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.
  31. 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
  32. 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.
  33. emon
    Nov 1, 2006
    7
    Im a MCR fan ,just being honest this album is pretty good but compared to 3 cheers wich was friggn awsome!I feel there are to many slow songs ,it took me a good 4 plays to get used to this one.
  34. JohnD
    Oct 24, 2006
    7
    It's likeable and fun. Doesn't deserve a 9, nor does it deserve a 2.
  35. 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.
  36. CaitlinR.
    May 27, 2009
    7
    Not their best album...but their other albums didn't have gems such as the hidden track and "Mama" on it.
  37. vscoott345
    Apr 26, 2012
    7
    A definite guilty pleasure of mine. This was MCR's "conceptual" album, and honestly, I thought it was brought out nicely. A nice blend of happiness and melancholy makes this a great album. Way to go.
  38. 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
  39. 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.
  40. Jen
    Dec 3, 2007
    5
    The first thing I thought of when I finished listening to this album was, so this is what Marilyn Manson would sound like if he was playing at the mall. Sure, there are some catchy tunes here. And these guys aren't all whiny like most of the bands adolescent boys are into these days, they actually have a bit of a sense of humor and fun. But they are most certainly Manson-lite.
  41. Mr.Hankey
    Nov 4, 2006
    5
    Not very good... Definitely overrated but that's emo/ punk-pop for ya!
  42. 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
  43. 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
  44. 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
  45. 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
  46. JoeM
    Oct 28, 2006
    4
    Call it their American Idiot if you like but that was a hugely over-rated waste of time as well. For all the effort that goes into costume, make up and image - the music and lyrics are hollow and overly dramatic. At one point I thought this band had a little potential. This album suggests otherwise.
  47. DanielR
    Jan 9, 2007
    4
    really wish they'd put out something more like their debut 'bullets'... this album has a real generic feel to it, recycling what's been and gone. Still admire the band tho...
  48. 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!!
  49. 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
  50. 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
  51. ChrisC
    Dec 13, 2006
    4
    MCR SUCKS!!!! That I agree with fullheartedly but I still think that a lot of you wise ass Gen Xers are being unfair to this band and especially to Gerard Way. He is a confused, marginally talented but highly intelligent and passionate young man and he needs constructive criticism rather than abuse. Some of the lyrics on this record are beautiful, even heart wrenching. But the vocals are MCR SUCKS!!!! That I agree with fullheartedly but I still think that a lot of you wise ass Gen Xers are being unfair to this band and especially to Gerard Way. He is a confused, marginally talented but highly intelligent and passionate young man and he needs constructive criticism rather than abuse. Some of the lyrics on this record are beautiful, even heart wrenching. But the vocals are wretched, whiny, and unoriginal around 90% of the time. And the songs are too poorly organized and hastily thrown together. This is the most pathetic attempt at a concept album since Ben Folds tried to create one but I hate to be coldly judgmental of someone who writes what at rare moments is some truly good poetry. But yes, he's a douche.… Expand
  52. NickM
    Nov 6, 2006
    3
    Over produced and underthought. MCR hyped up this album in their interviews and from the title it sounded like it would be a darker album, a heavier album. I tried to sit through at least one of the songs but couldn't due to poor guitar tone and seemingly half ass musical compositions.
  53. ToddW
    Oct 24, 2006
    3
    AFI, HiM, Angels and Airwaves, My Chemical Romance, et al. Don't any of these Maybelline model cross-dressing wanna-be's have anything remotely interesting to say? Nope. MCR's costumery is vaguely amusing, sort of a cross between a Tim Burton character and an X-ray, but their music is like so much of the other "darkness" being foister upon us by these Alice Cooper and Ozzy AFI, HiM, Angels and Airwaves, My Chemical Romance, et al. Don't any of these Maybelline model cross-dressing wanna-be's have anything remotely interesting to say? Nope. MCR's costumery is vaguely amusing, sort of a cross between a Tim Burton character and an X-ray, but their music is like so much of the other "darkness" being foister upon us by these Alice Cooper and Ozzy Osbourne clones. It lacks originality and spontaneity. Three power chords and a shriek. Didn't Def Leppard do something similar? And much better? My three teenage boys love this, um, music. I prefer to reach for Mastodon or my ear plugs, I don't remember which.… Expand
  54. 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
  55. Stormwatch
    Jun 7, 2008
    3
    Decent compositions, but the super-loud production ruins it. If I were a member of the band, I'd murder whoever did the mastering!
