Every My Chemical Romance Single Ranked Worst To Best
6. Helena
A song about Gerard and Mikey Way's grandmother who passed away while the band was on tour, the explosive opener to Three Cheers... is a rousing statement about death, loss and perseverance in the face of adversity, themes that would not just characterise the band's second record but go on to characterise the rest of their career.
An understated intro makes way for a rousing punk verse, but despite the heavy riffs and theatrics the song's lyrical content ensures it remains tender throughout, an unlikely marriage of eulogy and rock which the band would go on to capitalise while writing their next record, The Black Parade.
As formative as Helena was on My Chemical Romance's future music, it's a brilliant song on its own right, and remains one of rock's best opening tracks of all time.