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. 21GreenDay21
    May 17, 2012
    9
    This is My Chemical Romance's best album in my opinion. It starts off with the intro The End. which is pretty cool: 9/10. The End. leads straight into Dead! which is my second favourite song by My Chemical Romance, so it starts with this super ergetic solo, and... just... Too awesome to explain it: 10/10. The 3rd track off The Black Parade is This Is How I Disappear. I guess it's quiteThis is My Chemical Romance's best album in my opinion. It starts off with the intro The End. which is pretty cool: 9/10. The End. leads straight into Dead! which is my second favourite song by My Chemical Romance, so it starts with this super ergetic solo, and... just... Too awesome to explain it: 10/10. The 3rd track off The Black Parade is This Is How I Disappear. I guess it's quite good: 7/10. Next there's The Sharpest Lives which is slightly better than the previous song on the album: 7.5/10. Track 5 is the best song ever recorded in my opinion. It's Welcome To The Black Parade and is the best: 10/10. Track 6 is I Don't Love You which I understand as a ballad: 8/10. House Of Wolves is Track 7. It's a really energetic, and loud track: 9/10. Track 8 is called Cancer. I guess that's another ballad on the album, this time starting on a piano, then the guitar comes in, and stuff... 8/10. Mama is track 9. It's... A really weird song... But I like it. I think you would too if you'd listen to it a couple of times: 8.7/10. Next there's Sleep which is quite a good track: 9/10. Track 11 is the energetic Teenagers: 8.8/10. The next track is Disenchanted which i'd say is quite a good, quiet track. The last (kind of :D) track is Famous Last Words which is another really amazing song: 10/10. Then there's the funny hidden track Blood: 7/10. I think it's a great album worth getting.… Expand
  2. Lippy197
    Jun 28, 2012
    9
    Great follow up to 2004's Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge and the band are as good as ever, producing a fantastic album full of great songs with catchy lyrics and is one of few albums where I love every song.
    As an MCR fan I loved this album and would recommend it to any MCR fan or rock fan in general.
  3. SirTacos
    Nov 22, 2013
    9
    A lot of people have compared this album to Green Day's American Idiot, and it's not hard to see why. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's a ripoff, because that it is not.
  4. Refolox
    May 28, 2014
    9
    Great album. Darker than Three Cheers, this album contains tracks that have overall better production (Famous last words, Mama, the Sharpest lives). The album is a blast to listen to and has (8 years later) still is as great and as relevant as when it came out. As a side note, to the critic who wrote "It reeks of a band with ideas above its station." Music isn't a class system. No bandGreat album. Darker than Three Cheers, this album contains tracks that have overall better production (Famous last words, Mama, the Sharpest lives). The album is a blast to listen to and has (8 years later) still is as great and as relevant as when it came out. As a side note, to the critic who wrote "It reeks of a band with ideas above its station." Music isn't a class system. No band has a "station". You reek of a critic with criticisms above your station. When you write an album and sell over 2,000,000 copies, you can come back and give your dumb opinions. Until then, stop giving criticisms above your "station."… Expand
  5. 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
  6. than_Q
    Jun 16, 2016
    9
    The album is sensational, the pure emotion that is conveyed throughout the album really stands out and it will have you hooked for months, the songs are catchy, the musical talent is great and it's generally a fantastic album, with contrasting songs that aren't just emo, but so much more than just a genre. The album is a true magnum opus for MCR.

    The reason it isn't a perfect album is    The album is sensational, the pure emotion that is conveyed throughout the album really stands out and it will have you hooked for months, the songs are catchy, the musical talent is great and it's generally a fantastic album, with contrasting songs that aren't just emo, but so much more than just a genre. The album is a true magnum opus for MCR.

    The reason it isn't a perfect album is because it's a concept album. It is about a character called the patient, and the death of the patient, and the story is very difficult to decipher through the lyrics and content in the album. Although the story is sometimes clear, some of the album seems to have nothing to do with the story at all. However, the album isn't just a story, so the story doesn't entirely affect the score I give it

