Next stop: Las Vegas. I’m attending this year’s When We Were Young Festival, featuring iconic 2000s and 2010s emo and pop-punk bands. Bands will take the Las Vegas Festival Grounds on Saturday, Oct. 19, covering Sin City with black hearts and eyeliner.
This year’s festival may not be as top-heavy as the past two, but it does have one unique attraction: Most acts are playing an album of theirs in full. How this will work with 50-plus acts across five stages in one day is beyond me, but it’s an example of too much of a good thing being a great thing.
Leading up to the show, I’ve ranked the 40 album playthroughs most worth seeing. If you’re attending, you certainly won’t get to see every set (I know I won’t). But prioritizing the performances will help you get the most out of your experience. In case you missed it, here’s the schedule to help you plan.
Note: I didn’t include Fall Out Boy, as they aren’t slated to play an album in full.
40. 3OH!3 – Want (2008)
Despite their posturing more as an electronic/dance duo, 3OH!3 created a firm legacy in 2000s emo with their breakthrough pop-rock single, “Don’t Trust Me.” The single off their 2008 debut, Want, has become an Emo Nite staple, and will be the highlight of their full-album playthrough.
39. Neck Deep – Life’s Not Out to Get You (2015)
Neck Deep may not be as influential as New Found Glory or All Time Low, but they became frontrunners of the pop-punk genre in the 2010s. Their 2015 album Life’s Not Out to Get You will be worth hearing in full thanks to shiny singles “Can’t Kick Up the Roots” and “Gold Steps.”
38. We the Kings – We the Kings (2007)
We the Kings managed to build a career beyond the magnitude of “Check Yes Juliet.” Yet, this inescapable emo anthem from their first record is going to be their biggest sing-along at When Were Young – along with the sugary pop-punk of “Secret Valentine” and “Skyway Avenue.”
37. Chiodos – All’s Well That Ends Well (2005)
Chiodos is responsible for popularizing gothic post-hardcore in the 2000s along with From First to Last and Scary Kids Scaring Kids. Their beloved full-length All’s Well That Ends Well played a big role in this, and is the obvious choice for a full playthrough at When We Were Young.
36. State Champs – The Finer Things (2013)
One of the finest pop-punk releases of the 2010s, State Champs’ debut record is the epitome of summer Warped Tour vibes. It’s only fitting, then, that it’s coming to When We Were Young in full. “Elevated” and “Remedy” stand the test of time as highlights of this era of pop-punk.
35. Four Year Strong – Enemy of the World (2010)
Easycore doesn’t get much better than Enemy of the World, Four Year Strong’s 2010 record that brought their breakdown-laden pop-punk to the masses. For attendees seeking a middle ground between the festival’s melodic and heavy offerings, it doesn’t get much better than this.
34. Dance Gavin Dance – Mothership (2016)
Dance Gavin Dance is at an odd spot playing Mothership in full, given that it was the peak of their power with now-departed vocalist Tilian Pearson. But the band is known to weather the storm of member changes, and Andrew Wells is armed and ready to tear through this record.
33. Simple Plan – No Pads, No Helmets…Just Balls (2002)
Simple Plan appealed to a younger demographic than most early 2000s pop-punk bands, and those fans are now in their 20s and 30s. What hasn’t changed is the delirium for anthems like “I’d Do Anything” and “I’m Just a Kid,” which we’ll hear in the playthrough of their 2002 release.
32. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – Don’t You Fake It (2006)
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus’ “Face Down” is a relic of the 2000s, mixing pop-punk, hard rock, and post-hardcore in a song catchy enough for radio but with the act’s signature screams. The Emo Nite staple is one of several nostalgic offerings they’ll be playing from Don’t You Fake It.
31. The Devil Wears Prada – Plagues (2007)
The Devil Wears Prada went onto bigger and better things with With Roots Above and Branches Below and Dead Throne, but Plagues holds a special place for metalcore fans. Only “Reptar, King of the Ozone” has remained on setlists since, so it’ll be great to hear the album in totality.
30. Cartel – Chroma (2005)
Cartel is one of the most underappreciated bands of the 2000s, but their dedicated following has ensured a spot in the When We Were Young lineup. Chroma was the band’s strongest achievement, with “Honestly” standing as their biggest hit. It’s no surprise they’re playing this gem of a record.
