Emo music can be seen as the music of 'lost souls', and has become a popular favorite among many teens who aren't exactly sure of where and how they want to fit in. Much like blues music, emo is about expressing melancholy feelings through songs. Many emo songs deal with heartache and depression just like the blues, but with a more modern rock sound to them. In fact, emo music originally began as a branch of punk rock in the mid-80's (despite that many punk artists may prefer that it didn't).

Most punk artists hate emo artists with an extreme passion. Emo can reflect an overly serious and very negative view of the world, which many people can get sick of easily. Many emo artists put out songs that show little or no inspirational thought whatsoever in their lyrics, which come off as the rantings of a self-loathing and hopeless group of people. Although a little emotion is great for music, an overabundance of emotions can be seen as repetetive, unintelligent, and annoying. So how can anyone take this type of music seriously? Well. . .  you can't! And that's not the point!

Emo artists argue that their music needs to be interpreted in a sarcastic and humerous way, rather than be taken seriously. This way of thinking makes the genre seem much more fun and entertaining than its sad lyrics can let on. Emo as we know it today has essentially become a practical joke of itself, where many bands intentionally put out ridiculous songs for the sake of being ridiculous and knowing it. Instead of merely retelling sad feelings experienced, emo overemphasizes the feelings so much that they seem silly and pointless to begin with.

What's more is that over the years, emo has grown further than just its music and has developed into a whole sub-culture. We're sure you've seen the emo look around: thick-framed glasses, tight sweater, tight jeans, worn out Chuck Taylor sneakers. The look has become so popular that many people have used the emo look without even recognizing it.

So, if you're into having some fun with your image, and want to listen to some exciting music filled with intentional irony and humor, give emo a try. The trick is to say you enjoy it by telling people you don't enjoy it, but you actually enjoy it anyway. It takes a little getting used to.