The Juliana Theory are part groundbreaking melodic emo and part New Kids on the Block. The band was able to “popify” ’90s emo in a way that didn’t detract from the best parts of the genre. They deserve at least some of the credit that often goes solely to The Get Up Kids for influencing the sound of 2000s pop punk/emo. Plus, I bet TJT would take that compliment a lot better than Matt Pryor does.
The Juliana Theory evolved their sound over time and made some great rock’n’roll-meets-emo records on the back half of their initial run as a band. Recently, the band reformed as a duo, consisting of the two members who clearly had ownership of the band name.
So without further ado, we ranked all of The Juliana Theory albums and we’re still not sure if they’re a Christian band.
5. A Dream Away (2021)
After reforming, Brett Detar and Joshua Fielder released this album consisting of one new song and an acoustic/folk/orchestral “reimagining” of many TJT classics. It’s a great listen for diehard fans who want to hear a softer version of songs they love. In general, however, it’s only just okay. And since it’s full of beloved songs, that’s not the best endorsement. It doesn’t ruin the songs at least. It sounds more like a YouTuber doing genre-swap videos. Alex Melton could have crushed this is all I’m saying. The beginning of the video for “We’re at the Top of the World” is pretty sweet though. I won’t spoil it, so definitely check it out. “A Dream Away” showcases how well-written some of these songs are. Personally, my biggest takeaway from this record is that I’m dying for an entire album of different versions of “If I Told You This Was Killing Me, Would You Stop?”
Play it again: “If I Told You This Was Killing Me, Would You Stop?”
Skip it: “Better Now”
4. Love (2003)
Eternally beloved by some, bitterly hated by others. This is Juliana Theory’s most controversial record. It’s likely due to the combination of its ’90s alt-rock influence and the fact that TJT’s third record had to follow up two melodic emo albums that were way ahead of their time. “Do You Believe Me” is an undeniable hit regardless, and the album has grown on many fans over the years. Unfortunately, a lot of tracks on this record really feel phoned in. It’s almost as if the band felt like they were at the top of the world and coasted after the success of that super poppy song from “Emotion is Dead.”
Play it again: “Do You Believe Me”
Skip it: “The Hardest Things”
3. Deadbeat Sweetheart (2005)
Talk about a fucking sleeper hit album. The Juliana Theory figured out the perfect mix of emo and alternative rock on “Deadbeat Sweetheart.” The energy and raw sound of a band rocking out in one room are captured beautifully on this record. Unfortunately, this was in the twilight of the band’s stint in mainstream relevancy so the record didn’t get the chance it deserved. Fortunately, they didn’t “reimagine” any of these gut-punch masterpieces as toothless, whimpering acoustic tracks on their latest album. Don’t get me wrong, toothless and whimpering are great qualities for an acoustic emo track, just not for these songs. If you were a Juliana Theory fan who passed over this one, go back and give it another chance. Especially songs like “Shotgun Serenade,” “Leave Like a Ghost (Drive Away),” and “My Heart is a Soldier.”
Play it again: “My Heart is a Soldier” (particularly the last minute, holy shit)
Skip it: “French Kiss Off”
2. Understand This Is A Dream (1999)
This album is far more influential than it gets credit for. Often, 2000s emo/pop punk bands will cite The Get Up Kids and A New Found Glory (back when they had the “A” in their name) as early influences. One listen to “Understand This Is A Dream” and it’s clear TJT has a place in the Mount Rushmore of bands that inspired the soundtrack to many teens’ 2000s. The fourth spot goes to “I hate myself” by the way. The songs are pretty pitchy and recorded a little loose, which is PERFECT for the genre mix on this album. The slower tracks helped lay the blueprint for the exact type of “emo ballad” that you can still hear in emo and emo-adjacent genres to this day. Check out any early Juliana Theory live recordings you can find to hear these songs at their absolute best.
Play it again: “Constellation”
Skip it: “The Closest Thing”
1. Emotion Is Dead (2000)
So… who’s ready to cry? “Emotion Is Dead” is a non-stop emotional campfire singalong over catchy melodies and earworm hooks. It incorporates even more elements into their sound that countless 2000s emo bands would adopt such as carefully placed screams. TJT plays with structure, harmony, and time signature on this record, with a pop sensibility that nearly no bands in their genre could match at the time. While it would seem to be a cruel fate that the bands this record helped inspire would vastly eclipse TJT in a few short years, at least the band can rest easy knowing their importance in helping shape a mainstream musical revolution that would eventually make “alternative” music the norm. Ya know, or they can rehash their old stuff and tour as half a band. Either way.
Play it again: “If I Told You This Was Killing Me, Would You Stop?”
Skip it: “We’re Nothing Without You”