Ah, the emo/scene phase. Ripped colored skinny jeans, band tees, converse, and fake piercings...because our parents never let us get septums pierced in middle school.
Many of us went through this phase, or are still going through it. (Like me, I'm 19 and still jammin' out to MCR)
Music plays a tremendous part in emo/scene culture. Here are 10 of some of my personal favorite teen angsty tunes that will hopefully bring back good memories...and not cringey ones.
1. "Shake It" by Metro Station
A classic bop that always got me running to the dance floor during a middle school shindig, literally shaking it...no pun intended. This song was a most played track on my iPod Nano, and it still always gets me in a happy mood.
Also...am I the only one who is still wondering what happened to this band?
2. "I'm Not Okay (I Promise)" by My Chemical Romance
MCR is one of my all-time favorite bands. This was the type of tune you would play as soon as you got home from school on a bad day. Right after you tell your parents that they don't understand you as you run to your room and slam your door, you would blast this and sing along at the top of your lungs. (No one? Just me? Okay)
By the way, I still have a huge crush on Gerard Way.
3. "Sugar, We're Going Down" by Fall Out Boy
FOB was one of those bands that really helped me transition into the emo/scene community. I still have fond memories of confidently singing along to lyrics I couldn't even understand...which ended up sounding like gibberish.
4. ANY BLINK-182 SONG
Blink 182 is one of the most relatable bands I have ever come across. They pretty much have a song for any moment in your teenage life. From family problems, dating, partying, friends, etc...there's probably a Blink song for it. You aren't truly and emo unless you played "I Miss You" on repeat for hours after your crush dated someone else.
5. "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World
A classic tune from a very underrated band. Unlike most of the songs on this list, "The Middle" is a genuinely uplifting song that personally helps me out when I'm having a bad day. It basically talks about not letting the haters let you down, something everyone needs to hear!
6. "Bulletproof Love" by Pierce the Veil
I initially got into this band because the members were Latino. (Latin pride y'all!) I always used to mix up Vic Fuentes' voice with Kellin Quinn's...don't even try to say you didn't at one point!
I don't think anyone truly grows out of their emo/scene phase 100%. There will always be bits and pieces laying around in our hearts, which is nothing to be ashamed of. These songs were our childhood! They grew up with us.
Want to reminisce? Here's a playlist.
