Few bands in the emo and pop-punk scene have built a catalog as beloved—and emotionally devastating—as Mayday Parade. Since their 2007 debut, A Lesson In Romantics, the Tallahassee, FL, outfit has delivered heartbreak anthems, nostalgic sing-alongs, and underrated deep cuts. With a discography spanning nearly two decades, ranking their songs—from best to worst, to most underrated, it’s been no easy task.
Here is the best song, worst song, most underrated song, and saddest song in the Mayday Parade discography.
Best Song:
“Jersey”
Choosing the definitive best Mayday Parade song is no small task. Their discography is packed with scene staples—from the gut-punch heartbreak of “Miserable At Best” to the iconic urgency of “Jamie All Over” and the chaotic charm of “Black Cat.” But when it comes to the one song that captures everything the band is about—it’s “Jersey.” If someone had never heard Mayday Parade before, this would be the song to start with.
Worst Song:
“Center Of Attention”
Let’s be honest—Mayday Parade doesn’t really have bad songs. But if we’re forced to choose the weakest link, “Center Of Attention” is it. Now, before you come at us with pitchforks, hear us out. Found on their major label debut, Anywhere But Here, this track lacks the emotional cohesion and lyrical grit that fans connected with on A Lesson In Romantics. While the album itself has grown into a cult favorite over time, “Center Of Attention” still feels like the band trying to fit into someone else’s mold.
Saddest Song:
“One Man Drinking Games”
Sure, “Miserable At Best” may be the go-to crying classic, and “Terrible Things” has ripped out its fair share of hearts—but “One Man Drinking Games” hits differently. The dual vocals of Jason Lancaster and Derek Sanders create a haunting back-and-forth that aches with unresolved pain. The slow build and eventual cathartic release make it one of their catalog’s most emotionally charged tracks. It’s not just sad—it’s cinematic in its sorrow.
Most Underrated Song:
“Sorry, Not Sorry”
Let’s be clear: anything off A Lesson In Romantics is automatically disqualified from being called underrated—no ifs, ands, or buts—it’s a front-to-back masterpiece. But dig a little deeper into their 2014 album Monsters In The Closet, and you’ll find “Sorry, Not Sorry”—a dark horse of a song that deserved way more love. Released during a transitional era in pop-punk and emo, the track brims with sharp hooks and self-aware lyricism. In a discography full of standouts, “Sorry Not Sorry” is a hidden gem waiting to be rediscovered.
