Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge – My Chemical Romance

Year Released: 2004

Label: Reprise

Year Bought: 2012

Yes it's been a while but fear not, I am back on my odyssey to listen to all the records I own.

Today it's a hit of emo from one of the titans of the genre. 'Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge' is the second album by My Chemical Romance, and reached my ears when it was released via my younger sister, who was massively into all this.

Back in 2004 I acted all aloof about this whole genre, which seemed to me to be the aural equivalent of throwing a teenager tantrum after your mum had told you to clean your room. Yet there were some good tunes.

'I'm Not OK (I Promise)' was the big radio/video hit, and I did like it even back then — even if I kept that to myself.

I really got into MCR when they released the follow-up to this - 'The Black Parade' - but never got round to getting this album until 2012.

It kicks off with 'Helena', which is an absolutely rollocking, ridiculous, over-the-top start to an album. But this is a guy who gave 'Bat Out Of Hell' 10/10 so I'm all for it.

The album rushes on, and it's not until track 4, 'You Know What They Do To Guys Like Us In Prison' that it slows down a bit.

Aside from 'Helena' and 'I'm Not OK (I Promise)', the stand out tracks are 'Thank You For The Venom' – which has a killer chorus – and 'Interlude', where Gerard Way actually sounds a bit like Thom Yorke.

The rest of the album doesn't do it for me. It's just all a bit lazy. The production is horrible except on the tracks I've mentioned. It's just too dense.

'It's Not A Fashion Statement, It's A Deathwish' is a prime example. There's a great tune in there somewhere, but the vocal delivery is all too breathless and the drumming overpowers everything. It's like the band is at war with itself.

When the band aren't sure what to do they just drop out a bit then drop back in. 'Cemetery Drive' is another case in point. It has interesting verses, but then it's back to the 'Press In Case Of A Chorus' button on the sound desk.

5/10

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