Take It Away cover

Take It Away

The Used · 2004

3 tracks · alternative rock

Raw emotions collide with dynamic instrumentals, delivering a powerful exploration of youth and angst.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Take It Away — The title track encapsulates the band's signature sound, blending aggressive instrumentation with introspective lyrics about emotional struggles and personal liberation.
  • →
    The Taste of Ink (live at Soma) — This live rendition captures the raw energy of The Used's performances, showcasing their ability to engage deeply with their audience while revisiting one of their most beloved tracks.
  • →
    Take It Away (live at Soma) — Offering a fresh take on the studio version, this live track highlights the band's dynamic stage presence and the emotional weight of their music when performed live.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases energetic songwriting but lacks depth and cohesion due to its limited tracklist.

What we noticed

  • The live tracks capture the raw energy of the band's performance, with audience interaction evident in the recording.
  • The single is structured around a clear verse-chorus format, typical of alternative rock, making it accessible and engaging.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This single marked their first new material after the debut, enhancing their recognition.
Themes
emotional liberation· post-hardcore intensity
Career context
Released in early 2004, Take It Away marked The Used's first new material following their self-titled debut album in 2002. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their presence in the post-hardcore scene, building on the momentum from their initial success. This single was pivotal as it showcased their evolving sound and lyrical depth.
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Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Take It Away
  • 2 The Taste of Ink (live at Soma)
  • 3 Take It Away (live at Soma)

What to play next

In Love and Death
Listen next

In Love and Death

2004

Continues the emotional intensity and dynamic sound, exploring deeper themes of love and loss.
Maybe Memories
Go back to

Maybe Memories

2003

Sets the stage for the raw energy and angst found in 'Take It Away'.
Full The Used discography Where to start with The Used Artists like The Used
alternative rock

If this landed

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Explores themes of youth and heartbreak with a similar post-hardcore energy and dynamic instrumentation.

Let It Enfold You

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Senses Fail

Delivers a blend of emotional liberation and heavy instrumentals, resonating with themes of inner turmoil.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata