I was lucky enough to be working at Reprise Records when this record came into the door. I did promotion and marketing for 20 years there, and in came The Used CD. I listened to it, an it just hurt my ears. I didn't like it. I was a Sting and Peter Gabriel fan. But there was SOMETHING about The Used that made me go back and listen. Why was this guy screaming like that? "Taste of Ink," was the first single, and the first song I really liked. The promotional video for Box of Sharp Objects just made you love the guys. And I started liking more and more songs on the CD. Finally it was my FAVORITE cd. Maybe Memories, song 1, which I could not swallow at first now was blowing me away. This one band changed my taste in music totally. So I went to see them on their first Warped Tour run in Atlanta, and I have to say it was a life changing experience. The band came out on this tiny side stage, and Bert BLEW into it. He started smashing the mike into the floor, and when it came back broken when he swung it back to himself, he shot a bird to the sky. Like "Thanks God for allowing my Mike to break!" It was and AMAZING show. The raw power had me in a state of shock. I remember looking at the radio guy I was with there and the look on my face was certainly, "Do you BELIEVE what is happening???" So, if you don't have this masterpiece, get it! bj

Man, just how much hype did The Used have going circa 2005/2006. Anarchic yet knowing enough to say all the right things to the metal mags, channeling the debauchery of 80's hard rock while putting in the extra aggression levels required for their audiences generation and with a name evocative of punk. All the while further perfecting their buzz by being, basically, a bit of a screamo band.

The vocals of Bert McCracken actually remind me of Justin Hawkins of Darkness fame in use if not in execution and by that I mean that while they have radically different voices both have a sort of gimmick 'second option' with their voices. Hawkins with his silly falsetto 'castrati' schtick while McCracken has a gargled scream but both cause problems by over utilising their signature sound. Please Bert, you don't have to scream at me in every song! And this constant descent into screamo gets wearisome whereas it should be a welcome addition to particularly angsty or brutal songs.

That gripe aside we can now move onto the music itself. Which isn't really much to write home to Amazon about. Opener maybe Memories is hard to fault as an explosion of angst with some studio tricks thrown in and really would probably strip paint at 100 yards. And that's a compliment. When the dust settles it give you hope that the rest of the album will bring further crescendos of bile.

But alas it doesn't. A whole bunch of semi-emo teeny whining that's very much about everything and nothing at the same time. Vague enough to be catch-all without delving into specifics. Presumably to ensure all the 14 year olds who bought this would be able to mould the lyrics to suit their own perception of their situations. Still, perhaps it's churlish of me to labour the point as a sort of everymans lyrical bent is actually a handy talent for a band to have. And it's easy to see how this fairly simple screaming angst centred on feelings of loss and alienation struck a chord with it's target audience.

A forgiving three stars given how the band beats you over the head with a one dimensional emotional attack on almost the same topic for the whole album (and musically it's a few nifty touches by bassist Jeph Howard that are just about the only memorable moves). The Used - as of this early album at least their report card reads "must do better"

What do you get when you put a singer who sounds like scratching on a chalk-board, distasteful lyrics, and painful screaming? You get this band. The singer's voice is so overly bad, that it sounds good. The music, is the gem here. The Used is so versitiley unique, that even with the general, 'bitching and moaning,' lyrics, it sounds so, so, so good. Their songs mix a perflect blend of sound, which is methodically molded into something bigger, and rough-cut, ugly singing. What kind of music this is? In a way, it's what most 'emo' (or music classified as emo), is. However, The Used have taken the entire idea of the 'screamo' type of music to a new level.

I got this CD a few years ago, after listening to it at my friends house. I was turned onto the way it sounded. It was simple, but beautifully brilliant. The instrumental side of it could be put on a completely different CD, and sold for the same amount of money (maybe more). The instrumental side of the video is simply amazing. The Used did something great though. They added a singer whose voice isn't necisarily 'American Idol' material. There's no real vigor in it, it's just rough, ugly, and smeared on. But it balances almost perfectly with the music, which, at it's core, does the same thing.

