Used, The [ECD] - Used (The) > Reviews > Get 'Used' To Having Them Around

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money

Advantages:	-
Disadvantages:	-

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

As mentioned in my previous review ‘The Cream Of The Current Crop’, Utah’s The Used are a revelation in the world of modern rock. Granted, they’re likely to not appeal to anyone over 25, but they are a band that, regardless of age, deserve to be heard. Their ‘emo’ tag has been something that, despite instantly placing the band alongside others such as Taking Back Sunday and My Chemical Romance, has done more to hinder the bands progress simply because if they must be categorised then their music represents nothing of the ‘emo’ traits of fellow bands. Their lyrics may present an outlet for fans lost in the world around them, but their music isn’t intentionally emotional based, they are a simply rock band, adept at delivering 3 minute blasts of raging fury through the talented lungs of vocalist Bert McCracken. Despite other bands getting more recognition globally, The Used seem prepared to sit back and wait for their opportunity to shine, and with a collection of radio friendly hits at their disposal, it’s just a matter of time before they become one of the biggest bands in the world. My personal definition of a good band, is one that gets you listening and holds your attention, with that said, The Used are truly ‘good’ at what they do.

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“I guess it’s ok I puked the day away
I guess it’s better you trapped yourself in your own way
And if you want me back
You’re gonna have to ask
Nicer than that…”

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They’re a band that take the winning aspects of rocks varying genres (metal, punk, emo) and mould it into one neat 12-track package that quite frankly, goes places no other band would dare tread. McCracken, perfectly suited to the role of lead vocals, does a fine job with the writing as well, blending his own personal opinion with the thoughts of so many others, to produce tracks that would touch the blackest heart. On the off chance that anyone has heard of The Used, then I’m pretty certain that track would have been the superb ‘Buried Myself Alive’, a tale of relationship woes about saying the worst things at the equally worst times, something I’m sure the majority of you have experienced at some time or another. ‘Buried…’ is just one of many songs on the record which will be relatable to many peoples past situations, something that makes the band stand above all others. Good Charlotte, as much as I love them, aim their songs at the 14-and-over fan base, whereas The Used aim for the more experienced campaigners, with songs that not only make the point, but drive them home over and over again.

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“So here I am, it's in my hands
And I'll savor every moment of this
So here I am, alive at last
And I'll savor every moment of this…”

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With McCracken as chief songwriter, it ensures that the band have their input in their music, as opposed to singing someone else’s creations, something I can never understand about some bands. Far from experienced campaigners, the band seemingly already have all the hallmarks of the ‘next big thing’ - they have the ability, the resources and most importantly, the talent to make it in the jam packed world that is ‘modern rock’. Lead single ‘The Taste Of Ink’ shows the band at their raucous best, hitting the notes and delivering 3 minutes of heart stopping volume, with one mother of a chorus to accompany it. They are another of the sea of bands that have the knack of delivering the most infectious choruses, yet it is an area that they will never touch Good Charlotte or My Chemical Romance for. ‘Bulimic’ is another of the standout moments, with the heavily infectious “goodbye to you, goodbye to you” chorus instantly recognisable, again showing the knack for a catchy line. They list their influences as any number of the bands that they discovered in used music shops, you know the places where you’ll find something that will inspire a generation, something that obviously inspired The Used onto bigger and better things.

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“I'm about to see a million things
I thought I'd never see before
And I'm
I'm about to do all of the things i dreamed of
And I don’t even miss you at all…”

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The tragedy will come in the event of The Used being overlooked in favour of a group of snot nosed Blink 182 wannabes (ones enough already), as they offer up talent that not many other bands, let alone the MTV generation, could consider giving the music world, let alone at such an early phase in their career. ‘Poetic Tragedy’, however appropriate, is a stormer in every sense of the word - another top draw chorus with McCracken’s searing vocals producing another must-hear moment on the bands major label debut, one that continues to shine with each and every listen. Being a band that have already toured on the infamous ‘Warped Tour’ as well as Ozzy Osborne’s ‘Ozzfest’, they’ve already had the first hand experience that so many other bands could only wish for, also giving them the opportunity to see fans recognition to their music at an early stage. The fact alone that they were asked to play on such stages, shows that they are held in high regard by certain people in the music business, but now must make the next step to further their blossoming career.

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Other tracks such as the acoustic ’Greener With The Scenery’ and the beautiful ’On My Own’ continue the flow of relatable lyrics and remarkable catchiness. For a band at such an early stage in their career, it seems startling that they haven’t truly struck this side of the pond, but I’m certain that’s just a matter of time - ’emo’ they may be, a damn fine rock band they truly are. Second album ’In Love And Death’ furthers the bands sound and continues to establish their growing reputation, yet it is this, the band self title debut , that has put them firmly on the map, and they aren’t budging any time soon. Were I to recommend just one band to you, then Utah’s ‘The Used’ will simply blow your mind - energy, power, volume, quality - they’ve got it all in abundance, and with the backing of such a label as ‘Reprise’ and the big stage performances already under their belt, they have only themselves standing in their way from being ‘the’ band of 2005.

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Track Listing

1. Maybe Memories
2. The Taste Of Ink
3. Bulimic
4. Say Days Ago
5. Poetic Tragedy
6. Buried Myself Alive
7. A Box Full Of Sharp Objects
8. Blue And Yellow
9. Greener With The Scenery
10. Noise And Kisses
11. On My Own
12. Pieces Mended