The Used
Lies for the Liars

 

Seems like the hardcore The Used fans are really mixed on this album.  I will admit that I've not been much of a fan of this band anyway. Has The Used changed, yeah? Does this have a bit more radio appeal, maybe? Are they advancing and maturing, YES? "The Ripper" kicks off this album with a great amount of metal guitars shredding through the speakers and great bass lines that do give it some radio appeal. "The Bird and the Worm" starts with an amazing backing from a string orchestra. The track has a broad pull of style and is one of the best tracks on the album by far. There was almost a slight My Chemical Romance feel to the track. I think tracks like "Earthquake" is where some of the problem comes in.  It is as typical as any song you hear on the radio today.  It is the 'mature' pulling away from 'I'm not emo anymore' genre. But this still makes the band hold to some of the screamo influence. Then it seems the next several tracks fall into this popular genre which gives the element of falling into the norm. "Wake the Dead" definitely kicks the door back open with a post hardcore feel and a Queen influenced tempo change. Overall, I have a very mixed feel with the musical focus on the latest by The Used, there are a few stand out tracks that are amazing but overall the album falls into mediocre at best.

The lyrical focus has often been my problem with the band in the past. Again this album throws on about 10 or more variations of the 'f' words with their constant dark imagery. Overtones of desperation in relationship and giving up seem to be a common theme. This put me over the edge with he mainly mediocre music to pass on this album.