If you want to listen to Western emo music, start here! A list of overseas emo bands
Even when we say “emo,” there are a variety of interpretations.
Sometimes the bands themselves don’t embrace the label, and fans may be divided, but in this article we focused on bands that are widely recognized and loved as emo bands.
When you think of emo, the common image might be introspective lyrics that pour in everyday emotions paired with melodic, dark tunes.
Still, this article highlights a broad range—from bands leaning more alternative to those closer to pop-punk.
From the timeless staples to the hidden gems, we’ve selected many bands, so be sure to give them a listen!
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If you want to listen to Western emo, start here! A list of overseas emo bands (11–20)
Two Is Better Than OneBoys Like Girls
Formed in Massachusetts in 2005, Boys Like Girls are a band that embodies the next generation of alternative rock, incorporating elements of emo pop and pop punk.
Their 2006 debut album, “Boys Like Girls,” was a major hit, selling over 700,000 copies and establishing a commanding presence.
They gained massive popularity among young listeners, even reaching No.
1 on MTV’s Total Request Live.
In 2009, their collaboration with Taylor Swift achieved a remarkable milestone, peaking at No.
18 on the Billboard Hot 100.
After a hiatus starting in 2013, they returned in 2023 with the new album “SUNDAY AT FOXWOODS,” resuming their activities with renewed energy.
With heartwarming melodies and lyrics themed around love and growth, their music is perfect for introspective moments.
Sad Song ft. Elena CoatsWe The Kings
Formed by best friends from Florida, We The Kings is a pop-punk band that made their debut in 2007 with the album “We The Kings.” Armed with catchy melodies and an energetic sound, they’ve thrived across a wide range of styles from pop punk to emo pop.
In 2008, they won “Best Pop Punk Artist” at the Rock on Request Awards, and in 2012 they also took home a music video award at the O Music Awards.
The band’s name was inspired by the school all the members attended, among other unique anecdotes.
Their collaboration with Demi Lovato drew significant attention, and they also completed a successful world tour with Simple Plan.
They’re a perfect fit for listeners seeking introspective lyrics paired with a melodic sound.
Head In The Ceiling FanTitle Fight
Hailing from Kingston, Pennsylvania, the rock band Title Fight has captivated a wide range of listeners with a musical palette that spans from hardcore punk to shoegaze.
Since forming in 2003, they have built a distinctive artistic world centered around Jamie Rhoden.
They made their album debut in 2011 with Shed, and expanded their sound on the subsequent albums Floral Green and Hyperview, growing into a leading presence in the scene.
Their melodic yet introspective lyrics and dark melodies have earned them high acclaim as standard-bearers of the emo scene.
Lauded by music media, the band is currently on hiatus, but each member continues to pursue new musical endeavors.
Their songs, which delicately capture subtle emotions, are perfect for anyone seeking music that truly resonates.
Cute Without the “E”Taking Back Sunday
The 2000s produced many bands considered emo, but when asked to name the most achingly bittersweet “’00s emo,” don’t many people immediately think of Taking Back Sunday? Formed in 1999, they released their debut album, Tell All Your Friends, in March 2002 on Victory Records, a prestigious label known for hardcore and punk.
In Japan, they were introduced as the junior labelmates of Thursday, who were already a popular band at the time.
Their major-label debut, Louder Now, released in 2006, was a huge hit, soaring to No.
2 on the U.
S.
charts and propelling them into top-tier status.
Making the most of their distinctive twin-vocal style, their melodies and guitar sound—like youth itself transformed directly into music—can only be described as truly emo!
The Quiet Things That No One Ever KnowsBrand New
The emo rock band Brand New from New York State, USA, continues to captivate many listeners with an inventive sound that transcends genre boundaries.
Since forming in 2000, their music—blending emo, post-hardcore, and indie rock—has garnered support across generations.
They released their debut album, Your Favorite Weapon, in 2001, and achieved a major breakthrough with the follow-up, Deja Entendu.
Their 2006 album, The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me, received high praise for its introspective depth and is regarded as a landmark of the modern emo scene.
In 2017, their album Science Fiction reached No.
1 in the U.
S.
Highly recommended for rock fans seeking emotionally rich lyrics and dynamic sound.
Amnesia5 Seconds of Summer
A pop-punk band from Australia that’s hugely popular not only in their home country but around the world, including Japan.
Also known by the nickname “5SOS,” they’re an indispensable presence in the pop-punk scene since the 2010s.
Because of their good looks and their connection to their agency seniors One Direction, they’re sometimes treated like a boy band, but they’re a bona fide band who play their instruments and handle songwriting and composing.
From catchy, up-tempo pop-punk to tender ballads, they can do it all—but their greatest appeal lies in their achingly emotional, bittersweet melodies.
Set aside any preconceptions and give them a listen.
If you want to listen to Western emo music, start here! A list of overseas emo bands (21–30)
Doom In Full BloomAmerican Football
American Football is a band from the United States that releases songs centered on math rock.
Although they initially operated as a studio-only recording project, they have been actively performing live since 2014.
Their appeal lies in a dreamlike atmosphere where the delicacy of math rock blends with emotional melodic lines.