Even the best of us are a little bit emo on the inside, and 2019 came to remind us of the angsty teenagers we are at the core. Between the My Chemical Romance reunion, the triple headliner Hella Mega Tour announcement with Greenday, Weezer , and Fallout Boy, and the Frozen II soundtrack featuring Panic! at the Disco on the lead track, it’s clear that this isn’t just a phase – “it’s who we are, mom!”
As the black parade of 2019 winds to a close, there’s one thing I need to confess: I play emo music year-round, even during the holidays. I also have a black Christmas tree, but that’s really beside the point.
Before you call me a Grinch, let me explain. I love the festivities of the holiday season as much as the next person. Driving down streets aglow with twinkling lights, snuggling up on the couch to watch A Muppet Christmas Carol, gathering together with friends and family to reminisce over a cup of cocoa… there’s not much better. But I can only take so many rounds of Jingle Bells before I start to go a little insane (don’t even get me started on Christmas Shoes).
To be honest, the constant “holly jolly” of the radio makes me want to run in the complete opposite direction. My antidote to the Santa Baby over-saturation is to pull on a black hoodie, throw some pop-punk on full blast, and dance around my house in an effort to ground myself again. Life’s all about balance, right?
Christmas isn’t just a phase, mom
Luckily, punk rock and Christmas music aren’t mutually exclusive genres. In fact, there are a surprising amount of songs that occupy this crossover sector of the music world. If you think back to your early adolescent years, there’s a good chance that your favorite emo band released a Christmas album at some point in their career. And if they haven’t, they likely have at least one festive winter single.
Maybe your beloved sad boys released a cover album of traditional classics with their own unique twist, or perhaps a holiday heartbreak inspired a sleigh-full of original tracks to help them get through the season. In either case, a grungy guitar riff and screaming vocals can be a welcome change of pace from the Silver Bells you’ll hear on the radio.
Festive, but make it emo
Now that it’s time to deck the halls, hark! the heralds, and rock around the Christmas tree, here’s a playlist to help you celebrate the holiday season while still embracing your angsty roots. Emo-ho-ho to you and yours, and cheers to a broody new year!
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is screaming loud for all to hear.
Buddy the elf, age 14, probably
What’s your favorite non-traditional holiday album? How are you embracing your inner emo in 2020? Let us know in the comments below!
1 Comment
LOVE this! I’ve been trying to make the perfect Emo/Punk Holiday playlist for years, and this is far better than I’ve ever done. Thank you for sharing! 🤘🏻