Angst-ridden young men slathered in eye makeup have had a built-in following in the rock realm for a number of years, but it takes a lot more than that to draw in a wider audience. These Jersey boys have proven they've got the goods -- namely, a soaring sense of drama and an effortless way with a gripping pop hook -- to reach the masses in a big way, and that's never been clearer than on this ambitious, intriguing disc. Unlike many of his peers, singer Gerard Way isn't afraid to make grand gestures, and he calls upon his inner
Freddie Mercury with aplomb on songs like the sweeping "Mama" -- on which he and duet partner
Liza Minnelli veer from operatic expansiveness to stone-cold-crazy rock furor. Such grandeur pops up frequently in these grooves, from the orchestral glamminess of "The End" -- not the Doors song, but not terribly far away from that classic in spirit -- and the careening title track, which reconciles the band's emo roots with a newfound affinity for Guns N' Roses-styled rock strut. Guitarists Ray Toro and Frank Iero contribute a good bit of the latter attitude, and their increased willingness to kick out the jams adds a surprising depth to sinewy tracks like "Dead!," a welcome change from the unilaterally brooding tone of MCR's earlier offerings. While there's certainly enough soul-searching and darkened-room tone to make old fans smile -- well, at least nod their heads in appreciation --
Waiting for the Black Parade bursts with the sort of questing abandon that proves looking to the past is the last thing on this band's mind.
![Greatest Hits [Bonus Track]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0828768588925_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "Greatest Hits [Bonus Track]")
![Greatest Hits [LP]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0886973692127_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "Greatest Hits [LP]")