29. Atreyu – The Curse (2004)
While Thursday and Taking Back Sunday highlight the golden years of Victory Records, it wouldn’t be fair to overlook Atreyu and their 2004 album, The Curse, at When We Were Young. Nothing better encapsulates the era than the screamo-tinged metalcore of “The Crimson.”
28. Armor for Sleep – What to Do When You Are Dead (2005)
Armor for Sleep is the example of ambition perfected. Their 2005 concept record, What to Do When You Are Dead tells the story of a man’s suicide and afterlife through emo-soaked punk. It’s a big reason they’re back together, and they’ll be playing the whole thing at the festival.
27. Senses Fail – Still Searching (2006)
If you’re looking for the Senses Fail album that best reflects the band’s songwriting chops, go with Still Searching. The album that boasted two of their biggest singles, “Can’t Be Saved” and “Calling All Cars.” They’ll be among the standouts when the band plays Still Searching in full.
26. Sleeping with Sirens – Let’s Cheers to This (2011)
Sleeping with Sirens made a name for themselves with “If I’m James Dean, You’re Aubrey Hepburn,” but Let’s Cheers to This stands as their best album – and the best pick for a live set. Without it, Kellin Quinn and co. don’t become scene headliners in the years following.
25. Silverstein – Discovering the Waterfront (2005)
As vast a discography as Silverstein has amassed, there’s a clear fan favorite: Discovering the Waterfront. The 2005 LP features not one, but two sweeping post-hardcore sing-alongs: “Smile in Your Sleep” and “My Heroine.” It’s the obvious choice to play at When We Were Young.
24. Movements – Feel Something (2017)
Movement’s 2017 record Feel Something became an instant classic right away as it hooked listeners emotionally. While one of the newest records being played at this year’s festival, it fits right in with its emo sensibility. Summer may be over, but pink cloud summer is here to stay.
23. Emery – The Weak’s End (2004)
“Are you listening?” Yes, Toby, we still are. Vocalist Toby Morrell begins his band’s career with a bang, and “Walls” continues to be a mainstay of Emery sets 20 years later. The Weak’s End is a potent work of post-hardcore, and it’s going to be on full display at When We Were Young.
22. Saves the Day – Stay What You Are (2001)
Saves the Day had risen from New Jersey basements with their emo classic, Through Being Cool. Their response? Go more emo. 2001’s Stay What You Are is simultaneously darker and more melodic. The hook-laden “At Your Funeral” is the perfect way to kick off their set.
21. Pierce the Veil – Collide with the Sky (2012)
Pierce the Veil would complete their ascent to the scene’s peak in 2012 with Collide with the Sky. It remains their best record – a record that’s aged better than most post-hardcore from its time. What are the odds that Kellin Quinn comes out to join Vic Fuentes for “King for a Day?”
20. Story of the Year – Page Avenue (2003)
“Until the Day I Die” is forever etched in the brains of 2000s emo kids, garnering instant sing-alongs whenever the chorus hits. Story of the Year is much more than a one-hit-wonder, though, with their debut Page Avenue flaunting a wistful post-hardcore/pop-punk style.
19. The Used – In Love and Death (2004)
While I would’ve loved to hear The Used’s self-titled album, the follow-up, In Love and Death, is just as worthy of a full playthrough. Plus, the band is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Born out of personal tragedy, the sophomore release would go on to be The Used’s highest-selling record.
18. Mayday Parade – A Lesson in Romantics (2007)
We only got to hear Mayday Parade’s one-two punch of Derek Sanders and Jason Lancaster on their first record, A Lesson in Romantics, as Lancaster left the band afterward. But hearing Sanders and co. perform staples like “Jamie All Over” and “Jersey” will be just as hard-hitting.
17. Dashboard Confessional – Dusk and Summer (2006)
2006’s Dusk and Summer marked Dashboard Confessional’s full transition from acoustic solo act to full-band rock outfit. Standouts “Don’t Wait” and “Reason to Believe” are apt for the big stage in a big city. We can only hope Dashboard goes full Spider-Man 2 and ends with “Vindicated.”
16. Bayside – Bayside (2005)
I don’t hear enough talk about Bayside’s 2005 self-titled album among the best pop-punk albums of the decade. “Devotion and Desire” is the clear standout, but “Tortures of the Damned” and “Blame It on Bad Luck” round out what should be one of the best sets of the day.
