15 Greatest Emo Albums Of All Time

The debut effort from one of modern emo’s best acts, Joyce Manor’s self-titled album is a raw throated, open hearted joyride. A masterpiece of efficiency, the California band need less than 20 minutes to leave a lasting impression with this thrilling record.

Joyce Manor combine the genre’s usual self-examination and revealing song writing with more oblique lyrics. Early highlight “Beach Community” has a sea shanty-esque meter befitting of its subject, and heavy howler “Leather Jacket” digs metaphorically deep in its study of tribalism.

Later on, the band turn world weary (though with the same love of speed and volume) on “Constant Nothing". Best of all is the closer “Constant Headache”, a relative epic at over three minutes long. It’s a relatable tale of unrequited longing with an anguished chorus and an honest to goodness dual guitar solo worthy of Thin Lizzy.

Joyce Manor have gone from strength to strength since, picking up considerable critical and fan support in the process, but nothing as yet tops the debut for raw power and quick fire bursts of bittersweet joy. The future of the genre is more than safe.