Say Days Ago is my favorite song on the CD. It's one of those songs you can sing along with and not get in trouble for. It's simpler than the rest of the songs, which does good for the entire mood of things. Blue and Yellow is also a really, really excelent song. It's an extremely complex song, and feels more like a symphony than a small band.

If you're a person who likes a multitude of sounds, songs, and melodies in your music, get this CD. It takes you on a roller-coaster ride, it seems.

The Taste of Ink, Say Days Ago, Poetic Tragedy, Blue and Yellow, and Noise and Kisses are awesome songs. Check them all out, because each one is a secret gem inside of itself.

If I had to recommend a 'The Used' cd to anyone, it would be this one. This CD gets you pumped right from the beginning. It's one of thoes brilliant albums where you just dont want to miss a track. You can tell that The Used put all of their heart into this record. The lyrics, the melodies and the screaming are all so amazing. I HIGHLY recommend this album for any fan of The Used!!

If you have to get any album by the Used or any band really, get this one. Each song is amazing in it's own right. Plus Branden (who is now the drummer of Rancid, if that says how amazing he is) is one of the most insane drummers ever. This record is a mixture of heartfelt screaming, beautiful lyrics, beautiful melodies, intense drums, insane bass lines, genius guitar riffs and a variety of songs from an acoustic to poppy to screaming.

I love this cd, its my favorite one! The Used are amazing! Just the right amount of Screaming. Nobody screams better than Burt!

I bought this album when I was 19, I think it was the summer of 2002, definitely sometime shortly after emo started to become a loosely used word. Screamo was still pretty creative and interesting to me at the time. I agree with others that if I had discovered this album any later, I probably wouldn't appreciate it the way I do now because it IS a bit poppy, and if I only heard something from a compilation I'd probably just lump it in there with the rest of the mainstream, or whatever you want to call it now. I do remember thinking it was cool that their lead singer would scream so hard he puked during live sets. Every album I own reminds me of something though, and this one sang to me, especially when I was having troubles with a particular girl. "Bury Myself Alive" was the song I played the most, probably for that reason. You probably know the feeling.

This again is my daughters and she pretty much plays this one over and over again.

I have to admit, if the Used had first come out just a couple of years ago, I'd probably hate them. They came out well before my anti-emo phase, though. And I always kind of had a soft spot for them. And I could actually understand why someone would hate them. I found them annoying the first few times around. Then the single "Buried Myself Alive" came out and I was surprised that I enjoyed that one as much as I did. I later found the album cheap used (and discounted!) so I decided to pick it up. The record is quite good, although it's nothing ground-breaking. However, this group makes pop songs, and are much easier to get into than the likes of Thursday, since the music is less self-indulgent and the lyrics aren't as artistic and ambiguous.

The hidden track, "Choke Me" is fun though, kind of a different and more hardcore-type track from the group, and has one of my favorite bass riffs from Jeph. The record isn't perfect, and I'd probably give it a 3.5 to be exact, but there's enough saving grace here for me to round it up. The songs don't hide their melodramatics and this can either make or break things for the listener.

Honestly, it's an album that's easier for me to listen to every once in awhile than many times in a row. That being said, it works for some and could include you. There is a nice energy in this album that makes it worth owning.

i can't believe it's been four years since this album was released. yet, i still listen to this album often today even though i have a 500+ cd library. i really can't describe how much this band and this album means to me. before the used came along i was in the whole "nu metal" stage and that's all i listened to. then i heard the song "a box of sharp objects" and i thought "wow", this is really awesome and different. i then bought the cd and i was amazed at what i had just heard. it was so different from anything i've ever heard and i loved it! the cd was beautiful, full of emotion, yet has lots of passion and angst with the screaming/singing mix. not to mention the passionate, poetic lyrics that really hit home and strike you deep, deep down. it was right at that moment when my taste in music changed. from there, i got into finch, thursday, glassjaw, thrice, coheed and cambria, the early november, taking back sunday, and so on. so i just want to send a thank you out to the used for opening my eyes to this new, different style of music and showing me what "real" music is.

