If you’re a fan of emo and indie rock, you probably love Dashboard Confessional. Their heartfelt lyrics and acoustic melodies have resonated with many. Here are 17 bands and artists with a similar vibe that you should definitely check out. For more on Dashboard Confessional, click here.
1. Taking Back Sunday
Taking Back Sunday is known for their emotionally charged lyrics and powerful guitar riffs. Popular songs include “Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut from the Team)” and “MakeDamnSure.” Their album Tell All Your Friends is a staple in the emo genre.
2. Brand New
Brand New offers a raw and introspective take on emo rock. Their albums Deja Entendu and The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me feature hits like “Sic Transit Gloria… Glory Fades” and “Jesus Christ.”
3. Jimmy Eat World
Jimmy Eat World blends emo with alternative rock, creating a sound that’s both catchy and deep. Bleed American and Futures are must-listen albums, featuring songs like “The Middle” and “Pain.”
4. The Get Up Kids
The Get Up Kids are pioneers in the emo genre, known for their energetic performances and heartfelt lyrics. Their album Something to Write Home About includes classics like “Holiday” and “Action & Action.”
5. Something Corporate
Something Corporate combines piano rock with emo elements, creating a unique sound. Songs like “I Woke Up in a Car” and “Punk Rock Princess” from their album Leaving Through the Window are fan favorites.
6. Saves The Day
Saves The Day has been a staple in the emo scene since the late ’90s. Albums like Stay What You Are and Through Being Cool feature hits such as “At Your Funeral” and “Shoulder to the Wheel.”
7. Thursday
Thursday brings a post-hardcore edge to emo, with powerful vocals and intricate guitar work. Their album Full Collapse includes standout tracks like “Understanding in a Car Crash” and “Cross Out the Eyes.”
8. The Early November
The Early November mixes emo with indie rock, creating a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Songs like “Ever So Sweet” and “I Want to Hear You Sad” from their album The Room’s Too Cold are essential listens.
9. Motion City Soundtrack
Motion City Soundtrack combines pop-punk with emo, resulting in catchy yet meaningful songs. Their album Commit This to Memory features hits like “Everything Is Alright” and “Hold Me Down.”
10. Hawthorne Heights
Hawthorne Heights is known for their emotional lyrics and powerful guitar work. Their album The Silence in Black and White includes popular songs like “Ohio Is for Lovers” and “Niki FM.”
11. Mayday Parade
Mayday Parade offers a blend of emo and pop-punk, with heartfelt lyrics and catchy tunes. Albums like A Lesson in Romantics feature hits such as “Jamie All Over” and “Miserable at Best.”
12. The Used
The Used combines post-hardcore with emo, resulting in a raw and powerful sound. Their self-titled debut album includes tracks like “The Taste of Ink” and “Buried Myself Alive.”
13. Paramore
Paramore blends emo with pop-punk, creating an energetic and catchy sound. Albums like Riot! and Brand New Eyes feature hits like “Misery Business” and “Ignorance.”
14. AFI
AFI, or A Fire Inside, combines gothic elements with emo and punk rock. Their album Sing the Sorrow includes standout tracks like “Girl’s Not Grey” and “The Leaving Song Pt. II.”
15. All Time Low
All Time Low offers a pop-punk take on emo, with catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Albums like So Wrong, It’s Right feature hits such as “Dear Maria, Count Me In” and “Remembering Sunday.”
16. Fall Out Boy
Fall Out Boy blends emo with pop-punk and alternative rock, creating a unique and catchy sound. Albums like From Under the Cork Tree feature hits like “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and “Dance, Dance.”
17. My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance is known for their theatrical and emotionally charged music. Albums like The Black Parade and Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge include iconic songs such as “Welcome to the Black Parade” and “Helena.”