Throwback of the Week: "The Used" Self Titled

By Max Calabrese

The Used “The Used” was released on June 25th, 2002, and is known for their hit track “The Taste Of Ink.” This alternative rock, Al, is very lyric, and that has me listening on repeat and making multiple guesses as to the meaning of the lyrics. Some are relatable, and some make me explore more, such as “Poetic Tragedy” and “Noises and Kisses” with “whatever that means.” 

The tracks in the album are experimental in sound, with punk, acoustic, and metal focusing on melody with some anthems here and there, but overall, they kind of send a message across. What I didn’t expect from the album is a secret track at the end of “Pieces Minded.” After 4 minutes of silence, there’s audio of someone singing “Happy Birthday” and “He’s A Jolly Good Fellow” to the writer and vocalist Bert McCracken, followed by “Choke Me, “ which would be released in Shallow Believer in 2008. Wild time jump. 

7/10 Listen to: “Maybe Memories, “The Taste Of Ink,” “Poetic Tragedy, “Buried Myself Alive,” and “A Box Full of Sharp Objects .”