15. Say Anything – …Is a Real Boy (2004)
…Is a Real Boy let us travel deep into Max Bemis’ psychotic mind – he even had a breakdown while recording. Say Anything’s best record features theatrical swagger, unhinged lyrics, and their biggest hit, “Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too” (a surefire sing-along at When We Were Young).
14. August Burns Red – Constellations (2009)
August Burns Red has played Constellations, Leveler, and Rescue & Restore in full before, but it’s Constellations that’s still heads and shoulders above their other releases – and most other metalcore from its time. Prepare yourself for the most moshing of any When We Were Young set.
13. Coheed & Cambria – Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV (2005)
Coheed & Cambria is far from the prototypical emo band at When We Were Young, playing more to the progressive rock crowd. But teenagers who grew up with Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV remember the journey this record took them on, so it’s a seamless fit on the lineup.
12. The Wonder Years – The Greatest Generation (2013)
The Wonder Years just recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of The Greatest Generation, and it’s hard to believe it’s been a decade since the best pop-punk album of the 2010s dropped. Their spot on When We Were Young will only further cement their legacy status in the genre.
11. Saosin – Saosin (2006)
I have a hot take to share: I prefer Saosin with Cove Reber than Anthony Green. That’s because the band’s self-titled record with Reber holds a special place in my heart. With Reber rejoining the band last year, it’ll be a joy to hear the emo-flavored post-hardcore of Saosin in its original form.
10. Anberlin – Never Take Friendship Personal (2005)
As Anberlin’s current vocalist, Matty Mullins will put his spin on Never Take Friendship Personal. Stephen Christian may be irreplaceable, but Mullins is a seasoned veteran. Plus, there’s a chance Stephen flies out for the weekend. Either way, Anberlin is always a can’t-miss set.
9. The Starting Line – Say It Like You Mean It (2002)
Say It Like You Mean It might just be the perfect encapsulation of early 2000s Drive-Thru Records pop-punk. All emo kids know “The Best of Me,” but The Starting Line’s debut disc is brimming with breakup songs and summery sing-alongs. You won’t want to miss their set.
8. Motion City Soundtrack – Commit This to Memory (2005)
Motion City Soundtrack was ahead of their time, focusing on mental illness and existential crisis while other pop-punk acts were obsessed with girls. Commit This to Memory stands as one of the most important emo records of the 2000s, and it’ll make for one of the day’s best sets.
7. New Found Glory – Sticks and Stones (2002)
New Found Glory took Sticks and Stones to intimate clubs for its 10th anniversary in 2012, so playing it again at a Vegas festival will showcase the LP in an entirely different light. No matter the venue, “My Friends Over You” and “Head On Collision” are all-time pop-punk classics.
6. Taking Back Sunday – Tell All Your Friends (2002)
Taking Back Sunday has taken Tell All Your Friends out for anniversary celebrations previously, so hearing the firestorm of teen angst in full will feel familiar to many attendees. But it’s another reminder of how special of an album it is: One of the best encapsulations of emo as a feeling.
5. Thursday – Full Collapse (2001)
Thursday’s Full Collapse was not only the band’s breakthrough record, but it’s also a pillar of the emo movement – one that you’ll hear people call “significant.” “Understanding in a Car Crash” and “Cross Out the Eyes” stand the test of time, even 23 years later at When We Were Young.
4. Jimmy Eat World – Bleed American (2001)
Retitled as Jimmy Eat World following the September 11 attacks, Jimmy Eat World’s 2001 masterpiece would eventually return to its original name, Bleed American. “The Middle” is the pinnacle of emo’s mainstream exposure, but festival attendees will know the album’s every word.
3. Underoath – They’re Only Chasing Safety (2004)
When Underoath reunited in 2016, they toured They’re Only Chasing Safety and Define the Great Line in full. The band may prefer the raw energy of the latter, but it’s the polished screamo sentimentality that makes the former a fan favorite – and a When We Were Young highlight.
2. A Day to Remember – Homesick (2009)
A Day to Remember hasn’t played Homesick in its entirety until now, 15 years after it became one of the scene’s most defining moments. The record was a revelation, merging pop-punk and metalcore into something fresh and fun. Breakdowns and pop choruses have never sounded better.
1. My Chemical Romance – The Black Parade (2006)
It’s the obvious top pick, right? My Chemical Romance is headlining this year’s When We Were Young and playing their iconic 2006 record, The Black Parade. They’ve played the festival before, but breaking out the marching band outfits is going to make for an iconic performance.
The Verbatim 