Artwork (album)

Artwork is the fourth studio album by American rock band the Used, released through Reprise in the United States and the UK on August 31, 2009.[1]

Artwork
Studio album by
The Used
ReleasedAugust 31, 2009 (2009-08-31)
RecordedLate 2008 – March 2009
Genre
Length43:08
LabelReprise
ProducerMatt Squire
The Used chronology
Shallow Believer
(2008)		 Artwork
(2009)		 Vulnerable
(2012)
Singles from Artwork
  1. "Blood on My Hands"
    Released: June 30, 2009

Recording

The Used began writing for Artwork in early 2008, and originally hoped to enter the studio shortly after Kevin Lyman's 2008 "Get a Life Tour" with Weezer front-man Rivers Cuomo as producer of the album.[2] The Used expressed their interest in the raw sound found on Weezer's 1996 album Pinkerton, and hoped to create a similar sound by working with Cuomo.[2] The band ended up working with producer Matt Squire (Panic! at the Disco, Boys Like Girls, The Receiving End of Sirens) and did not enter the studio until the end of 2008.[3] On December 20, 2008, it was mentioned that the band had three or four weeks of recording remaining.[4] In January 2009, the band posted a few videos of the recording process.[5] On March 7, the group finished recording.[6]

The band experienced several changes upon making Artwork. The band changed management within their label Reprise Records. This was the first album with new drummer Dan Whitesides; also the first studio album that was not produced by Goldfinger's frontman John Feldmann. Feldmann had been working with The Used since lead singer Bert McCracken threw a demo on stage during a Goldfinger concert in 2001.[7] Commenting on the band's state prior to these changes, guitarist Quinn Allman felt that, "we were kept in a space with our resources that was creating an essence for our band that wasn't who we truly were."[7]

Composition

Feeling that the band's previous albums had a similar sound, they had hoped to make a brand new genre they refer to as "gross pop" with Artwork.[2][7] In Alternative Press magazine, McCracken described the new genre, "In the past, we've always kind of brought pop sensibility into heavy rock, but this is going to be all that much more tantalizing and brutal. Our songs are 10 times messier and noisier than they've ever been."[8] The themes of the record include "coming to grips with how much you really hate yourself"[8] and the concept of mortality. McCracken, who had previously lived a "reckless life," recently came to terms with how easy it is to accidentally die after the tragic death of actor Heath Ledger.[7] Allman compared it musically to the group's self-titled album.[9] He described "Blood on My Hands" as a track that "sums up everything about the Used."[10] "Empty with You" is about being okay with feeling lonely provided there is someone you can share the loneliness with.[9] "Meant to Die" is loosely based on the death of Ledger and not being able to say "sorry," or "I never meant to die" after an accidental death.[7]

This album features Bert McCracken's brother Joseph McCracken singing at two songs.

Release

On March 30, 2009, Artwork was announced for release in June.[11] In March and April, the band performed a handful of shows in the US with the Bled.[12] The band appeared at The Bamboozle festival in early May.[13] At shows prior to the release of Artwork, the Used performed the new track "Blood on My Hands". This song was the first single from the album, and was released on June 30 as a vinyl picture disc[14] and digital download. From July until the album's release, guitar tabs were released for the songs on their official website on a weekly basis.[15] "Blood on My Hands" was released on radio on July 14.[9] In August, the group appeared at the Sonisphere Festival.[16] "Born to Quit" was released as a single on August 11.[17]

After being planned for release in spring,[4] and having an initial release date for September,[9] Artwork was eventually released on August 31 through major label Reprise Records.[18] A special edition CD+DVD package was released, featuring an expanded booklet and a DVD with behind the scenes materials. The CD featured an outtake "In a Needle" and an alternative mix of "On the Cross" as bonus tracks.[19] Following the album's release, the group went on a UK tour in September.[20] In October and November, the group went on a headlining US tour with support from the Almost and Drive A. Every person that purchased their tickets online were sent the demo "Something Safe" and an uncensored music for "Blood on My Hands".[21] On December 11, a music video premiered for "Empty with You" through Tunelab's website.[22] "Born to Quit" was released to radio on December 15.[23]