although, as of today (june 2006) this type of screamo/emo music trend is so watered down, i feel priviledged to have known this album and the following pioneers of this genre before this style of music started to plummit (which would have been 2004).

with my personal feelings aside, this is one of the best albums out there. like i said, they are one of the pioneers of screamo and if you like that style of music, then you'll definitely love this cd. this album is on the same level with brand new's "deja entendu", finch's "what it is to burn", taking back sunday's "tell all your friends", thursday's "full collapse", coheed and cambria's "second stage of turbine blade". those albums, all of which are classics in this genre.

as for comparing this to their latest release "in love and death", it definitely tops it. although their new cd is good, it just doesn't have the same passion, rawness, poetic lyrics, and emotion as this album does. it's very polished and sounds more mainstream and poppy then this one does. nonetheless, if you're a fan of this band then you'll definitely like both albums.

as for standouts, that's hard. every single song on this cd means something special to me in a different way. with each song i can specifically remember experiences in my life or what i was doing when i was listening to that song. talk about a record having an impact on someone...

i would say that this cd is for everyone but it does have an acquired taste due to the raw, screaming vocals. if you can just overlook the screaming and concentrate on the songs and the emotion that the album is conveying the screaming fits in perfectly with the soothing, mesmermizing melodies of bert mccracken and the used. this cd is a classic and you're cd collection or your life shouldn't be without it...

This cd was much better than their second release. This has to be one of my top ten all time favorite cds. every song on the album is awesome and something that you want to sing to for days even after youve heard them. the best song on the cd is Pieces Mended, that song will rock your world. I would love to break every song down for yall and tell you how good each one is but that takes so much time. take it from me and go buy this cd right now, its very very good, and you will remember it forever.

This band is pretty awful. Their music is unoriginal and their singer sounds like a cat when he sings. It's desguisting. I never want to hear his voice again. It's pretty sad that people call this stuff punk. I'm not someone who worships the name of punk, or who even claims to be punk! But this band certainly isn't punk. The Sex Pistols were punk. The Misfits were punk.
The Used doesn't even pass as emotional music (emo.) There is no emotion at all in their music. It's such forced music, and such a forced image. If you want the real thing, then get the band that these guys are trying to look like; AFI. They have a much better singer and much better songwriting.

this cd rules so hard but if you're like me i'll bet that you'll like it too

The Used debut album is BY FAR my favourite album EVER. Every single song on the album is beautifully crafted to perfection. The stand-out songs are Buried Myself Alive, Pieces Mended, Noise and Kisses, Box Full of Sharp Objects, The Taste of Ink, and Maybe Memories. But the whole album is just incredible.

Bert's singing and screaming collab work perfectly together. He's got probably the best scream out of any band at all. The guitar riffs and drum beats are also VERY well done.

Everything about this album is simply amazing. In Love and Death was such a disappointment. I'll stick to this album.

A simply amazing band. An equally amazing C.D. Bert McCracken may just be the only person who can truly pull off the whole Sing/Scream thing without being overwhelming or tuneless. All the songs are entirely unique, yet manage to form together into one big mass of stripped-down screamo that broke (and continues to break) the boundaries of what music 'should' or 'shouldn't' sound like. Considering the wide range of backgrounds, personalities, and yes, futures, of these kids, the band, as well as the sound, is incredibly close-knit. To me, the Used sound like they have been making music for years and years, unlike so many other bands just starting off. I have had this C.D. for a while now, listened to it almost every day, and I will never get tired of it. Overall a truly good effort, worth paying retail for, if you have to. <3
~M.

