punk album EVER.

    //trigger-warning//

    i think most of us came across The Black Parade when we were in our first teen years. for me it was during my 15s, i was going through the worst times of my life, struggling with depression, s*lf-h*rm, and addiction. can i say this album helped me? not at all... it made me even more miserable, it worsened everything i was going through and i would frequently listen to it when i was having really bad su*cial thoughts. but i loved this album, it made me feel alive in a way no other could ever.

    after getting better i knew couldn't keep listening to it - i would feel like relapsing. so for the next 3 years, i avoided listening to any MCR. i'm now 18, the scars still remain both literally and metaphorically, but i'm in such a better place. last week i gave the album a relisten, after all these years without listening to a single pop-punk song, and i'm honestly so surprised. not only did i dance to it in a way i never ever did before, but i felt like the tracks haven't aged a single bit. it keeps being the masterpiece 15-year-old me ever consider it - and my music taste is completely different now. somehow, for me, this album is still one of the best albums ever made, despite me not even listening much to pop-punk or even alternative rock.

    this was not really a review, but more of my personal experience with this album. but i can assure you that i would still keep the rating this high even without considering personal subjectivity and closeness to this record. THE SONGS SIMPLY SLAP AND THE ALBUM'S ALMOST IMMACULATE. WOW...

    fav songs: dead!; welcome to the black parade & house of wolves
    least fav: blood    … Expand
  18. calebeedude56
    Sep 11, 2020
    10
    MCR really knocked it out of the park with this one. This album is a timeless classic that i still come back to every day. Defining the rock genre in the early 2000's, many complaints i see with this album are invalid such as "its too dark", or "a band that small should not be making an album like that", well guess what, this album made them big. This is one of the greatest albums of theMCR really knocked it out of the park with this one. This album is a timeless classic that i still come back to every day. Defining the rock genre in the early 2000's, many complaints i see with this album are invalid such as "its too dark", or "a band that small should not be making an album like that", well guess what, this album made them big. This is one of the greatest albums of the century, containing loud energizing songs like dead!, and this is how i disappear, and slow emotional songs like cancer and disenchanted. Almost every song in this album is a 10/10, and this album continues to change the world.… Expand
  19. Xemilycx
    Feb 20, 2020
    9
    A culmination of the band’s collaborative creativity. A great concept album.
  20. prettyodd
    Jul 26, 2020
    10
    This album is really personal to me. The lyrics, just- wow. Incredible. And Gerard's voice and passion!!! And the instruments!!! This is one of the best albums I've heard
  21. FidelGastro
    May 16, 2020
    10
    For me an ex-emo guy its still like a drug after all these years.

    10/10 Masterpiece.
  22. Erowden48
    May 7, 2020
    10
    The best album of all time. My Chemical Romances Magnum Opus. My favorite album.
  23. NolanLundgaard
    Apr 30, 2020
    8
    The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance: 7.34

    The End.: 0.75 Dead!: 1 :) This Is How I Disappear: 0.75 The Sharpest Lives: 1 :) Welcome to the Black Parade: 1 :) I Don’t Love You: 1 :) House of Wolves: 1 :) Cancer: 0.75 Mama: 0.5 Sleep: 1 Teenagers: 1 :) Disenchanted: 1 Famous Last Words: 1 :) Blood: 0.25 12/14 ~ .857 -> 7.34 I had heard of My Chemical Romance    The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance: 7.34

    The End.: 0.75
    Dead!: 1 :)
    This Is How I Disappear: 0.75
    The Sharpest Lives: 1 :)
    Welcome to the Black Parade: 1 :)
    I Don’t Love You: 1 :)
    House of Wolves: 1 :)
    Cancer: 0.75
    Mama: 0.5
    Sleep: 1
    Teenagers: 1 :)
    Disenchanted: 1
    Famous Last Words: 1 :)
    Blood: 0.25