Reception
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic(56/100)[24]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[25]
Alternative Press[26]
The A.V. ClubC[27]
Billboard(68/100)[28]
The Metal Forge[29]
PopMatters[30]
Rock Sound(9/10)[31]
Rolling Stone[32]
Spin(3/10)[33]
Sputnikmusic[34]

The album opened at #10 on the Billboard 200 with 35,000 copies sold.

Artwork received mostly mixed reviews from music critics. Metacritic has given the album a score of 56 out of 100 based on 8 reviews. The album fared better on Sputnikmusic, receiving a score of 3.3 out of 5 based on all reviews, indicating "great". Sputnikmusic user Trey Spencer awarded the album 4 stars out of 5, summarizing his review by saying, "the Used make some adjustments in their sound and end up with an album that will require a few listens to really sink in."

Alternative Press praised the album highly, saying "On their fourth full-length, the Used have delivered not only the definitive album of their career, but arguably one of the best records you'll hear in 2009." On the other hand, PopMatters was very negative of the album, saying, "After sampling the tasteless, bland delights of Artwork though, I can't imagine many will."

Track listing

All tracks are written by The Used.

No.TitleLength
1."Blood on My Hands"3:17
2."Empty with You"3:23
3."Born to Quit"3:33
4."Kissing You Goodbye"4:08
5."Sold My Soul"4:12
6."Watered Down"3:57
7."On the Cross"3:07
8."Come Undone"3:23
9."Meant to Die"3:45
10."The Best of Me"4:29
11."Men Are All the Same"5:54

Additional track information

The Used recorded 14 songs during the Artwork recording session. The 3 b-sides from the session are titled "Mosh n' Church", "In a Needle", and "Something Safe". The b-sides were released as downloadable bonus tracks for pre-ordering the album, buying tickets to the album tour, and later on digital music stores. A remix version of "On the Cross" was also released on digital music stores and an alternative version of "Sold My Soul" was posted to the band's YouTube page.

iTunes deluxe edition[35]
No.TitleLength
12."On My Own" (acoustic from PureVolume Sessions)3:13
13."Lunacy Fringe" (acoustic from PureVolume Sessions)4:18
14."Empty with You" (acoustic from PureVolume Sessions)4:01
15."Mosh n' Church" (demo)3:21
Limited edition[35]
No.TitleLength
12."In a Needle"3:56
13."On the Cross" (Save Yourself Mix)3:04
Ticket pre-sale'[35]
No.TitleLength
12."Something Safe" (demo)3:14
13."Blood on My Hands" (uncensored music video) 
Limited Edition Bonus DVD
No.TitleLength
1."Behind the Scenes" 
2."Making of the Album" 
3."Exclusive Interviews" 

Personnel

The Used

Additional personnel

  • Joseph McCracken – vocals on "Blood on My Hands" and screaming vocals on "Meant to Die"
  • Jed Bleecker and "Killer" Dayton Killian – vocals on "Blood on My Hands"

Production[36]

Chart performance
Chart (2009) Peak
position
Australian Albums Chart 17[37]
Canadian Albums Chart 10[38]
UK Albums Chart 63[39]
US Billboard 200 10[38]
US Billboard Alternative Albums 8[38]
US Billboard Hard Rock Albums 2[38]
US Billboard Rock Albums 5[38]

