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ROCK
My Chemical Romance
"The Black Parade." Reprise. 13 tracks.
Grade: A-

As Queen did for hard rock in the '70s, My Chemical Romance injects flamboyance and variety into the current brand of emotionally charged, hard-edged pop-punk. Just in time, too, since this genre's all starting to sound very similar.

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MCR doesn't always sound like Queen — except for the occasional multi-tracked guitar part or high-pitched harmonies — but the New Jersey quintet with a goth heart stirs emotions, even through the dazzling arrangements and production sheen.

Consider "Welcome to the Black Parade," for instance. It commences with a simple piano figure that is soon sucked into a barrage of martial drums and masses of guitars. It's an epic and tuneful five-minute drama with a kick. It's a little over the top, but that's what makes it so invigorating. Three songs later, the stylishly sad "Cancer" is far less showy but just as affecting. It might have you crying into your old glam rags with its echoes of vintage David Bowie balladry.

Someone get the crown ready because emo has not only found its Queen, it might have found its king.

— Shane Harrison