The Used: reviews, highlights, and DeBaser picks

The Profile

The Used are an American rock band formed in 2001 in Orem, Utah. They broke through with their self‑titled debut (2002) and reached mainstream visibility with In Love and Death (2004). Notable tracks include The Taste of Ink, All That I’ve Got, I Caught Fire, and The Bird and the Worm. Original drummer Branden Steineckert departed in 2006 (joining Rancid), with Dan Whitesides taking over. Longtime collaborator John Feldmann produced several releases.

Singles by The Used appeared on the soundtracks of Saw II and Transformers. The Canyon (2017) was released via Hopeless Records; Heartwork (2020) arrived on Big Noise with contributions from Jason Butler, Caleb Shomo, and Travis Barker. Reviews note Jeph Howard’s bass presence and Bert McCracken’s lyrical focus, including references to Orem and Mormon upbringing.

DeBaser’s reviewers praise The Used’s 2002 debut, then turn critical as the band moves toward slicker, radio‑ready production on later albums. In Love and Death and Lies for the Liars get the toughest knocks; Artwork and Vulnerable split opinions. Heartwork earns cautious approval for adventurous ideas, guests, and genre-hopping, though some lament the synth-heavy approach. Across reviews: strong melodies, polarizing polish.

Notable Quotes

❝ A masterpiece in its genre.

❝ Pop disguised as emo: The Used smooth their fringes, put a hanged heart on the cover, name their masterpiece "In Love And Death," and throw in a few screams here and there, and hordes of emo-boys and emo-girls, thinking they're buying an "alternative" product, do nothing but finance the success of the most cowardly among boybands.

❝ Our songs will be 10 times more chaotic and powerful than we've ever done.

❝ If there is one merit that should be credited to them, it's managing to systematically thwart any attempt at categorization while handling a decidedly wide range of musical genres.