1. Maybe Memories: 2/5-my least favorite song on the cd. It does not seem to go at all with the rest of the cd, and more ironically it's the first track. Ususally a skip for me.
2. The Taste Of Ink: 5/5-A great choice for a first single. Awesome beat, and memorable lyrics make this a song that you will keep on singing in your head.
3. Bulimic: 5/5-Without a doubt, one of my favorite songs on the album. Catchy chorus, original guitar part, overall great song.
4. Say Days Ago: 4/5-I'm not in to the whole screaming thing from them, and that's what this song starts out like, but it gets better, but it's still not the best one on the album.
5. Poetic Tragedy: 5/5-Sounds a little different from everything else, but in this case it's a good thing. The song is like a poem in itself, awesome song.
6. Buried Myself Alive: 4/5-Again, good choice for a single, great lyrics, but it may get a little boring if you keep listening to it over and over again.
7. A Box Full Of Sharp Objects: 5/5-Fast paced, it grabs you and doesnt let go, and it sounds amazing.
8. Blue And Yellow: 5/5-Here's where the cd goes from fast to slow. This is the slowest song on the cd, and one of the best by far. Beautiful lyrics, and song, and it shows off Burt's vocal ability like no other song on the cd.
9. Greener With The Scenery: 5/5-I don't know what it is about this song that I like so much, but I just love every minute of it.
10. Noise And Kisses: 5/5-I gave this song a 5 because at the time of buying the cd, I could really relate it to my life, and what was going on at that point, great song.
11. On My Own: 4/5-Another slower song, not as good as "Blue and Yellow", but still a pretty good song, but it may get a bit boring.
12. Pieces Mended: 5/5-Good wrap up to a great cd.

This is the band that introduced me to this screamo type music about 4 years ago. I was watching the Osbournes one day and I saw Bert McCracken on their as Kellys boyfriend, haha thats gross. But then I went out and bought his CD so he kind of helped get his band out there by being on the Osbournes. Anyway, this CD absolutley amazed me. I was only 14 years old at the time and I havent really heard anything like it, it was so emotional and intense. I didnt stop listening to it for months and to this day I will still listen to it on occasion. I am so glad I bought this CD, and I hope you will buy it too if you havent already, every song is spectacular. The Used, who are from a Mormon area of Utah, made a very impressive debut album that is much better than their recent release.

Maybe Memories- 9/10 Interesting itro leading into a heavy and somewhat peaceful song at times. Great start to the album.

Taste of Ink- 8/10 Definitely not a stadout track, but still quite good.

Bulimic- 7/10 kind of a boring and annoying song-definitely not one of my favorites

Say Days Ago- 8/10 and ok track. Its got a nice pase and has a interestig feel to it.

Poetic Tragedy-9/10 This is another great song. It starts off very peaceful and soft but can be quite heavy here and there.

Buried Myself Alive-10/10 One of my favorites on the album. The chorus is very catchy and the beat of it is perfect.

Box Full of Sharp Objects-10/10 Another great song. The heaviest on the album and has a very fast pase. Great song.

Blue and Yellow-10/10 A nice break from all the screaming on this cd. It show just how well The Used ca trasition from screamig and hard rock to a very nice and peaceful kind of music.

Greener with the Sceery-7/10 Not a stadout track on the album. Still a good song, just not the best.

Noise and Kisses-8/10 a pretty good song. Not as killer as tracks 6, 7, and 8, but still pretty good.

On My Own-9/10 Another nice break from all the hardcore stuff. Although not perfect, this track is a nice and soft listen.

Pieces Mended-10/10 A great closing track. Thats all there really is needed to say about this track.

There is a hidden track that comes in later on in track 12 which starts out kind of wierd and is definitely not a very good song, but thats probably why they didn't make it a mai track. In conclusion, definitely check this album out.

