Vulnerable

I have been iffy on The Used in recent years. I loved their first two albums: their self titled and "In Love and Death". "Take it Away", "I Caught Fire", "On my Own", "Maybe Memories", "Box Full of Sharp Objects", "Choke Me"- all incredible songs. However "Lies for the Liars" was an inconsistent album, having some really good songs (liar liar) and some pretty bad ones (smother me), and with the exception of maybe "Blood on my Hands" and "Empty With You", "Artwork" was a largely forgettable album in my honest opinion.To be clear however, I am not some bellyaching fanboy, which is what most people who criticized "Artwork" seemed to be (often unfairly) labeled as. I have no problem with a band maturing and trying to do new things; all the best ones do. Just when it came down to it, I simply didn't enjoy the vast majority of the music on artwork.So for the most part after "Artwork" I kinda forgot about The Used. They have a history of taking a long time between albums so I figured I had a few years before I would be listening to them again. I didn't even know until last week that the used were releasing this record. So with the open mind I always bring into music, I preordered it on amazon. However, Zune Music Pass released the album a bit early so I have already listened to the album in its entirety multiple times. All I have to say is that it is really, really good, reversing a troublesome trend where to me The Used's albums were progressively worse."I Come Alive" is the kickoff track. It's a really great song and gets you pumped up, of course in a completely different way than their earlier albums' first tracks did. Nevertheless, it was a great a kickoff track, with brilliantly performed vocals, especially toward the end. The next song is "This Fire", another good song. The chorus in this song lives up to the title, absolute fire. The song is just raw enough to remind you that these are definitely the same guys we fell in love with a decade ago (well, minus one drummer).The next song is "Hands and Faces", which I have mixed feelings about. I definitely do not like the auto-tuning of Bert's great voice in the verses. But, after a few listens, the awesome chorus makes up for it. Next is "Put me Out", probably my least favorite song on the album. Not bad at all, just a bit too messy and repetitive for my taste. The next song is "Shine", probably my next least favorite. Again it's good, but seems a bit too generic and never feels like The Used. However it's positive message is a refreshing change of pace from the usual lyrical content of the band.After my two least favorite comes what may be my favorite track on the record: "Now That Your Dead". After an eerie and weird intro the song just explodes, into probably the hardest song the band released since Sound Effects and Overdramatics. However, do not make the mistake of thinking that this song is the used returning to its roots. It sounds nothing like anything they ever did, but it's awesome nonetheless and it's nice to hear Bert scream again. The next two tracks, "Give me love" and "Moving On" are also incredible songs and relatively fast paced.That pace changes with the ballad "Getting Over You", another close candidate for the best song on the album. I can usually take or leave their ballads because I make the mistake of comparing all of them to one of my all time favorite songs, "On my Own". But this one actually doesn't pale in comparison and deserves a spot among the band's greatest songs.Back to fast-paced kickassness with "Kiss it Goodbye", another quite hard song. Really awesome. This is followed by "Hurt No One", an interesting change in vocal style for Bert, but it works in every way.The final song is "Together Burning Bright", another ballad, and another top five song on this album. It's hard to overestimate how powerful and beautiful this song is. I will say though that you will hear six words you would never expect Bert to sing: "I think it's gonna be alright"Overall, this album is absolutely fantastic. It is easily top 3, and I would even put it ahead on In Love and Death and call it their second best ever, their best in a decade. This album is awesome.Track Ratings:I Come Alive: 5/5This Fire: 3/5Hands and Faces: 5/5Put Me Out: 2/5Shine: 3/5Now that You're Dead: 5/5Give Me Love: 5/5Moving On: 4/5Getting Over You: 5/5Kiss It Goodbye: 4/5Hurt No One: 5/5Together Burning Bright: 5/5Album Grade:5+3+5+2+3+5+5+4+5+4+5+5= 5151 score divided by 12 tracks= 4.25/54.25/5- Great AlbumIf i messed up my math or if you just feel differently, please post a comment for me. Also I typed this whole thing on an iPad so point out any grammar flubs for me. Thanks for reading!

