I’m not picky with music—not at all. If someone recommends something to me, as long as it isn’t country (I draw the line at yeehaw music), I will listen to it at least once, and most of the time, like it. It makes it very easy to find new songs; I have countless playlists of random genres because I would listen to one song and become a fan of the style. So when a friend recommended some emo music to me a few months ago, I queued their suggestions and the songs soon found their way to my playlists. At first I was skeptical about the genre, but I’ve warmed up to it and find myself preferring these songs over my previous, more pop/jazz/old rock, playlists. I’ve compiled some of my favorite artists along with the finest of their discographies that I think are perfect for not only hard rock/alternative listeners, but also anyone else interested in the genre. If you’d like to listen to the songs I mention in this article, check out this playlist.
LINKIN PARK
LINKIN PARK is a classic emo band formed in 1996. Their music is labeled as hard rock, but also contains elements of synth-pop, post-hardcore, and metal.
Favorite Albums
“One More Light”
This was the first full LINKIN PARK album I listened to, and while it’s definitely more pop rock than hard rock, I think it’s a great introduction to some of the lyrics and tunes present throughout their music. Lyrics focusing around mental struggles can be difficult to find in pop music, and I appreciate LINKIN PARK’s normalization of them, especially in this album. Some of my favorites are “Sharp Edges,” “Battle Symphony,” “Nobody Can Save Me,” and “Heavy (feat. Kiiara),” although all of the songs are great.
“Hybrid Theory”
“Hybrid Theory” was LINKIN PARK’s debut album and I discovered most of the songs on this album through Apple Music’s “Linkin Park Essentials” playlist (which I also highly recommend), and there is not a single miss on it. Full of hard rock, the songs have more screaming and rougher vocals, but I become more and more of a fan as I continue to listen. My favorites are “Points of Authority,” “Crawling,” and “A Place for My Head.”
Favorite Songs
- “CASTLE OF GLASS” – This was the first song I ever listened to from LINKIN PARK! It’s a very gentle song that made me fall in love with their lyrics.
- “Friendly Fire” – Also a more pop-leaning song, I enjoy the chorus and riffs.
- “Numb / Encore” – This song blends rap and rock, and although I’m not typically a fan of those sounds, for some reason I’m a massive fan of the combination of LINKIN PARK and JAY-Z; their vocals intertwine really well.
- “The Emptiness Machine” – From their first album with a new lead singer, this song has more screaming than my other favorites, and although it took me a while to get used to the sound, I now like the heavy drums and vocals.
grandson
Grandson is an alternative rock/electronic/grunge/rap singer who debuted in 2020. His lyrics speak out about a multitude of topics, but generally center around political and social commentary.
Favorite Albums
“I Love You, I’m Trying”
Although it’s difficult to pick a favorite (he only has two albums), “I Love You, I’m Trying” holds a special place in my heart as it was the first album I ever listened to of this genre. His songs have less “hardcore” elements, making it a great introduction to emo music. In my opinion, grandson’s lyrics in this album are some of the best I’ve heard, and can be relatable to many listeners, no matter what they are going through. My favorites are “Half my Heart,” “Stuck Here With Me,” and “Heather.”
“a modern tragedy, vol. 3 – EP”
While this isn’t technically an album, a lot of his music has been released as EPs and it’d be a shame if I didn’t include this one. I played this EP on repeat for my entire 13 hour flight this summer—and it’s only five songs. I love the production on every song; I can’t help but bop my head to each of them. All of the songs on it are impeccable, and if I tried to choose a favorite, I’d just list all of them. However, I can firmly say that if “Rock Bottom” was the only song on “a modern tragedy, vol. 3,” I wouldn’t be mad.
Favorite Songs
- “Rain (from The Suicide Squad)” – This song is my all-time favorite grandson song. Something about the harmonies with Jessie Reyez in the bridge and grandson’s head voice in the verses contrasted with the heavier chorus balances the song perfectly.
- “WWIII” – I love songs that mix singing and rapping, and this song does it wonderfully. Grandson has a magic touch with bridges, and one’s just so good.
- “In Over My Head” – This song is just a banger. There’s few words to describe the great mix of light drums during the pre-chorus that turn heavy during the chorus.
Sueco
Sueco is a rapper whose music varies from rap to rock to pop-punk. He debuted in 2019 and collaborated on the Sonic the Hedgehog soundtrack in 2020.
Favorite Album
“Attempted Lover”
Also with only three albums to choose from, “Attempted Lover” has been playing nonstop for me since the deluxe version recently came out. His voice is grungier than I was used to, but the vocals still contain plenty of singing rather than just rap. A lot of the songs on this album are definitely louder than other songs on my playlists, but after a couple (around seven) listens of “Bathroom Floor,” I got accustomed to the new sound. This album is great to blast in your headphones to drown everything out. The lyrics are less relatable to me than LINKIN PARK or grandson’s, but I don’t find the lyricism in these songs too vulgar. Favorites include “Bathroom Floor,” “Drama Queen,” “Mulholland Drive,” “Cocaine,” and “love and rage.”
Favorite Songs
- “Toxic Therapy” – Although the verses have…questionable lyrics, the overall production on this song makes it impossible not to like. The guitar riffs throughout the chorus are a genius addition.
- “Loser” – The fast-pace of this song and lyrics make this song super catchy and great to sing.
- “Mouthful of Spiders” – I’m a big fan of the layered vocals in the pre-chorus and verses, and the more melodic style throughout the song creates a fun song to listen and sing along to.
Pierce the Veil
Pierce the Veil, a post-hardcore rock band, debuted in 2007.
Favorite Album
“Collide With the Sky”
To be fair, I have not listened to a lot of their music, so take all of this with a grain of salt. However, the majority of my favorite songs are from this album, and it’s the first album I fully listened to. At first, I was not a fan of the heavy screaming prevalent throughout the music, and I still have trouble listening to them for long periods of time, but I’ve definitely grown to like it more. This album is great to listen to in the background while working on mindless assignments, and as long as it isn’t too loud my ears don’t hurt too much. Some of my favorite songs are “King for a Day (feat. Kellin Quinn),” “Props & Mayhem,” and “One Hundred Sleepless Nights.”
Favorite Songs
- “I’m Low on Gas and You Need a Jacket” – This song ended up on my playlist due to its lack of heavy screaming, and I’m a big fan of the lyrics and how some words are emphasized in the chorus and verses.
- “Hold on Till May (feat. Linsey Stamey)” – I really like the slightly muffled pre-chorus that leads into the instrumental break between it and the chorus, I think it’s a great and unique stylistic choice. I also discovered this song in May, which automatically makes it a favorite due to the lyrics “‘cause I know what it’s like to feel / burned out” in AP test season.
- “Death of An Executioner” – I’m not sure what particularly draws me to this song, but the chorus is catchy and it has less screaming compared to some of their other songs, which I appreciate.
Other Favorite Songs
- “KISSING KILLER COBRAS” by Stand Atlantic – The quick tempo and electric guitar along with the high notes in the bridge create a perfectly catchy song that I can’t get over.
- “GIRL$” by Stand Atlantic – The chorus in this song is just fantastic. Something about it scratches my brain just right and the high verses are so addictive.