The funny thing is that i used to really hate music which was yelled into the microphone, i don't know, i guess i just found it annoying...actually, i used to say that it wasn't really music..However, i was introduced to the used and completely changed my point of view! As amazing as it may seem, i started liking screamed music by listening to bert mckracken's excellent lyrics and plain brilliant songs and if anyone likes emocore, hardcore, screamo etc..all those genres then they will definitely like this band!! Because it isn't really that heavy, so it's like the "perfect" point, some yelling here and there but not all through the song which is a plus because most people get tired halfway through a song which consists of only shouting and making noise...No, The Used is definitely not that..The music this band makes is great, and on this album Blue and Yellow would definitely be my favorite. Though I don't really know how to describe it, beause it's just so unique i don't think i can compare it to anything i've heard before, it's just Blue and Yellow and it rocks! On My Own is probably the "soft" song on the record though it still catches your attention due to the feeling which it is performed with, specially that part when bert starts singing "on my own..."and the suddenly breaks into a passionate scream...And well where can I leave the classic, The Taste of Ink?? Anyway, I think if people really want to listen to some of the best emocore around, they should definitely purchase this record...I personally love it!

Solid from start to finish with mind-blowing mixing, heavy drums with a sceaching guitar, complemented with heavy bass. Bert's vocals are top notch, and every song is full of captivating melodies and harsh screaming. Everybody will look back at this album the way people look back at At the Drive-in. Every sceamo band from this moment on is automaticly influenced by them.

The CD does not capture energy - it literally sends it exploding in all directions! It's a source of limitless enjoyment, and I find myself constantly playing it. I advise listeners though: don't listen to it too late at night or you'll rock the rest of the night away and lose sleep.
Don't get me wrong - it's not one of those stereotypical bands with every beat pounding through the floor and constant screaming ripping through your head, this band has got some real personality. But I'll be honest, when I first listened to the album, I was almost shocked - I didn't know what to think because it was so different and raw. I'd actually suggest you buy their second album first if you're unsure about this CD, for it seems slightly more contained. It is amazing though, the stories the songs tell and the punches the music gives you.

If you like "Story of the Year" or "My Chemical Romance," then you'll definitely like this.

Hit songs include"The Taste of Ink," "Buried Myself Alive," and "A Box Full of Sharp Objects."

You'll get variation from the hard-driving "Maybe Memories" to the calm and light "Blue and Yellow." Be tremendously moved by "On My Own."

the band, the used, originates from provo, utah. where they literally went from rags to riches. this album is a portrayal of deep emotional sitiuations the band members suffered and their struggle to maintain what they want, they really gave this album all that they've got. it's raw- and it's real. it ranges from slow acoustic melodies to sudden outbursts of screaming, which is a real rollercoaster thrill from hardcore lovers everywhere.

I picked up this album because I wanted to see what it was all about. Well let me tell you it is one of the best cds I have bought. This cd is sooooooooo good you don't have to skip over one song. If you like pop music you will like the second cd in love and death. But if you like rock music you should pick up this cd. I hope this helps someone.

I can't relate to the music like some of the other reviewers, but I still think this music is very good. I'm not an emo kid, I'm not a "cutter" as previously mentioned by a reviewer, but I don't think the vocals are "immature" at all. I think the fact that they show stress and forced pitches helps to keep people in touch with the fact that these are regular people. I normally listen to bands like Journey, Foreigner, Toto, and Styx. These singers all had remarkably high voices with little to no effort required to reach those notes. It's good too, but I like being impressed with the pitch of the vocals, and with Journey and the like, it's hard to tell how high it is because there's no vocal strain. I appreciate Bert's vocals and admire them.

P.S. Whoever said they are British is wrong. They're from Utah.

This is another one of my favorite albums. It blows In Love and Death outta the water! Anyone who likes ILAD more than this, has no idea what they're talking about. And since the other guy did it, and i have some time, i'll rate the songs

1. Maybe Memories - 7/10
2. The Taste of Ink - 6/10
3. Bulimic - 7/10
4. Say Days Ago - 5/10
5. Poetic Tragedy - 7/10
6. Buried Myself Alive - 9/10
7. A Box Full of Sharp Objects - 6/10
8. Blue and Yellow - 9/10
9. Greener With the Scenery - 6/10
10. Noises and Kisses - 6/10
11. On My Own - 8/10
12. Pieces Mended - 8/10


PS---Anyone who recommends Finch's "Say Hello to Sunshine" (the other guy below me), should never talk. That album blows--but "What It Is to Burn" is an excellent album

How do I start? What can I say? I guess to sum it all up, The Used has the potential to be a great band, but are flawed by what seems to be the heart of their music. I am, of course, referring to the godawful vocals by Bert McCracken. The lyrics are immature and childish. He is clearly trying to appeal to the entire cutting emo group. I took interest in this group when I heard the song "Buried Myself Alive" on my local radio station. The chorus was annoying, but something about the verses grabbed my interest and led me to buy the CD. Unfortuanately, that honestly was the only good part of the album.

