Imaginary Enemy
The Used · 2014
54 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A visceral blend of raw emotion and punk-infused melodies, capturing the urgency of a disenchanted generation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Revolution Start here — Opening the album with an explosive call to action, this track sets a tone of urgency and defiance that permeates the entire record.
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Generation Throwaway — This song critiques the apathy of youth in the face of societal challenges, encapsulating the central theme of disillusionment prevalent throughout the album.
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Imaginary Enemy — The title track dives into internal and external conflicts, reflecting personal struggles against broader societal issues, making it a critical centerpiece of the album.
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Overdose — Closing the album with an ambitious 14-minute track, it combines introspective lyrics with a sweeping soundscape that leaves listeners contemplating its weighty themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines energetic punk elements with emotional themes but lacks standout compositions.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a fast pace, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter part.
- Several tracks feature abrupt transitions between sections, creating a sense of urgency and unpredictability.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- high-energy catharsis through intensity
- dynamic progression with emotional peaks
- reflective moments amidst raucous sound
- engaging in societal critique themes
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- avoid emotional rollercoasters
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — This album showcases a solid continuation of their sound but isn't a standout entry point.
- Themes
- disenchanted youth· societal apathy· internal conflict· call to action
- Career context
- Released in 2014, Imaginary Enemy marks The Used's sixth studio album and their first with producer Ross Robinson since 2004's In Love and Death. Following a period of lineup changes and experimentation with their sound, this album attempts to reconnect with their earlier energy while addressing contemporary social issues.
- Stylistic neighbors
- My Chemical Romance· Taking Back Sunday· Senses Fail
Tracklist
- 1 Revolution Start here 4:04
- 2 Cry 3:30
- 3 El-Oh-Vee-Ee 3:32
- 4 A Song to Stifle Imperial Progression (A Work in Progress) 4:05
- 5 Generation Throwaway 3:05
- 6 Make Believe 3:27
- 7 Evolution 4:38
- 8 Imaginary Enemy 3:24
- 9 Kenna Song 4:20
- 10 Force Without Violence 5:23
- 11 Overdose 14:41
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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