Review - The Used - Vulnerable

The Used’s fifth studio album may not quite be a return back to their blistering best, but it is a solid return nonetheless, from a band who have been off the radar for quite some time.

With their 2009 album Artwork flying some way under the radar (did I ever listen to it?!?) along with their 2008 EP Shallow Believer (same again?!?) this feels like their first outing proper since the cracking Lies For The Liars way back in 2007.

A lot has changed since that time, but Bert McCracken and co return with fire in their bellies and the bit between their teeth.

Vulnerable is unmistakably The Used in sound, with McCracken’s trademark croon powering over Quinn Allman’s distinctive guitar style, as he litters his dazzling fretwork throughout this collection (which is at its best on the likes of Put Me Out).

It may be unspectacular in places, but it is without doubt effective, and a solid return to form for the band, who many would have written off. 

I Come Alive is a worthy opener, with a big refrain, and the likes of This Fire and Put Me Out have memorable and anthemic choruses, which, are not a patch on some of their finest tracks in the back catalogue, but are nonetheless hugely listenable and entertaining.

Moving On and Shine are the best two uptempo tracks on offer here, with both showcasing great melodies, big choruses and some immense guitarwork. The former is a beast, with a soaring hook, whilst the latter has some great staccato beats at the outset, before a massive double chorus kicks in to send it into overdrive. There is also something distinctly familiar about the track, whether its anthemic refrain is somewhat similar to something that has gone before, but either way, it is remarkably effective. Both tracks are infectiously catchy.

As the band progresses into more emotive territory, McCracken puts in a convincing performance on the more delicate moments such as Getting Over You, Hurt No One and Together Burning Bright, which are three great songs, which give this collection some much needed diversity in places.

It is not as electric as some of their previous outings, but Vulnerable sees The Used in rudimentary health in 2012, 10 years on from that seminal debut.

Not many bands can say they are still around after that stretch of time, or continue to be as relevant to the scene as The Used. It’s good to have them back.

7.5/10