Kingdom Hearts Goes Emo In New Cover Album

The suggestion of an “emo” take on the Kingdom Hearts soundtrack started as a complete joke. Game music label GameGrooves posted the “announcement” on April Fools Day three years ago, but…there’s an apparent demand for such a thing, and they felt like really making it, so….here it is. If you don’t like it, you only have yourself to blame. The full title is XIII Cheers for Sweet Revenge: Kingdom Hearts Goes Emo (long and convoluted, like a KH title should be). Everything is rendered in the angsty style of a My Chemical Romance album, including “Dearly Beloved” from Kingdom Hearts II, “Hikari” and “Simple and Clean” from the original Kingdom Hearts, “Face my Fears” from the most recent third game, and many others. “What started as an April Fool’s Day joke three years ago has culminated in one of my favorite GameGrooves albums to date,” says GameGrooves producer Allen Brasch. “Given the genre, we decided to open the album to both Disney songs as well as Kingdom Hearts tracks. The

As a longtime fan of both Kingdom Hearts and emo music, I find this crossover incredibly exciting. The Kingdom Hearts soundtrack has always been emotionally charged and blending it with the raw, expressive energy of emo music seems like a perfect match. Tracks like "Simple and Clean" and "Dearly Beloved" already have a deep emotional resonance, and I can only imagine how much more powerful they’ll be with an emo twist. GameGrooves’ decision to include Disney songs as well adds a unique layer, blending nostalgia with a fresh, edgy vibe. I'm eager to hear how they’ve transformed these iconic melodies.

The idea seemed outlandish and gimmicky. But after giving the album a listen, I have to admit that it’s surprisingly good. The emo genre brings a new depth to these familiar songs. “Let it Go” and “Under the Sea” are given new life with a darker, more intense sound. It’s a bold move by GameGrooves, and it shows they aren’t afraid to take risks. Not all tracks work perfectly, but the ones that do are phenomenal. It’s a unique take that fans of both Kingdom Hearts and emo music should check out.

Combining Kingdom Hearts with emo music taps into a deep well of nostalgia and emotion for me. Songs like "Face My Fears" and "Sanctuary" already have a dramatic flair that’s amplified in this new style. I think it’s fantastic that GameGrooves took what started as a joke and turned it into a fully realized project. The creativity and effort put into making this album are evident, and it adds a new layer of enjoyment to these beloved tracks. I’m definitely adding this to my playlist.

While I appreciate the effort and creativity that went into this album, the original charm of the music feels a bit lost in translation. Kingdom Hearts' soundtrack has always been magical and uplifting, and the emo twist makes it feel heavier and more melancholic. It’s interesting, but I’m not convinced it’s an improvement. "Simple and Clean" and "Hikari" have such a unique, delicate beauty that the emo style doesn’t quite capture for me. It’s an intriguing experiment, but I prefer the original versions.

This album isn’t for everyone, but for those of us who have a soft spot for both Kingdom Hearts and emo music, it’s a real treat. The emotional undertones of the Kingdom Hearts soundtrack pair surprisingly well with the emo genre. “Passion” and “Chikai” sound particularly haunting and beautiful. It’s fascinating to hear these tracks reimagined with such a different musical style. GameGrooves has done an excellent job in producing this album, and it’s clear they put a lot of heart into it. I’m really enjoying this nostalgic yet fresh experience.