  56. 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
  57. LC
    Oct 23, 2006
    3
    Pure crap.
  58. 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.
  59. PerspicaciousCritic
    Nov 7, 2006
    2
    I agree with All Music Guide that
  60. billym
    Nov 9, 2006
    2
    this record sucks. anyone born before 1990 should pretty much understand that. if you want something like this, try green day or something, they're at least not so total douche whiny puss styles.....it's kinda like if you had some cheeseball metal singer from the 80s totally scream-complaining about stuff and posing down with like Everclear as the super sweet back up band. or something.
  61. RichardE
    Jan 13, 2007
    2
    overrated crap
  62. TristanV
    Jan 28, 2007
    2
    i agree with Jud S 100%. i gave them a 2 bedause their guitar player is pretty good. other than then that the band is nothing
  63. nickc
    Dec 6, 2006
    1
    Generic pop-screamo. Copletely unlistenable, regurgitated grabage. Why one would suffer to listen to this agonizingly empty vapid band is quite beyond me. Ridiculous overproduction and Pro-Tools don't make a good album. A bad singer with auto-tune is still a bad singer. Scream/sing/scream/sing= Lame/Lame. Listen to the Used or the Killers for more of the same.
  64. Joel
    Oct 26, 2006
    1
    Nothing new here, mall punk with annoying Queen style rock.
  65. rotten777
    Mar 10, 2008
    1
    Pathetic fashion rock playing to the minds of young teens and guys who think its ok to wear makeup. Songwriting is terrible. The execution is terrible and typical of something you'd see on MTV.
  66. mukoron
    Nov 14, 2006
    1
    suxk!!
  67. JohnnyT
    Dec 10, 2006
    1
    I don't get it. I saw these guys play in a garage two years ago and a year later they're number one on TRL. We've all seen where this goes. The Baha Men, anyone? But instead of retiring to the used bin like the boys from Jamaica, MCR somehow still get people to buy into this crap.
  68. 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!?!
  69. 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
  70. MikeR
    Sep 24, 2008
    1
    This album fails from the first song. The music feels manufactured and is a huge cliche for the Emo genre.
  71. WayneU
    Oct 25, 2006
    0
    They cite Queen and System of a Down as influences on the new album and people relate it to "American Idiot", its just too bad that this pop punk orchestral pretentious record is nothing more than a band's desperate attempt at mediocrity.
  72. JudS.
    Jan 20, 2007
    0
    No. No. No. These ratings are way too high. Emo gets its name from "emotional," but all music is supposed to express some sort of emotion. So what is it that defines emo music? No amount of skillful instrumentation or melodies can compensate for the music's core message: unadulterated crybaby bullshit. If you are a whiny teenager who enjoys creating drama where drama doesn't No. No. No. These ratings are way too high. Emo gets its name from "emotional," but all music is supposed to express some sort of emotion. So what is it that defines emo music? No amount of skillful instrumentation or melodies can compensate for the music's core message: unadulterated crybaby bullshit. If you are a whiny teenager who enjoys creating drama where drama doesn't exist, then by all means buy this record.… Expand
  73. MikeyC
    Jan 2, 2007
    0
    To put it bluntly, My Chemical Romance is a massive step towards leading all the impressionable youth of the world to be musically ignorant. MCR have repeatedly overused lyrical themes (ie. anyone sick of Death, Drugs, Guns?), and they have blantantly stolen guitar from Queen. Try and pick out what song it is. Come on. If anyone reading this even REMOTELY considers purchasing this album, To put it bluntly, My Chemical Romance is a massive step towards leading all the impressionable youth of the world to be musically ignorant. MCR have repeatedly overused lyrical themes (ie. anyone sick of Death, Drugs, Guns?), and they have blantantly stolen guitar from Queen. Try and pick out what song it is. Come on. If anyone reading this even REMOTELY considers purchasing this album, please, look beyond the top 30 charts for a better band and check out Radiohead or Muse or something.… Expand
  74. JoshuaM
    Mar 10, 2008
    0
    Absolute pop-punk filth. Cliched lyrics, annoying vocals. Talentless, soulless schlock.
