Songs that would sound great emo - Volume One

This article is pretty simple. It is an exploration of songs that would sound amazing as emo versions. Its purpose is not to take away from the original. Its purpose is to explore the possibility of the lyrics. Readers of this blog should have an incredible imaginary internal scream. And an ability to imagine themselves or their favourite band singing other artists' songs. This will be the first instalment of songs that would sound great emo.

These songs have been chosen for their catchy chorus and heartbreak-themed lyrics. Our intention is not to write the track list for the next punk goes pop album. But if they're reading, take notes. We believe songs of this nature would sound perfect as covers.

Sit back and delve into Curtain Drawn Summers picks for 'Songs that would sound great emo' - Volume one. Let's take a trip through decades of incredible music and imagine for one moment that there is only one style!

Billy Ocean- Love Really Hurts Without You

This 1976 timeless classic is nothing short of incredible. Released under the umbrella of British soul, it quickly gained success, reaching a modest height of #2 in the UK singles chart. However, number 5 in the track listing of the self-titled debut album of Billy Ocean, 'Love Really Hurts Without You, is by far the most memorable.

Let us explore some of the reasons why Curtain Drawn Summer has chosen its inclusion in this list.

#1- Theme. 'Love Really Hurts Without You is clearly a song about the difficulties of Love. The song is peppered with words like Hurt, Pain and Breaking. Terms that are consistent with emo music. Painful Love and loss are themes that appear in almost every emo song created. We challenge you to find one alternative band that doesn't have any of these words in their discography.

#2- Catchy Lyrics. What would an emo anthem be without insanely catchy lyrics? Ocean uses straightforward and memorable lyrics in the chorus of this song. Make it an inevitable candidate for future alternative reincarnation. If you are unfamiliar with the hook. Here it is.

"Baby, Love really hurts without you,
Love really hurts without you,
And it's breaking my heart,
But what can I do, baby,

Love really hurts without you,
Love really hurts through and through
And it's breaking my heart
But what can I do without you."

Try telling us that this level of simple wording wouldn't sound amazing with an emo backing track and screamo vocals. Most alternative bands could do wonders with this track.

#3- Legacy. Because this song originated and found the most popularity in the UK. Unsurprisingly, it has featured at most family functions for decades. You would find it difficult to find a wedding or family reunion in the UK where the DJ doesn't spin this classic.
If it was to be revamped with a few pig squeals. Who's to say it wouldn't live on through new generations of alternative families? Long live 'Love Really Hurts Without You.'

Nazareth- Love Hurts

Not a million miles apart from our last selection. Nazareth's version of 'Love Hurts' was released in the same era. Released in 1974. It is clear that both the English and Scottish were feeling a little bit hurt by Love in the 70s. It may be that the 60s' Free Love' mantra had long since disappeared by 1974. Perhaps that's why the Everly Brothers' original version in 1960 did not see the song immortalized until it was covered by Nazareth over a decade later. Let's look at some of this emotional classic's reoccurring words and themes.

Disclaimer- (We are well aware this song has been covered multiple times. We feel this version would be the best one to cover for the modern-day emo genre)

#1- Themes. Much like Billy Oceans 'Love Really Hurts Without You, 'Love Hurts' uses repetition of heartbreak-themed words such as Hurts, Scars, Pain and blue to paint a picture of agony causing love. These themes are used across all genres. However, 'Love Hurts' lyrical ability to portray pain in its purest form deserves emo admiration.

#2- Lyrics. These need no explanation for why they would sound immense as an emo track.

Love hurts, love scars
Love wounds and marks
Any heart
Not tough or strong enough
To take a lot of pain, take a lot of pain
Love is like a cloud
Holds a lot of rain
Love hurts
Ooh, ooh, Love hurts

#3- Screamability. Yes. 'Love Hurts' is so emotional that we can even make up words to describe its potential. Anyone who is a fan of emo music. Will be able to see how this song could sound great as an emo version. You don't even need to know the original. One glance at those lyrics. You would assume it was a hidden Silverstein song.

For these reasons, ' Love Hurts' comfortably makes it onto volume one of 'Songs That Would Sound Great Emo.' So far, we have explored the 70s and given an emo producer lots to work with. You're welcome. Let's see what the 80s had to offer for our future emo music production.

The Smiths- Asleep

British rock four-piece left a legacy of emotional dependence on their music. The use of upbeat music alongside morbid lyrics was a revelation. However, the release of 'Asleep' was a little bit different. It did not make it onto the primary record 'The Queen Is Dead (1986). Instead, it was found in the additional recording section but gained a cult following after its release. Could it be argued that those who loved it. If born a decade later, would they have become emos? Either way, there is no question that this track would do great as an emo cover. Let's discuss why.

#1 Lyrics. 

Sing me to sleep
Sing me to sleep
I'm tired and I
I want to go to bed
Sing me to sleep
Sing me to sleep
And then leave me alone
Don't try to wake me in the morning
'Cause I will be gone
Don't feel bad for me
I want you to know
Deep in the cell of my heart
I will feel so glad to go
Sing me to sleep
Sing me to sleep
I don't want to wake up on my own anymore
Sing to me
Sing to me
I don't want to wake up on my own anymore
Don't feel bad for me
I want you to know
Deep in the cell of my heart
I really want to go
There is another world
There is a better world
Well, there must be
Well, there must be
Well, there must be
Well, there must be
Bye
Bye
Bye
Bye, hmm

Do we need to say more about the lyrics?


#2- Darkness. The Smiths often used dark themes in their music. This is a prime example. It is a slow-paced song, but given the right backing track, these lyrics could be transformed into an emo anthem that would last for generations. We believe music would be vital in reviving this song for modern-day emotional music. We hope the day comes when someone does it.

These are three examples of songs we think would be perfect for emo covers. The list is endless, and we look forward to exploring more as time progresses. But, again, we do not intend to remove anything from the original songs. They were chosen because we love the originals.

That's going to be it for the first instalment. So please get involved and tell us your top picks for songs you would love to hear emo covers of. We will be back with Volume 2 soon. At Curtain Drawn Summer, we live for music and a particular lifestyle. So we will continue to make content for you to enjoy. We appreciate you taking the time to read our thoughts and opinions.