The Used’s new album, Imaginary Enemy, surprised me amiably in a number of ways. Musically they are deeper, the vocals are stronger, and the band have encountered some big life experiences showcasing their human side, through which have been expressed within the narrative of the lyrics.
The tracks ‘El-Oh-Vee-Ee’, ‘Generation Throwaway’, and ‘Kenna Song’ are all big ballads that will sound great in a live arena performance, and also reminded me a bit of the 30 Seconds To Mars sound with the big sound and choir-like backing vocals.
The tracks of this album are very catchy and will potentially appeal to a broader market to previous releases. With a mix of themes through out the songs including finding and losing love, politics, and drugs, the lyrics are ones in which their audience will relate to and empathise with.
Stand out tracks include ‘Cry’, which reflects losing someone you deeply love, and the process of grief. ‘A song to Stifle Imperial Progression’ is very political in appealing to the listener to stand up for beliefs and not letting yourself be walked all over. This is strongly supported with the track that follows, ‘Generation Throwaway’ enforcing the idea that we aren’t a generation to just take it, but one to stand up and be heard. It is a very empowering album to a generation who are currently waking up and wanting more from their governments.
Overall the album is strong, showcases the growth of the band musically, vocally and lyrically and is a great set of songs to be released.
7/10
Reviewer: Courtney Laura