If you're not familiar with The Used, you've either been living under a rock for the past two decades or you've clicked on this review by accident - in which case, welcome! The Used, hailing from the depths of Orem, Utah, have been churning out their potent mix of punk, post-hardcore, and emo since 2001. A band that can be likened to a sonic rollercoaster, they have the uncanny ability to make you want to mosh one moment and cry in the corner the next. Frontman Bert McCracken and crew have been audibly wrestling with heartbreak, introspection, and the general chaos of existence for over 20 years, offering up a soundtrack for the disenchanted and disillusioned. If you're new to the game, strap in - you're in for quite a ride with their latest release, 'Toxic Positivity'.

“Toxic Positivity", the latest album from The Used, reflects a deeply personal journey for lead vocalist Bert McCracken. In the words of McCracken, the songs in this collection are some of the most sincere he has ever written, encapsulating his experiences with depression and addiction, thereby resulting in a profound connection with listeners worldwide. The album, a product of two distinctive recording sessions, documents McCracken's emotional journey from the darkest depths to a place of newfound hope. “This record is quite tough for me to listen to,” he admits, “because it’s a reflection of times in my life that have been some of the lowest ever.”

Worst I’ve Ever Been opens the album. As a listener, this song resonates with feelings of despair and struggle against the harsh realities of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of disillusionment and frustration, as if Bert is mirroring the listeners' internal struggles. The recurring phrase, "Keep this world from burning," feels like an empathetic plea to humanity.

Next, we have Numb. This song feels like a raw exploration of emotional disconnection, something that strikes a chord with listeners who may be wrestling with feelings of despondency and detachment. The repeated chorus "Does anybody else feel numb?" feels like an invitation to share in the collective experience of emotional numbness, making one feel less alone in their feelings.

The third track is I Hate Everybody. From a listener's perspective, this song encapsulates feelings of frustration and social alienation. The refrain "I hate everybody" serves as an unfiltered expression of dissatisfaction and disillusionment with the world, making it a cathartic anthem for anyone feeling misunderstood or alienated.

Pinky Swear is the following track. This song feels like a poignant plea for companionship and support. As a listener, it can feel as though Bert is speaking directly to one's fear of isolation and longing for connection, giving voice to their own feelings of vulnerability and need for reassurance.

The middle of the album brings us Headspace. This song provides a deeply personal exploration of emotional turmoil and mental health struggles. As a listener, one might feel seen and understood, as if their own internal struggles are being echoed back to them through Bert's lyrics.

Cherry follows next. Listening to this song feels like an emotional journey through feelings of self-deprecation and despair. It's as if Bert is embodying the listener's sense of self-destruction and remorse, making the lyrics resonate deeply with anyone who's ever felt they've done wrong in a relationship.

Afterwards, we find Dopamine. This song feels like an intense exploration of toxic relationships and self-destructive tendencies. As a listener, the lyrics might resonate with experiences of being caught in a damaging relationship that one can't escape from, making it feel both dark and relatable.

Dancing With A Brick Wall is the next song. As a listener, this song can feel like a rallying cry against the inevitability and immutability of life's struggles. The lyrics "Fighting death is dancing with a brick wall" can strike a chord with anyone who has ever felt futile in their efforts to change their circumstances.

Top of the World comes in as the penultimate track. This song feels like a beacon of hope and gratitude amidst the struggles portrayed in the other songs. As a listener, one can feel uplifted and reassured by the lyrics, feeling seen and valued in their own struggles and triumphs.

House of Sand follows, no longer the closing track, but still resonating deeply with feelings of impermanence and loss. As a listener, the lyrics might evoke a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, mirroring their own experiences of fleeting moments and changing circumstances.

Finally, the album concludes with Giving Up. As a listener, this song feels like a deeply personal exploration of battling despair and finding resilience amidst adversity. The repeated chorus "I’m not giving up on me" serves as a rallying cry for self-perseverance and determination. This song feels like a powerful affirmation of self-belief and resilience, making it a deeply relatable anthem for anyone who has ever grappled with self-doubt and despair.

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.

Follow The Used:

Website:www.TheUsed.net

Facebook:www.facebook.com/TheUsed

Twitter:www.twitter.com/WeAreTheUsed

Instagram:www.instagram.com/theused