What does Artwork sound like?

A raw and emotionally charged exploration of loss wrapped in potent alternative rock energy. Rooted in alternative rock. Start with "Blood on My Hands".

Is Artwork a good place to start with The Used?

Yes, Artwork is recommended as a starting point for new The Used listeners. A raw and emotionally charged exploration of loss wrapped in potent alternative rock energy. Released on January 1, 2009, 'Artwork' marked The Used's fourth studio album, following their self-titled release. At this point in their career, the band was navigating a changing musical landscape while experimenting with darker themes and a more polished sound after facing lineup changes.

Artwork works well if you're into cathartic emotional release, introspective late-night listening and immersive storytelling experience.

How many songs are on Artwork?

Artwork has 12 tracks, running approximately 68 minutes.

Artwork

The Used · 2009

68 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A raw and emotionally charged exploration of loss wrapped in potent alternative rock energy.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Blood on My Hands Start here — This track opens the album with a powerful blend of angst and melody, setting the emotional tone for the record. Its driving rhythms and confessional lyrics encapsulate the band's signature sound.
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Kissing You Goodbye — A standout ballad that showcases vulnerability, this track juxtaposes melodic elements with heavy themes of heartbreak and loss. Its haunting chorus lingers long after listening.
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Men Are All the Same — Closing the album, this track offers a critical perspective on relationships with an anthemic quality that both challenges and resonates. Its layered instrumentation complements its introspective lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic rock with introspective moments, reflecting a transitional phase for the band.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with aggressive guitar riffs, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower songs.
Several tracks incorporate dynamic shifts, alternating between quiet verses and explosive choruses, enhancing the emotional impact.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

cathartic emotional release
introspective late-night listening
immersive storytelling experience
dynamic vocal expressions

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Solid catalog entry that explores raw emotions, but not widely recognized as essential.
Themes: heartbreak in suburbia· post-breakup reflection· raw emotional turmoil
Career context: Released on January 1, 2009, 'Artwork' marked The Used's fourth studio album, following their self-titled release. At this point in their career, the band was navigating a changing musical landscape while experimenting with darker themes and a more polished sound after facing lineup changes.
Stylistic neighbors: My Chemical Romance· Taking Back Sunday· Senses Fail

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Kissing You Goodbye

The narrative shifts from longing to acceptance as it reflects on a relationship's end.

This shift emphasizes the journey from pain to resolution, adding depth to the emotional landscape of the song.