Is Vulnerable a good place to start with The Used?

Yes, Vulnerable is recommended as a starting point for new The Used listeners. Dynamic melodies intertwine with raw, emotional lyrics, reflecting both vulnerability and resilience in the face of personal struggles. By the time 'Vulnerable' was released in 2012, The Used had already established a solid fanbase with their previous albums. This marked their fifth studio album, following the more commercially successful 'Artwork' from 2009, showcasing a deeper introspection as they navigated changes in both their sound and lineup.

Who is Vulnerable for?

Vulnerable works well if you're into steady emotional build throughout, for reflective moments and mid-tempo energy for focus.

How many songs are on Vulnerable?

Vulnerable has 12 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Vulnerable

The Used · 2012

43 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

Dynamic melodies intertwine with raw, emotional lyrics, reflecting both vulnerability and resilience in the face of personal struggles.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
I Come Alive Start here — Opening with an energetic declaration of renewal, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of rebirth amidst turmoil. Its anthemic chorus encapsulates the struggle and strength found within vulnerability.
→
Put Me Out — This song balances urgency and desperation, illustrating the conflict between seeking help and feeling overwhelmed. Its driving rhythm and intense vocals highlight the album's central theme of grappling with personal demons.
→
Together Burning Bright — Closing the album, this track offers a sense of hope and community, contrasting earlier themes of isolation. Its reflective nature brings a resolution that resonates deeply with listeners seeking connection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album features dynamic shifts in energy and emotional depth, reflecting both vulnerability and resilience.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with driving rhythms and aggressive guitar work, while the second half shifts to more introspective and slower tracks.
Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies that build intensity, especially in the choruses, creating a contrast between verses and hooks.

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: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

steady emotional build throughout
for reflective moments
mid-tempo energy for focus
cathartic release with friends

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
need varied tempo shifts

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Represents a solid entry in their catalog but not widely recognized as essential.
Themes: personal demons· emotional resilience· renewal through turmoil
Career context: By the time 'Vulnerable' was released in 2012, The Used had already established a solid fanbase with their previous albums. This marked their fifth studio album, following the more commercially successful 'Artwork' from 2009, showcasing a deeper introspection as they navigated changes in both their sound and lineup.
Stylistic neighbors: My Chemical Romance· Taking Back Sunday· Senses Fail