The Used
Vulnerable
Release Date: Mar 26, 2012
Genre(s): Pop/Rock, Alternative/Indie Rock, Post-Hardcore, Punk Revival, Screamo
Record label: Hopeless
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Album Review: Vulnerable by The Used
Fairly Good, Based on 2 Critics
Based on rating 7/10
The Used find steady footing on their fifth studio album, a 12-song blast of fiery emo/indie/punk rock that marries the slick, metallic pop of 2007's Lies for the Liars with the wild abandon of their debut. Stocked to the ceiling with hooks, Vulnerable breaks little ground for the Utah-based outfit, as the majority of tracks follow the tried and true template of atmospheric intro/staccato breakdown/huge power chorus/repeat, but the balance between sheen and filth is handled with aplomb. The band is remarkably tight and Bert McCracken's vocals sound better than ever, which helps a great deal when you're supporting lyrics that sound like they were found on the floor of a Warped tour Porta Potty.
Based on rating 6/10
It was hard to imagine the Used bouncing back from 2009’s Artwork. The band’s fourth studio album, and final with Warner Bros., not only failed to garner the attention or sales of their past releases, but also failed on a strictly aesthetic level. Resembling a mere shell of the band that once seemed to rule the emo/punk landscape, Artwork appeared as close to a swan song as one can imagine.
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