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| Photo from loudwire.com |
Recently The Used dropped their highly anticipated album "Imaginary Enemy". Now I say "highly anticipated" in spite of how cliche it is because the release of the record really did have a lot of fans eager to see if it would live up to the hype. Hype rightfully generated in no small part by the release of their single "Cry" which was well received. The track assured some long time fans that The Used hadn't lost the angst that drew us to the music in the first place.
When an originally edgy band manages to stick around and mature, there's always the concern that the music will go soft. Mixed reception considering this concern was seemingly generated from the band's previous releases "Vulnerable" and "Vulnerable II". However with this new release I believe its fair to say The Used has taken some steps back into their grungy, raw roots. Singer Bert McCracken is very intentional about incorporating the old hardcore elements. On the second track "Cry" he makes a direct reference to a track from their self-titled album, "Buried Myself Alive" resurrecting the lyrics "if you want me back you're gonna have to ask nicer than that". The throwback is made even more nostalgic as Bert sings the lyrics clean initially but quickly transitions into a hardcore delivery accompanied by the equally gnarly guitar.
When an originally edgy band manages to stick around and mature, there's always the concern that the music will go soft. Mixed reception considering this concern was seemingly generated from the band's previous releases "Vulnerable" and "Vulnerable II". However with this new release I believe its fair to say The Used has taken some steps back into their grungy, raw roots. Singer Bert McCracken is very intentional about incorporating the old hardcore elements. On the second track "Cry" he makes a direct reference to a track from their self-titled album, "Buried Myself Alive" resurrecting the lyrics "if you want me back you're gonna have to ask nicer than that". The throwback is made even more nostalgic as Bert sings the lyrics clean initially but quickly transitions into a hardcore delivery accompanied by the equally gnarly guitar.
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| "Evolution of the Heart" posted by The Used's Facebook page, credited to @trent_sim |
Another clear sentiment in reference to the band's bast comes from the album cover. Resembling the cover of their 2004 release "In Love and Death" the new release's cover features another constrained heart. However we see the heart is now more developed and refined. What a perfect metaphor for the progression of the music and the artist.
Also present in the record are heavy political themes. From the cover alone its clear The Used has a lot of new ideas to bring to the table lyrically. The reception of this political theme has been fairly mixed. Critics of the band's political message find it cliche, predictable, gimmicky, and ultimately hollow as the ideas expressed are vague. For others like myself the political stance adds some new spice to the music. I mean, how much can we realistically expect for a band to make the same record over and over again anyway? The change in lyrical content keeps things interesting, which for me was a plus.
Musically The Used introduced some more pop elements throughout the synthesizer instrumentals, gang vocals, and catchy choruses. This seems to have been an equally risky move as the political stance as fans have mixed feelings about the sound of the record.
All and all I'd say its a record worth picking up. The band stuck to its strengths while still showing their maturity as artists. For anyone expecting to hear an album identical to one of their earlier records, you will be disappointed. But with a more realistic outlook this new release has a lot to offer and hey, the deluxe edition is on sale at best buy for twelve bucks. Decide for yourself if The Used still has it.
Also present in the record are heavy political themes. From the cover alone its clear The Used has a lot of new ideas to bring to the table lyrically. The reception of this political theme has been fairly mixed. Critics of the band's political message find it cliche, predictable, gimmicky, and ultimately hollow as the ideas expressed are vague. For others like myself the political stance adds some new spice to the music. I mean, how much can we realistically expect for a band to make the same record over and over again anyway? The change in lyrical content keeps things interesting, which for me was a plus.
Musically The Used introduced some more pop elements throughout the synthesizer instrumentals, gang vocals, and catchy choruses. This seems to have been an equally risky move as the political stance as fans have mixed feelings about the sound of the record.
All and all I'd say its a record worth picking up. The band stuck to its strengths while still showing their maturity as artists. For anyone expecting to hear an album identical to one of their earlier records, you will be disappointed. But with a more realistic outlook this new release has a lot to offer and hey, the deluxe edition is on sale at best buy for twelve bucks. Decide for yourself if The Used still has it.
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