    The black parade is one of the most underrated and amazing albums that I have ever seen in my life. Definitely recommended.    … Expand
  7. Decim
    May 24, 2017
    9
    This album is amazing: Gerard Way's band talks about such a complex topic with a spontaneity that surprises the listener and this is the greatest quality of this album.
    The arrangements are fantastic and Gerard Way's voice is unique and this is the reason why songs like Cancer and Disenchanted make people cry.
    "The Black Parade" can be considered MCR's masterpiece and one of the most    This album is amazing: Gerard Way's band talks about such a complex topic with a spontaneity that surprises the listener and this is the greatest quality of this album.
    The arrangements are fantastic and Gerard Way's voice is unique and this is the reason why songs like Cancer and Disenchanted make people cry.
    "The Black Parade" can be considered MCR's masterpiece and one of the most significant album of our times.    … Expand
  8. 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
  9. Xemilycx
    Feb 20, 2020
    9
    A culmination of the band’s collaborative creativity. A great concept album.
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. Ziftk.
    Oct 24, 2006
    8
    A good album, give it a try. It's better than I thought.
  13. JosephT.
    May 9, 2007
    8
    HELLO PEOPLE!!! JUST BECAUSE AN ALBUM STRIKES YOUR FANCY DOESN'T MEAN IT DESERVES A '10' -- TRY TO BE MORE ACCURATE TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE AND TRY TO GIVE SOME ALBUMS '7' '8' or EVEN '9' AND SAVE YOUR '10s' FOR SOMETHING TRULY INGENIOUS, OK?
  14. ...
    Dec 2, 2006
    8
    then why the HELL are you listenin to it!!!!
  15. PeteS
    Oct 30, 2006
    8
    Not as good as "Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge", but still a great album once it gets stuck in your head. Best tracks: "How I Disappear" and "House of Wolves".
  16. RyanG
    Jan 2, 2007
    8
    When I was at Hot Topic, I really had low hopes for this album due to the other ones. To my suprise, I was suprised! I enjoyed ALMOST every song, except House of Wolves
  17. SelC
    Jan 4, 2007
    8
    I love this album but i think they aren't as good as they used to be and their introductions are way to long. Most of the tracks are all good though i love 'Teenagers' and 'The sharpest lives'.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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.
  22. 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
  23. 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!!!
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. RafaelC
    Oct 29, 2006
    8
    I just wish that all of you guys that rate this album with a 0 lived in South America ( Like Me ), so you can "see" all those REAL Crappy Bands i have to listen almost every day ( when im on the Bus, University or even at home 'cause of my sister ) MCR is not that Band... Yes their EMO, kinda POP, and all that But that doesn't mean they suck or that your a EMO just for liking I just wish that all of you guys that rate this album with a 0 lived in South America ( Like Me ), so you can "see" all those REAL Crappy Bands i have to listen almost every day ( when im on the Bus, University or even at home 'cause of my sister ) MCR is not that Band... Yes their EMO, kinda POP, and all that But that doesn't mean they suck or that your a EMO just for liking theyr Music, cause if this would be the Case, would those who loved QUEEN be Gay just because Freddy Mercury was ? i really dont think so. This Album is NOT the best one of the year, and it's not theyr best, but is a good Album and NO WAY this is the WORSE album of the year, that would be one of those Fu... REGGAETON CD's i've heard MANY times this year....… Expand
  27. MikefromMaine
    Nov 16, 2006
    8
    First, understand that before this release, I was not an MCR fan - I heard their stuff, and though it didn't offend me, I had no real desire to listen to it again. Black Parade is a different story, blending Green Day, News of the World era Queen, Pink Floyd's The Wall, and sure, even some 80s hair metal. It is bombastic and prententious, but it plays off this, and shows flashes First, understand that before this release, I was not an MCR fan - I heard their stuff, and though it didn't offend me, I had no real desire to listen to it again. Black Parade is a different story, blending Green Day, News of the World era Queen, Pink Floyd's The Wall, and sure, even some 80s hair metal. It is bombastic and prententious, but it plays off this, and shows flashes of humor amidst its bizarre dream-like song cycle of loss (real or imagined), that still somehow leaves you with a good feeling at the end. It is an "old style" concept album, but It's hard to say whether the intention was homage or revival. Either way, Black Parade is something a little less ordinary for 2006.… Expand
  28. owenrw89
    Dec 4, 2016
    8
    This album is truly outstanding. A concept album that most people can relate to at some point. Tracks like 'Cancer' and 'Welcome to the Black Parade' are full of emotion and story, where as 'Mama' and 'House of Wolves' are full of instrumental power. This album proves that MCR are no Emo band, but a proper rock band.
  29. comeandgetit
    Apr 29, 2012
    8
    This is a concept album that is so much more than just a story, it's actually got depth, meaning and substance. And what's more, it's a proper rock album.
  30. ImmersedInSound
    Jan 12, 2015
    8
    The best album by My Chemical Romance. The Black Parade perfectly showcases the musical talents, innovative style and almost wacky theatrics of the band. Mama and Blood are examples of some parts maybe sounding slightly too similar to each other, but it features many songs which provoke different emotions to the one before and that is something not many artists can do a heartless b*stard like me.
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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 »