It’s a few days into the month, but October may as well be deemed national emo music month. Though the genre has become sort of an umbrella term in years past, we’ve put together a playlist of the genre’s staples new and old. So as the leaves turn and the weather grays, here are 31 songs for October.
Here are a sample of the most standout tracks, but make sure to give the whole playlist a listen.
- “Never Saw It Coming” by Tigers Jaw
From the Scranton-based group’s 2010 self-titled album, “Never Saw It Coming” is one of Tigers Jaw’s most recognizable songs. The self-aware lyrics make this song hit a little too close to home for anyone who has ever been in love, “I learned about falling in love when I fell out of love.” So when your summer romance comes to an end on a cold October evening, listen to this tune and you’ll probably feel hopeful, or something.
2. “Snack Attack” by A Great Big Pile of Leaves
Sure, this is a bit unorthodox in the sense of traditional emo music, but it stills falls under the big umbrella that is the genre as if they semblance to bands Into it. Over It. and empire! empire! The snaps and “ooo-oohs” that lead into the song are enough to put anyone in a good mood. However, despite the relatively upbeat demeanor the song has, it’s about a romantic relationship that’s on the rocks. (If you’re starting to notice a trend, that’s because you are).
3. “Get Bummed Out” by Sports
Female-fronted Sports is no short of emo excellence. The happy-ish tone of the song makes you just wanna get up and dance even though you are probably sad. Though running shy of two and a half minutes, this’ll just put you in some weird mood where you’re happy but trying to figure out who has wronged you and want to cut them out of your life to have a better life.
4. “Pine” by Basement
And to round off a preview of the songs, we go across the pond to Ipswich, England. Basement blends '90s grunge with a modern emo twist. “Pine” is a song of self-reflection, “I hate myself but that’s OK” rattles from lead-singer Andrew Fisher. Anyone who is in a tough spot in life can listen to this song and take solace as it makes you feel like you aren’t alone. And even though the song ultimately revolves around the constant need to be wanted but by being wanted by the wrong person, you’ll have it on repeat for an hour.
Now, we for sure missed some staples as we tried to bring you a mix of new, old, unknown and classics. Let us know what we missed by dropping us a tweet.
