For some reason, the internet is utterly obsessed with reliving its 2016 glory days. A testament to just how bad 2026 is, or a harmless blast to the past, you decide. Whether you were still taking the bus to school or commuting your way to work as an “elder emo,” you were probably blasting these tracks throughout the year.
From Waterparks‘ massive debut album, Double Dare, to Pierce The Veil‘s Misadventures offerings, these are the songs that defined 2016 for pop-punk, alternative, metal, and indie lovers.
Panic! At The Disco — “Emperor’s New Clothes”
If I say something, you guys can’t get mad at me… But, I think the Death Of The Bachelor era is a close second release to Panic! At The Disco‘s massive debut. I know, I know…big words. However, the DOAB release was nothing short of dynamic, championing Brendon Urie‘s jazz vocals across the LP. Though if you were a goofy little freak like me, you probably listened to “Emperor’s New Clothes” on repeat…half for the soaring rock choruses and half for the half-naked demon prancing around in the music video.
The 1975 — “The Sound”
If you listened to this The 1975 hit on repeat in 2016… might I ask how your fine-line black-rectangle tattoo is doing?
Young The Giant — “Silvertongue”
Indie-pop might have peaked when Young The Giant burst onto the scene. Listeners, young and young at heart, screamed this horny AF song at the top of their lungs in 2016…and I did that too, just now.
Every Time I Die — “Map Change”
R.I.P. Every Time I Die… We still talk about you, especially your 2016 release, Low Teens.
With Confidence — “Voldemort”
With Confidence will always have a special place in our hearts for Better Weather, especially with this music video that’s etched on the insides of my eyelids.
Pierce The Veil — “Floral And Fading”
What we wouldn’t pay to have seen Pierce The Veil play in our local bowling alley in our ripped-up, high-waisted shorts and full glam.
Mom Jeans — “Death Cup”
Mom Jeans‘ “Death Cup” was the song that introduced some newbies to the world of Midwest emo, and for that, we must cherish it.
Waterparks — “Stupid For You”
This Waterparks debut put us all in a trance that I hope we never wake up from. They really are God’s favorite boy band even in 2026.
letlive. — “A Weak Ago”
We thought letlive.‘s If I’m The Devil… would be the last we saw from the Jason Butler-fronted project…but 2026 is a big year for this band’s revival. Thank you, universe.
Modern Baseball — “Just Another Face”
If you were listening to Mom Jeans, this Modern Baseball song was definitely on the same playlist as “Death Cup,” and that playlist def still holds up 10 years later.
twenty one pilots — “Heathens”
After the massive success of 2015’s Blurryface, twenty one pilots kept up their momentum in 2016 with a banger of a tune on the Suicide Squad soundtrack. And it’s a good thing they did, because the movie itself was utterly abysmal—and that’s framing it nicely.
Bastille — “Good Grief”
Bastille defined the music of 2013 with “Pompeii” and then decided they wanted to steal the spotlight in 2016 with “Good Grief,” as well. We’re not mad about it!
K.Flay — “Blood In The Cut”
K.Flay not only ruled our playlists with “Blood In The Cut” and “FML,” but she also ruled my fashion and makeup choices until, well…right now. The bassline of this iconic track definitely activates something in alt kiddos’ brains.
Bad Suns — “Daft Pretty Boys”
Something was in the water in 2016, because these indie-rock bands, including Bad Suns—to put it simply—could only write bangers. Disappear Here remains a 10/10 album even a decade later.
Saint Motel — “Move”
The above indie comment still stands. Saint Motel is allergic to making music that doesn’t make you want to “Move” all day and night.
Frank Iero — “Oceans”
Frank Iero‘s solo era will always be so dear to me, no matter what project name he decided to go by. IYKYK!
Bishop Briggs — “River”
Okay, I’ll say it… “River” was one of the freshest and most exciting debuts of the decade. Fight with me! Plus, the Bishop Briggs space buns were a massive part of my hair rotation… Thank you, queen.
blink-182 — “Bored To Death”
blink-182 is a massive part of every emo, pop-punk, and alternative playlist, and hot take: “Bored To Death” definitely deserves to be played just as much as “All The Small Things.”
Car Seat Headrest — “Fill In The Blank”
Admit it…you moodily listened to this on your iPhone on the way to school or work… Okay, maybe I’m just projecting. But still… Car Seat Headrest will really transform listeners into their most emo selves.
A Day To Remember — “Paranoia”
This is the type of song that I showed my friends, and then their mom called home to my mom. Joke’s on them…my mom was a metalhead!
Andy Black — “We Don’t Have To Dance”
Okay, I’ll say it. Respectfully, this music video served as a sexual awakening for many listeners. Of course, I watched and listened for music, too, but… Andy Black is just so beautiful. And so is this absolute banger!
