The Used – Self-Titled (2002)

October 27, 2025 by Josh Custer in Album Review

Every once in a while, an album comes along that doesn’t just land, it opens a door. For me, The Used’s self-titled record was that moment. When it dropped during my junior year of high school, it hit like a train. I had all this bottled-up emotion, this mix of anger, confusion, and sadness that didn’t have an outlet yet. Then this record came along, and it felt like it gave me permission to feel all of it. It wasn’t just music, it was validation that being chaotic, loud, and emotional was okay.

The Used: Toxic Positivity

May 17, 2023 by Josh Custer in Album Review

The band's ninth full-length album, "Toxic Positivity", is not a traditional concept record but rather a day-in-the-life journey of a depressed, anxiety-ridden person, according to McCracken. The album begins with a sobering admission of being "the worst I’ve ever been", yet ends on a note of resilience and determination with the mantra "I’m not giving up on me". McCracken explains the album's paradoxical title as a reflection of the feeling of resentment towards those who seem to be doing well, while deep down, nobody truly is. He summarizes, “I want people to understand that, no matter how bad it gets, you don't have to give up. Everything always feels different no matter what. So what you're feeling right now you will not feel later on.

The Used: Heartwork (Deluxe)

September 25, 2021 by Josh Custer in Album Review

California’s Thrice drop their 11th studio album September 17th, via Epitaph Records. Brining the same energy and edge of prior albums the band takes a step towards creating an album that pushes the envelop and encourages listeners to pay more attention in our everyday lives.

This resulted in Horizons/East, a transparent view of frontman, Dustin Kensrue’s, internal thoughts. Intentional, introspective, and wholly authentic, the album presses into what it' means to be self aware. Instrumentally the album is just as thoughtful but with soundscapes that will take the listener through a journey of emotion.

The Used release their "Heartwork"

April 23, 2020 by Josh Custer in Album Review

Overall this album is one of the strongest showings from the band, and thats saying a lot as they’ve been producing great albums for nearly 20 years. There are tracks for every fan of The Used on this album whether you’ve been around since the self-titled “The Used” album, or maybe the previous release “The Canyon” was your first exposure to the band.