Released August 31, Reprise


From the pounding riff and gang-vocals chorus of opener Blood On My Hands, Artwork has all the musical consistency the four-piece’s previous efforts lacked. If fault was to be found front man Bert McCracken’s lyrics still grate in places - one minute poetic, the next clumsy. But only one track, 'Born to Quit,' seems weak. The rest are catchy and large enough in scope to entertain any size of audience.

Somewhere in every successful emo band there seems to be a grandiose rock act itching to get out. My Chemical Romance broke their shackles with The Black Parade, Taking Back Sunday with Louder Now. Now The Used have made their bid for mainstream rock acceptance. And it’s worked a treat.

'On The Cross' with its pounding beat and soaring chorus, 'Meant to Die' with its contender for rock riff of the year, and 'Sold My Soul' - ethereal guitar hooks reminiscent of The Edge - are the stand out tunes. But this is an LP that could and should be appreciated as a whole, especially given that closing track 'Men Are All The Same' repeats lyrics from earlier in the album.

After years of being emo poster boys The Used finally deserve respect for their music.

Posted In Album Reviews, Sep 29 2009. Words - Cris