(3 Out of 5)

 

The most recent endeavor by The Used entitled Artwork is kind of an interesting record for me.  My excitement was overflowing for the record before its release after having heard "Blood on my Hands" on the radio so many times.  I had hoped that finally the band that I fell in love with over their Self-Titled debut would finally be back.  In some ways they are, yet in the end Artwork was ultimately forgettable.  It wasn't the record I would go to for an energy boost or to sing along with.

 

It's interesting because as I wrote my notes out to this record, I was writing things like 'fairly intense with a solid rock melody' about "Sold My Soul" or 'energetic with intricate guitar licks' in regard to "Empty with You."  Yet songs like, "Born to Quit" I felt were ultimately forgettable.  Now, I've been doing this long enough to realize that not all of the songs on a record can be winners, but I guess these mundane tracks just ruined the vibe for me.  I tried to give Artwork a second, third and fourth chance, but never really got into it like I was hoping.

 

Ultimately, it's a well-done record.  "Watered Down" is sure to get fans singing along with its pop-laced nature and "The Best of Me" illustrates a great dichotomy of sing / scream transitions.  The band's younger fan base will more than likely appreciate this record more than I did.    

Suggested Listening: "Blood on My Hands," "The Best of Me" and "On the Cross."

By: Adam Zak III - Senior Editor / Founder