Here are 11 underrated emo albums from the early 2000s that you absolutely need on vinyl.
This list includes albums from well-known emo bands that deserve more recognition. Many of these albums may have been overshadowed by more popular releases.
A debut album from a band such as My Chemical Romance often gets overlooked when it is followed by two stellar releases that every emo fan seems to cherish.
READ MORE: 11 Essential Early 2000s Emo Albums Everyone Needs on Vinyl
The era saw several emo bands signed by major record labels, only to be dropped shortly after. Bands like Saves The Day experienced this fate but still managed to release some great albums that may have gone unnoticed without the backing of a major label.
Here is a look at some underrated emo albums that might have slipped past you in the early 2000s.
Armor For Sleep, What to Do When You Are Dead (2005)
Key tracks: “Car Underwater,” “The Truth About Heaven,” “Remember to Feel Real”
Buy it here.
From Autumn To Ashes, Abandon Your Friends (2005)
Vagrant Records
Key tracks: “Sugar Wolf,” “Where Do You Draw The Line,” “Placentapede”
Buy it here.
The Get Up Kids, Guilt Show (2004)
Vagrant Records
Key tracks: “How Long is Too Long,” “Man of Conviction,” “The One You Want”
Buy it here.
Jets to Brazil, Perfecting Loneliness (2002)
Jade Tree Records
Key tracks: “You’re the One I Want,” “Cat Heaven,” “Perfecting Loneliness”
Buy it here.
Jimmy Eat World, Chase the Light (2007)
Key tracks: “Let it Happen,” “Big Casino,” “Always Be”
Buy it here.
Matchbook Romance, Stories and Alibis (2003)
Epitaph Records
Key tracks: “Promise,” “My Eyes Burn,” “The Greatest Fall of All Time”
Buy it here.
My Chemical Romance, I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love (2002)
Eyeball Records
Key tracks: “Honey This Mirror Isn’t Big Enough for the Two of Us,” “Vampires Will Never Hurt You,” “Demolition Lovers”
Buy it here.
The Promise Ring, Wood/Water (2002)
Key tracks: “Stop Playing Guitar,” “Size of Your Life,” “Become One Anything One Time”
Buy it here.
Rainer Maria, A Better Version of Me (2001)
Polyvinyl Records
Key tracks: “Artificial Light,” “Thought I Was,” “Hell and High Water”
Buy it here.
Saves The Day, Sound the Alarm (2006)
Vagrant Records
Key tracks:“Head for the Hills,” “The End,” “Diseased”
Buy it here.
Taking Back Sunday, Where You Want to Be(2004)
Vagrant Records
Key tracks: “A Decade Under the Influence,””This Photograph Is Proof (I Know You Know),” “Set Phasers To Stun”
Buy it here.
Many of these acts gained widespread attention after they were featured on the Vans Warped Tour. Some of them, including Jimmy Eat World, are even set to return to the traveling festival in 2026.
Here is a look back at what the Warped Tour has looked like over the past few years, along with classic images of some of your favorite emo and punk bands.
30 Photos From 30 Years of the Vans Warped Tour
Looking back at photos of the Vans Warped Tour in celebration of its 30th anniversary!
The tour plans to celebrate its 30th anniversary with shows in Washington, D.C.; Long Beach, California and Orlando in 2025.
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll
Looking back at photos of the Vans Warped Tour in celebration of its 30th anniversary!
The tour plans to celebrate its 30th anniversary with shows in Washington, D.C.; Long Beach, California and Orlando in 2025.
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll