The Used - In Love and Death album review
Written September 20, 2004

Okay so first of all, check out this cover art. There’s a heart…hanging from a tree. That’s right. Based on this and this alone, you should already know whether you’re going to like this album or not.

In Love and Death is the sophomore release from The Used. If you don’t happen to recall The Used, you will probably remember them from their brief stint as emo sluts for MTV or the lead singer’s stab at popularity through dating Kelly Osbourne. Yes, that’s gross, I know. I don’t condone it. In fact, I pretty much figured the band would ditch him for being such a tool but he’s still doing his thing.

So, remarkably, The Used have returned for round two with what proves to be an unremarkable sequel. In Love and Death features much of the same as their self-titled debut: a ‘lil screaming, a ‘lil whiny singing, a ‘lil melodic guitar. However, their first album had a handful of really, really catchy songs amongst the clutter and this time…well, let’s just say that the ratio of catchy to boredom is less than favourable.

From what I can make out, the lyrical content is perfect for angsty sixteen year old alterna-couples looking for something to call “their song.” It’s pretty enough for the girls and loud enough for the boys, but digging for depth won’t reveal much (except maybe Kelly Osbourne’s dead body). Still, you can find meaning in anything if you try hard enough.

In short, if you’re a Used fan, give’r. It’s still The Used, and now they have a heart hanging from a tree! Powerful shit. But if you’re just looking for something to cry or scream along to, you’d be better off looking elsewhere in this overcrowded genre.

Hahahaha...The Used.