The Used merges new styles to create "Artwork"

Sept. 2, 2009

Megan Duron

Copy Desk Editor

The Used released its fourth studio album Monday titled "Artwork." Compared to bands such as My Chemical Romance, Underoath and Senses Fail, The Used is best known for its punk rock, screamo-tinged vocals and lyrics based on substance abuse and a reckless lifestyle.

With a year's worth of time and work put into this album, the band used experiences and events from the past year to write the songs for "Artwork."

The band's lead singer, Bert McCracken, who struggled with a drinking and drug addiction in the past, places emphasis on the frailty of life, especially after the sudden and tragic death of actor Heath Ledger.

McCracken based the track "Meant to Die" loosely on his emotions after Ledger's death. Many of the album's tracks, such as "Sold My Soul" and "On The Cross," are full of potent lyrics that overflow with emotion.

Since its first self-titled album released in 2002, The Used has given listeners some of the biggest hits of alternative rock.

Transitioning from a metal influenced first album, the band has brought something new to the table which each new record. This Utah quartet has delivered everything from ballads backed by strings to songs dominated by the howling screams of McCracken.

With the release of its third studio album in 2007, "Lies for the Liars," the band focused on getting away from the emo image it had been given and establish itself as a punk rock band, which ultimately came across as more pop-punk than anything.

"Lies for the Liars" proved most popular with angsty teenagers looking for a release from their aggression. Since the band's third album, it has matured and created a more developed sound sans the jarring transitional elements that the past albums contained.

Trying to move toward a new genre, which they refer to as "gross pop," the Used puts a strong emphasis on the meanings behind each song while keeping on their guitar-dominated direction.

In an interview with Alternative Press magazine, McCracken explained the new genre.

"In the past, we've always kind of brought pop sensibility into heavy rock, but this is going to be all that much more tantalizing and brutal," McCracken said. "Our songs are 10 times messier and noisier than they've ever been."

Luckily, the songs on this album, although all reflect the band's new genre, show great diversity.

For listeners wanting to hear a more hardcore sound like that of "In Love and Death," the band's second album released in 2005, Artwork's debut song, "Blood on My Hands," offers just that. Those fans who miss the experimentation of songs in Lies for the Liars will be pleased to hear "Empty With You" and "Come Undone."

Also, for the listeners looking for a sappier power ballad, "Kissing You Goodbye" and "Watered Down" will be your best bets.

While Artwork seeks to create a new genre for The Used, old listeners and long time followers will have no trouble finding something they like.

Whether it's the band's beginning sounds of 2002 that you fancy or the more pop-punk music you enjoy, this album will have a track for you. Fans would be wise to purchase this album.

Grade: B-

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