Maybe Memories - 7/10
Interesting music, awful vocals. Ruins the song completely.

The Taste of Ink - 4/10
The band's first single. Just awful lyrically, and even musically. I just can't stand it.

Bulimic - 5/10
Simply annoying. The chorus which repeats "Good Bye to You" maybe one hundred times gets old after the first time Bert squeals it.

Say Days Ago - 6/10
A simple excuse for Bert to scream about an unsatisfactory sexual relationship. Shut up already.

Poetic Tragedy - 6/10
Bert's attempt at being classy. It's honestly an annoyingly pretentious song.

Buried Myself Alive - 8/10
I like this song. The verses are nice, the chorus is passable, and the screaming has depth. Unfortunately it ends here.

A Box Full of Sharp Objects - 4/10
This song is a disgrace to music. Bert should be ashamed of himself as an individual for trying to cash in on these people's emotions. This say on big bright words "Cut yourself to become rich and famous!"

Blue and Yellow - 8/10
Another enjoyable song. It's passable and interesting. It was very easy to cherry-pick this song's quality from the rest of the album's garbage.

Greener with the Scenary - 7/10
Interesting verses, but a childish and laughable chorus. One of their better, but that's saying next to nothing.

Noise and Kisses - 5/10
These lyrics show Bert's true character. A lame and boring song about giving up on a relationship because the girl won't succumb to his sick sexual wants.

On My Own - 6/10
A softer song. It's an easy listen which is a good break from the heavy screamo that's been going for a while. It seems to be simple filler.

Pieces Mended - 5/10
Filler at it's worst. This song has absolutely nothing interesting at all.

There is a bonus track, as well as a recording hidden on the same track as "Pieces Mended" but long after. At 8:00 a recording of Bert's birthday comes on. This is sick. They have some overweight woman give Bert a lapdance. How immature, sick, and perverted can you be?

Choke Me - 4/10
Complete screaming garbage. The lyrics are about how drugs pretty much stole Bert's life. I'm not surprised.

All in all, this is an awful album with an even worse personality. Many people compare this group to My Chemical Romance. If I was in MCR, I would be embarassed at such a claim.

RECCOMENDED INSTEAD:
Say Hello to Sunshine by Finch
Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge by My Chemical Romance

The Used are not just another screamo band. Their songs are about real life experiences, that's why they're so good. People can identify with them. I love this album, because for one thing, it makes me feel alive. And, I never get bored listening to it. I just can't say enough about these guys.

Enjoy. Listen to the lyrics and you also will feel the beautiful, loving energy The Used radiate.

[...] band, they are mormons from orem, utah. that is in the united states. and this cd is amazing, anything less than 5 stars is a joke. Bert McCrackens vocals are amazing, the guitars (quinn aleman) are absolutley brilliant, the bass (jeph howard) and drums (branden steinekart) make the songs have a pulse and seem like they are living. the key songs on this cd are taste of ink, poetic tragedy, and box full of sharp objects, at least in my opinion, but every song is amazing. if you like good music buy this cd, you won't regret it.