    12/14 ~ .857 -> 7.34

    I had heard of My Chemical Romance before, but I hadn’t listened to any of their stuff before. On Spotify it keeps showing me this band since I have enjoyed Green Day material, though this is my first time diving into this artist. I would have started at the beginning, though a friend of mine recommended this album specifically to me because this is their favorite My Chemical Romance album. With that in mind, I jumped straight to this album instead of beginning with their first release. Upon listening to it, I found that I really enjoyed this album, as it’s a fun combination of metal and pop rock. Pop rock is one of my favorite genres, and it was interesting (in a good way) to combine that with some heavier music (and lyrics, but the darker music was more enjoyable than the effect on the lyrics). I wish I could say more but the character limit won't allow me to say my thoughts about each song. Overall though, I was really happy with this album. This “metal pop-rock” was fantastic and I really enjoyed it. There are a good number of songs here that I will for sure be listening to again, and I can definitely say that The Black Parade is a good album. Fans of rock and metal should really love this album, and I cannot wait to listen to more My Chemical Romance albums. Highlights: Dead!, The Sharpest Lives, Welcome to the Black Parade, I Don’t Love You, House of Wolves, Sleep, Teenagers, Disenchanted, and Famous Last Words.    … Expand
  24. MegaAscension
    Apr 2, 2020
    10
    One of my top five favorite albums ever. There are really only ten albums I can confidently give a 10. This is one of them. There's not much I can say about this album other than that it is perfect. If all you've ever heard is "Welcome To The Black Parade", you're missing out. Personal favorites include the thrashing rock song This Is How I Disappear, the Cabaret inspired Mama, and theOne of my top five favorite albums ever. There are really only ten albums I can confidently give a 10. This is one of them. There's not much I can say about this album other than that it is perfect. If all you've ever heard is "Welcome To The Black Parade", you're missing out. Personal favorites include the thrashing rock song This Is How I Disappear, the Cabaret inspired Mama, and the incredible anthemic Famous Last Words. Move past the label of this as "emo music" and enjoy this masterpiece.… Expand
  25. coolguylestat
    Jan 20, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I am completely biased writing this, I will agree with that, because this band is my favorite band of all time. What they mean to me, what they have always meant to me, is something so strong and so real that I can't help but love everything they do. Okay, now, time to actually get into the review.

    This album, as a concept, is stellar. The final closing to the story of My Chemical Romance with the patient was so cleverly thought out. Playing off of Revenge which- side note, why the HELL is that not on here? Like for real, it's their best album, why isn't it up? Anyways yeah, this album played off the bitterness of Revenge with a very melancholy and pessimistic downtrodden mood, and damn, I loved it. 'Welcome To The Black Parade' is the most iconic song of the 2000s and of emo culture, you can't fight me on that, because if you disagree, you are not worth my time. 'Mama' is perhaps one of the most explosive and best songs every written any by MCR. Holy... the last damn chorus. The lyrics of 'The Sharpest Lives' actually caused me to take a songwriting class for four years straight AND read Romeo and Juliet AND audition for Mercutio AND cry when I didn't get the role. Sleep, Dead!, Famous Last Words, The End., This Is How I Disappear, I Don't Love You, House of Wolves, Cancer Teenagers, Disenchanted and Blood all slap. And what songs are mediocre or suck- yeah, that's right. None.

    I wish I could be half as good and iconic as this album was. Hell, if this album went up to my girl and took her I wouldn't do **** Because that's his girl now. End of story, i'm not going to justify myself anymore. My ways are superior. This album is superior. Shut up.    … Expand
  26. oliverclarke
    Aug 21, 2019
    10
    Incredible record, among some of the greatest works in music of the century. The black parade explores the concept of death in a new way, with every track being unforgettable.
  27. Mycoldpatrol
    Nov 14, 2018
    10
    This is my favorite album from my favorite band, this one means a lot to me, it´s definitely a classic.
  28. JoeyCORNER2001
    Oct 7, 2018
    10
    My Chemical Romance really struck gold with this album. It will forever be known as the album that defined a generation.
  29. StealthyHipo200
    Aug 25, 2018
    10
    In my opinion one of the best albums ever released. The theme and overall production paired with truly unique and engaging songs make this an experience of an album.
  30. npoe410
    Jun 18, 2018
    9
    I think MCR and a lot of the "emo rock" has been and was disregarded because a lot of it was god awful. But there are a few stand outs, and I think this one truly stands out even amongst those. You have some slow, sad moments that are touching, and then you have tracks that absolutely kick ass.

    It's an absolute shame that this album isn't recognized as one of the greatest of the 2000's.    I think MCR and a lot of the "emo rock" has been and was disregarded because a lot of it was god awful. But there are a few stand outs, and I think this one truly stands out even amongst those. You have some slow, sad moments that are touching, and then you have tracks that absolutely kick ass.

    It's an absolute shame that this album isn't recognized as one of the greatest of the 2000's. It deserves it.    … Expand
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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 »