  75. DrunkenMaster
    Nov 2, 2006
    0
    If this album is the "soundtrack to your life" you should kill yourself. NOW.
  76. JeffG
    Nov 28, 2006
    0
    Whiny- Ass Emo Bitch Music!!!
  77. GuyH
    Oct 24, 2006
    0
    Ok - I'm only reviewing the single but if that is any indication of the 'quality' to be found on this disc then it deserves a screeching, flouncy, unimaginative, soulless ZERO!
  78. steve
    Oct 25, 2006
    0
    Well said, Todd W. It's amazing, how derivative, uninventive and plain boring pop music has become. By all appearences, today's youth hasn't got one original idea musically, and doesn't call for one either. Pitiful pretension all over the place, the single authentic message being: "I'm a product, buy me, I'm just as dumb as you. "
  79. DubyaU
    Oct 25, 2006
    0
    Want artsy and exciting music with high pitch vocals and screamies? Stick to the Blood Brothers, this rubbish is nothing but a new CD for the kiddies to pick up cause it's "cool." The can posture and look as odd as they like, but they aren't good enough to back it up musically.
  80. whatever
    Jun 11, 2007
    0
    The Observer review says all. Unimaginative, uncreative and plain boring. The world didn't need a band covering/riping-off "The Wall" or "Sgt. Pepper's" for the millionth time... specially one with annoying emo kids... PS: Stop tagging this as alternative rock!!!
  81. Nib
    Nov 8, 2006
    0
    "The Black Parade" is one of the worst songs i've ever heard!!!! It can't decide what song it wants to be and spends 3 minutes changing it's mind. It starts off as a poor Green Day, changes into a second rate Blink 182, then switches to an awful Queen tribute band. At one point it seems the songs speeds up so much, the lead singer Gerard Way-overated, seems to struggle to "The Black Parade" is one of the worst songs i've ever heard!!!! It can't decide what song it wants to be and spends 3 minutes changing it's mind. It starts off as a poor Green Day, changes into a second rate Blink 182, then switches to an awful Queen tribute band. At one point it seems the songs speeds up so much, the lead singer Gerard Way-overated, seems to struggle to catch up like a drunk 14 year old a karaoke contest. This band are appaling and the sooner the radio stations take them off their playlists and we forget about them the better.… Expand
  82. Fred
    Dec 14, 2006
    0
    this album was such a huge letdown, the singing is soooo boring and most of the tunes are iritating, this album will never touch the awsomeness of MCRs"I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love" P.S i dident say all that cuase i dont like emo music, cuase i do... but this album is awful
  83. 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
  84. jim
    Oct 26, 2006
    0
    if you love music, than you will hate this. and btw nme: american idiot is not a good album.
  85. Cretni
    Jan 28, 2007
    0
    This is what is wrong with music today.
  86. RigobertoR
    Mar 19, 2009
    0
    Terrible music, pretentious and awful record.
  87. TomP
    Oct 28, 2006
    0
    The former underground kings of emo turned Queen cover band deliver a disc full of cheesy powerpop with lyrics that rival Aaron Carter. Fashioncore taken to a new low.
  88. AlexW.
    Oct 14, 2007
    0
    This album was an assault on my ears. No musicality or talent beyond working an overwrought 'emo' image that is slowly but surely falling out of favour.
  89. SteveG
    Jan 27, 2007
    0
    Why does everone think this band is so good?! Just listen to the guys voice.
  90. Matt
    Nov 11, 2006
    0
    Shit production for something made in 2006, whining, shit voice, shit guitar work, shit song structures and wont stand the test of time, ever to people who think their die hard MCR fans today, 10 years time no one will ever remember it unlike metallicas, megadeths and slayers first albums.
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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 »