Aaaah, Day of the Dead. The time for us to light up some incense, put photos and intentions of those loved ones who have passed on onto our mantles, and celebrate their memories through whatever ritual we see fit. Some people celebrate with feasts full of grand spreads of food and drink. Some celebrate more humbly, quietly lighting candles and saying prayers for protection and love from those souls already crossed over. Maybe you do a little of both, but whatever you do, we can guarantee you’d like a little music to help set the mood for remembrance and honoring of the dead. Check out this list and let us know what else you would add!
- My Chemical Romance – “Welcome to the Black Parade”
There’s nothing like a little emo to get you in the mood to honor the dead, and MCR brings it in spades. To be fair, we could have included the lion’s share of their discography, but this little nugget encapsulates everything you need.
2. Against Me! – “Dead Friend”
What better way to honor the dead than with a song about losing a friend and the subsequent emotions that come along with that loss? It was a toss up between this and “Two Coffins” for sure.
3. Hollywood Undead – “Day of the Dead”
There is no commentary necessary on this one. It was an obvious choice.
4. Breaking Benjamin – “Diary of Jane”
How many times has this banger come on and make us all wish we knew who Jane was and why Ben Burnley was trying so hard to find his place in her diary? Clearly, they meant something to each other. And this song illustrates perfectly the longing and missing of someone who passed while still dealing with the uncertainty of their meaning to each other after Jane’s passing.
5. Pearl Jam – “Last Kiss”
This song pulls at all the feeling strings dealing with love, loss, and what the ever after may bring.
6. Zeal & Ardor – “Come on Down”
This one isn’t a super feel-good track, but the idea of honoring those who have passed is thick in the lyrics. Also present is the idea that the narrator knows that his day is coming. This band does not get enough love, and with their powerful lyrics and sound, we hope that changes soon. It was a toss up between this and “Devil is Fine.”
7. Dropkick Murphys – “Jimmy Collins Wake”
Is there a better send-off and remembrance of those we have lost than a night in a pub, few brews in hand, and living a life full of good spirits up until our day comes to depart? Nope. There isn’t.