Release history

References
  1. "ARTWORK RELEASE DATE 8/31". The Used. August 5, 2009. Archived from the original on December 10, 2011. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  2. New directions for The Used Archived October 9, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  3. "The Used estimate a Spring 2009 release for new album". Altpress.com. Archived from the original on May 16, 2012. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  4. "The Used estimate a Spring 2009 release for new album". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. December 20, 2008. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
  5. "The Used post videos from the studio". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. January 7, 2009. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
  6. Roth, Kaj (March 7, 2009). "The Used Finished Recording Their New Album". Melodic. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  7. Downey, Ryan (September 2009). "Flipping the Script". Alternative Press (254): 84–88.
  8. "In the Studio". Alternative Press. (October 2008) issue 243, p. 38.
  9. Wippsson, Johan (July 6, 2009). "The Used To Release Brand-new Studio Album, 'Artwork', On September 1". Melodic. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  10. Roth, Kaj (June 30, 2009). "Purchase The Used's New Single "Blood On My Hands" On Itunes Or On Theused.net". Melodic. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  11. Dan (March 30, 2009). "The Used announce new album". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on May 4, 2009. Retrieved March 10, 2019.
  12. "The Bled replacing Saosin on the Used's tour". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. March 13, 2009. Retrieved August 7, 2017.
  13. "Bamboozle set single-day lineups". Alternative Press. Alternative Press Magazine, Inc. February 8, 2009. Archived from the original on August 1, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  14. "The Used to Release New Single". May 30, 2009. Retrieved June 10, 2009.
  15. Wippsson, Johan (July 9, 2009). "The Used Give Away "Blood On My Hands" Guitar Tab; New Tabs To Be Given Away Each Week Until Release". Melodic. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  16. Dan (June 17, 2009). "The Wildhearts added to Sonisphere line-up". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on June 20, 2009. Retrieved March 10, 2019.
  17. Wippsson, Johan (August 11, 2009). "The Used's " Born To Quit " On Itunes Now". Melodic. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  18. Wippsson, Johan (August 10, 2009). "The Used Announce Nationwide Headlining Tour". Melodic. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  19. Spinelli, Tom (July 21, 2009). "The Used Announce " Artwork " Special Edition". Melodic. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  20. Katie (July 8, 2009). "The Used announce UK tour dates". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on July 11, 2009. Retrieved March 10, 2019.
  21. Wippsson, Johan (August 24, 2009). "The Used Announce Venues For Nationwide Headlining Tour". Melodic. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  22. Winberg, Pär (December 11, 2009). "The Used Release "Empty With You" Video". Melodic. Retrieved March 7, 2019.
  23. "FMQB Airplay Archive: Modern Rock". Friday Morning Quarterback Album Report, Incorporated. Archived from the original on March 22, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  24. "Critic Reviews for Artwork". Metacritic. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
  25. AllMusic review
  26. Slessor, Dan (September 2009). "The Used - Artwork". Alternative Press (254): 109. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
  27. Heller, Jason (September 1, 2009). "The Used: Artwork". The A.V. Club. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
  28. "The Used, 'Artwork'". Billboard. August 25, 2009. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
  29. Milburn, Simon (December 17, 2009). "Review - The Used - Artwork". The Metal Forge. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  30. Commins, Shane (September 17, 2009). "The Used: Artwork". PopMatters. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
  31. Tim Newbound (September 1, 2009). "The Used - 'Artwork' | Reviews | Rock Sound". Rock Sound. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  32. Christian Hoard (August 31, 2009). "Artwork : The Used : Review". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 4, 2009. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
  33. Kornhaber, Spencer (August 25, 2009). "The Used, 'Artwork' (Reprise)". Spin. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  34. Spencer, Trey (August 25, 2009). "Review: The Used - Artwork". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  35. "The Different Configurations of Artwork". Theused.net. Archived from the original on August 24, 2009. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  36. "Artwork - The Used". AllMusic. September 1, 2009. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  37. "Australian Albums Chart" Archived October 19, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. australian-charts.com. Retrieved on September 14, 2009.
  38. "Artwork - The Used". Billboard. Retrieved on September 14, 2009.
  39. "CHART: CLUK Update 12.09.2009 (wk36)". Zobbel. Retrieved on September 14, 2009.
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