Welcome back boys! I was afraid we had almost lost you for a bit there.I've been a HUGE fan of the Used since their self titled debut, which is undoubtedly their best album. It packed such a punch! The thing I love about this band is that they're not afraid to experiment. You'll hear this throughout the progression of all of their albums."The Used" was heavy, original and raw."In Love and Death" was a great follow-up album that ushered in hints of the band's softer side."Lies For The Liars" was a bit all over the place for my liking but still a fair effort."Artwork" was a good album that harkened back to their debut, but it lacked the same punch.But "Vulnerable"! It's fantastic! It still doesn't have quite the punch "The Used" does, but man does it come close. The lyrics show both strength and vulnerability and the music does a lovely job in mirroring that.There are definite influences of many musical genres in this album. From pop to metal to hip hop and classical, you're going to hear it all in here. The different musical styles blend well with The Used's own sound. This was definitely an experiment gone right!I will admit my first listen through wasn't the best. I was so skeptical and I let that get in the way of my experience. But through all the subsequent times I really did love this album.Buy it! As another review said, it might take some getting used to, but it's a great album.

I could go on and on, break down each song; chorus, lyrics, sounds..Bert's voice, Jepha's bass..etc. Who wants to read all of that? I have been an avid fan since day one, I support this band no matter what music they create. Music is art that is interpreted by each individual listener. The album is fun, catchy, and a get-you-going type of release. Definitely better then Artwork in my opinion. The best song, my favorite -- is "Now That You're Dead" is the most energetic, Maybe Memories debut CD-sounding song that just kicks ass! I can't stop jamming to it. Just buy this and see for yourself, you WON'T regret it. HENCE it has been the #1 album downloaded on iTunes for alternative music....ROCK ON!

I've been a Used fan for a long time now and their new album does not disappoint. I'm glad to see they brought the fun back, since Artwork was a little too dark and drab for my taste. Vulnerable is like a mix of "Lies for the Liars", "In love and death" and "Artwork (slightly)." My favorite songs are "Hands and Faces" "Now that your dead" "Shine" and "Hurt No one." But hands down the best song is the bonus track "Machine." That song is totally worth buying the deluxe version. I love it because it's so theatrical and a little different from their usual songs. I love when bands are not afraid to try new sounds. The Used are really in a class of their own and they continue to prove it with every new album.

This is The uUsed I've always known and loved! Going back to their roots, but giving us new sounds at the same time. I love the variety of harder songs that are reminiscent of Sound Effects and Over Dramatics from In Love and Death album. There are also slower, softer songs and of course the unexpected quirky ones where Bert's laugh and playfulness really shine through. All in all, I love this album, I am happy I purchased it and I suggest it to the fans and people whom love music that is different and at times uncategorizable.

Really liking this latest album from The Used. I've been a fan for many many years now and this album takes me back to some of the Useds good ol days. I've always enjoyed Bert McCracken's unique singing and charisma with the mic and the bands fast to roll beats. Rock on guys! I will be inflicting more pain and drum beats on my steering wheel once again :)

This entire album grew on me, and now is regarded as some of The Used's best music.

Love this CD! Special/bonus tracks. So glad I bought it, in addition to the Vulnerable 1 CD.

Great album by The Used, this re-release provides some interesting outtakes too.

We love this albumBought the LP a gift for Valentine's Day.We're now at the end of March and just noticed that there is a pressing error and parts of a particular song is missing bits. We noticed this when listening to a digital version of the album on the way home from work.Have reached out to the seller in hopes of a replacement.Would otherwise be a 5 star* ratingHopefully this hasn't affected other people and their copies

Très bon album dans la lignée de ArtWork et Lies for Liar.Très content de cet achat.Dans ma radio en continu.

Es gibt auch noch Künstler auf die man sich verlassen kann.Ich hab mir die Vinyl-Scheibe geholt und bin mehr als begeistert.Gute Qualität in feiner analoger Auflösung.

Well. Erased punk and outcome with forever improving music. By my meaning erased punk, they take it and make it their own! For all 12 tracks the only reason its not 5 star. Imagine if it wer 22 tracks =) still a miss if you dont own it, coz i do ha! =P