Is The Used a good place to start with The Used?

Yes, The Used is recommended as a starting point for new The Used listeners. Raw emotional intensity collides with melodic hooks and frenetic energy in an explosive debut of alternative rock. Released as The Used's self-titled debut album, this 2002 record marked the band's entry into the music scene after forming in 2001. At this point, they were gaining traction in the post-hardcore genre, leading to a significant presence during the early 2000s emo wave.

The Used works well if you're into raw emotional intensity, catchy hooks and melodies and short, punchy tracks.

How many songs are on The Used?

The Used has 12 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

The Used

The Used · 2002

47 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

Raw emotional intensity collides with melodic hooks and frenetic energy in an explosive debut of alternative rock.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Maybe Memories Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
The Taste of Ink — This track encapsulates the band's signature sound with its catchy chorus and introspective lyrics, making it an anthem for youth disillusionment.
→
Buried Myself Alive — A standout for its raw vulnerability, this track showcases the band's ability to blend heavy instrumentation with deeply personal themes of isolation and despair.
→
Blue and Yellow — This song highlights the emotional range of the album, employing poignant imagery to explore themes of love and loss, resonating powerfully with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The Used's debut showcases strong songwriting and energetic performances, marking a significant entry into the post-hardcore scene.

What we noticed

The first five tracks maintain a high energy level with aggressive instrumentation and emotionally charged vocals, while the sixth track introduces a more subdued tone.
Several tracks feature abrupt tempo changes, particularly in 'Buried Myself Alive' where the pace shifts dramatically mid-song.
The album closes with a medley of three songs that blend seamlessly, creating an extended emotional release rather than distinct endings.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

raw emotional intensity
catchy hooks and melodies
short, punchy tracks
energetic listening bursts
dynamic emotional contrasts

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This debut album established The Used's reputation in the emo and post-hardcore scenes.
Themes: youth disillusionment· emotional isolation
Career context: Released as The Used's self-titled debut album, this 2002 record marked the band's entry into the music scene after forming in 2001. At this point, they were gaining traction in the post-hardcore genre, leading to a significant presence during the early 2000s emo wave.
Stylistic neighbors: My Chemical Romance· Taking Back Sunday· Senses Fail