Yes, McCracken and Co. scream into the microphone when they sing SOME of their songs, but for some odd reason it sounds perfect. Every scream fits the mood or the melody the songs bring. There are a few naysayers who dog this album but I don't see how that's possible. I guess it all comes down to taste and if you don't have any, don't buy this album. Every track is a highlight on this one as well as their newest, In Love and Death. On this album, "Poetic Tragedy" is by far the standout song. When McCracken screams "He feels like, I feel..." it's with conviction. This man pours his heart, soul and lungs out into every one of their songs. So if you want a hard rock album with a unique sound and an emotional core, buy this album. However, as I said previously, if you lack taste, go buy a Killers album, these guys are not for you.

hey if u want to buy a totally kick ass cd and u wanna listen to some sweet music definetly look into the used. i listened to only one song of theirs and i was completely hooked. their lyrics actually mean something which not most bands can say and the way they portray their talent and sing their music makes them truly different from any other band. trust me on this one, if you really want to rock out and headbang and just have a great time, listen to the used, because in my opinion they are the best choice.

I really enjoyed this album. I normally would get burnt out on most bands with this type of sound, but not The Used. I gotta say that these guys know how to grab the listener and pull them in. My faves on this album are Taste Of Ink, Poetic Tragedy, Blue And Yellow, and On My Own.

THE NEW CD BY THE USED IS A GREAT COLLECTION OF SONGS FROM BEGINNING TO END. NO FILLERS.

I bought The Used's second album and loved it. After I bought their first album I thought less of their second. I haven't stopped listening to their first cd in at least two months. Some of these songs will stick in your head for days. I do not at all regret buying this cd. This is The Used to the fullest. A astonishing, beautiful work of art. The songs are personal. Maybe Memories about singer Bert McCracken's drug occluded past, On My Own about Bert McCracken and the gutarist Quinn Allman's shacky relationship. The Taste of Ink is the history of the band. Great song with wonderful, down to Earth band members. My favorite.

I actually listened to In Love and Death, The Used's second album, first. Unquestionably, though, the self-titled album is far better.

The lyrics hold wordplay, changing some lines of common phrases, such as in "Poetic Tragedy" (The cup is not half empty as pessimists say/as far as he sees nothing's left in the cup) or "Buried Myself Alive" (If you want me back/You're gonna have to ask/Nicer than that), both of which being the album's best tracks.

The Used's vocalist, Bert McCracken has an excellent voice that screams better than most, and even when Bert's screaming reaches it's most insane point (in the hidden track "Choke Me"), it still holds its own pitch. Bert's singing voice isn't amazing or haunting or anything like that, however he still does a very well job in the softer songs like "Poetic Tragedy", "Blue and Yellow" and "On My Own". "Blue and Yellow" in particular shows how softly Bert is capable of singing, although he simply chooses not to.

No song on the album is overshadowed by the others; you will not find yourself only listening to the first half of the album. The placement was done well, balancing out the energetic songs with lots of screaming ("Maybe Memories", "Box Full of Sharp Objects") with softer songs ("Blue and Yellow", "Poetic Tragedy"), keeping the listener from expecting only a certain style.

My favorite song is "Poetic Tragedy", written in the third person, something a little more rare in music save for a few songs. It also is about suicide.

The only thing that bothers me is that after many songs, you hear random pointless noise that easily could've been taken out, as it really kills the mood. For example, in "Poetic Tragedy", Bert's agonized screams of "and he takes... he takes... his life..." are followed by violins, then a second of silence, then a bunch of golfers talking about getting a hole-in-one. The same can be said for "Buried Myself Alive", which ends with some screeching noise that is just loud and annoying.

The album ends with the powerful "Pieces Mended", which combines Bert's screaming and singing better than any other track does, save pehaps for "Buried Myself Alive". However, my favorite part of the track is the song that comes after four minutes of silence at the end of "Pieces Mended", "Choke Me". It begins with someone saying demented rhymes to Bert, who I will simply refer to as The British Lady, and the song itself is entirely screamed, with a few seconds of spoken lyrics.

In the end, this is one of my favorite albums, and I've been able to listen to it almost daily for about three months now without getting tired of any of the songs.

Best Tracks:
Poetic Tragedy
Buried Myself Alive
Pieces Mended/Choke Me
Maybe Memories
Blue and Yellow