Artwork - The Used

Armed with eleven new songs, dubbed by the band as “gross pop”, The Used are releasing their follow-up to 2007’s Lies For The Liars, entitled Artwork. Expect the same old sound from singer Bert McCracken guitarist Quinn Allman and bassist Jeph Howard. The only differences this time are that drummer Dan Whitesides in the studio with them for the first time, and they’ve chosen Matt Squire to produce their latest album.

The energetic first single “Blood On My Hands” starts off the record with a bang, leading into “Empty With You”, which contains the incredible first line, “I haven’t lost anything except my mind”. “Born To Quit”, an impressive angry song, is next, followed by the soft voice and piano at the beginning of “Kissing You Goodbye”.

After the deep songs “Sold My Soul” and “Watered Down”, comes the song “On The Cross”, a song that seemingly challenges the power of belief, but talks about believing what they want. Then comes another angry, “Come Undone,” with harsh lyrics yet a catchy beat. The next track is “Meant To Die”, which McCracken has explained to be a song about accidental death and not being able to say goodbye. Following the song “The Best of Me” is the dynamic “Men Are All The Same”, which tops off the album.

Overall, the album lives up to the hype that The Used have been posting on their Twitter. They aren’t straying too far away from their usual sound but at the same time are expanding their abilities as artists. Artwork definitely does not disappoint.

Artwork is now available to listen for free on their MySpace, and is available in stores August 31st.