Artwork (album)

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.{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20081009233811/http://www.bostonmusicspotlight.com/article.php?id=979 New directions for The Used]}} 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. 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.{{cite web |date=December 20, 2008 |title=The Used estimate a Spring 2009 release for new album |url=https://www.altpress.com/archive_5434/ |accessdate=January 11, 2012 |publisher=AltPress}} On December 20, 2008, it was mentioned that the band had three or four weeks of recording remaining. In January 2009, the band posted a few videos of the recording process.{{cite web |date=January 7, 2009 |title=The Used post videos from the studio |url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_5562 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730230403/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_5562 |archive-date=July 30, 2017 |accessdate=July 30, 2017 |work=Alternative Press |publisher=}} On March 7, the group finished recording.{{cite web |author=Roth |first=Kaj |date=March 7, 2009 |title=The Used Finished Recording Their New Album |url=http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=12756 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308003026/http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=12756 |archive-date=March 8, 2019 |accessdate=March 7, 2019 |work=Melodic}}

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.{{cite journal| last = Downey| first = Ryan| title = Flipping the Script| journal = Alternative Press| issue = 254| pages = 84–88| date = September 2009}} 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."

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. 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.""In the Studio". Alternative Press. (October 2008) issue 243, p. 38. The themes of the record include "coming to grips with how much you really hate yourself" 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 death of actor Heath Ledger. Allman compared it musically to the group's self-titled album.{{cite web |author=Wippsson |first=Johan |date=July 6, 2009 |title=The Used To Release Brand-new Studio Album, 'Artwork', On September 1 |url=http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=13716 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308003038/http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=13716 |archive-date=March 8, 2019 |accessdate=March 7, 2019 |work=Melodic}} He described "Blood on My Hands" as a track that "sums up everything about the Used."{{cite web |author=Roth |first=Kaj |date=June 30, 2009 |title=Purchase The Used's New Single "Blood On My Hands" On Itunes Or On Theused.net |url=http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=13665 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308080746/http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=13665 |archive-date=March 8, 2019 |accessdate=March 7, 2019 |work=Melodic}} "Empty with You" is about being okay with feeling lonely, provided there is someone you can share the loneliness with. "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.

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

On March 30, 2009, Artwork was announced for release in June.{{cite web|url=http://www2.kerrang.com/2009/03/the_used_announce_new_album.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504114940/http://www2.kerrang.com/2009/03/the_used_announce_new_album.html|title=The Used announce new album|work=Kerrang!|author=Dan|date=March 30, 2009|archivedate=May 4, 2009|accessdate=March 10, 2019}} In March and April, the band performed a handful of shows in the US with the Bled.{{cite web |date=March 13, 2009 |title=The Bled replacing Saosin on the Used's tour |url=https://www.altpress.com/archive_6264/ |accessdate=August 7, 2017 |work=Alternative Press |publisher=}} The band appeared at The Bamboozle festival in early May.{{cite web |date=February 8, 2009 |title=Bamboozle set single-day lineups |url=http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_5918 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801044453/http://www.altpress.com/index.php/news/entry/archive_5918 |archive-date=August 1, 2017 |accessdate=July 31, 2017 |work=Alternative Press |publisher=}} 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{{cite web |last=DeAndrea |first=Joe |date=May 30, 2009 |title=The Used to Release New Single |url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1088372/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718082118/http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1088372/ |archive-date=18 July 2012 |accessdate=June 10, 2009}} 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.{{cite web |author=Wippsson |first=Johan |date=July 9, 2009 |title=The Used Give Away "Blood On My Hands" Guitar Tab; New Tabs To Be Given Away Each Week Until Release |url=http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=13756 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308004540/http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=13756 |archive-date=March 8, 2019 |accessdate=March 7, 2019 |work=Melodic}} "Blood on My Hands" was released on radio on July 14. In August, the group appeared at the Sonisphere Festival.{{cite web|url=http://www2.kerrang.com/2009/06/the_wildhearts_added_to_sonisp.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620003457/http://www2.kerrang.com/2009/06/the_wildhearts_added_to_sonisp.html|title=The Wildhearts added to Sonisphere line-up|work=Kerrang!|author=Dan|date=June 17, 2009|archivedate=June 20, 2009|accessdate=March 10, 2019}} "Born to Quit" was released as a single on August 11.{{cite web |author=Wippsson |first=Johan |date=August 11, 2009 |title=The Used's " Born To Quit " On Itunes Now |url=http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=14027 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308003050/http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=14027 |archive-date=March 8, 2019 |accessdate=March 7, 2019 |work=Melodic}}

After being planned for release in spring, and having an initial release date of September, Artwork was eventually released on August 31 through major label Reprise Records.{{cite web |author=Wippsson |first=Johan |date=August 10, 2009 |title=The Used Announce Nationwide Headlining Tour |url=http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=14013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308003026/http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=14013 |archive-date=March 8, 2019 |accessdate=March 7, 2019 |work=Melodic}} 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.{{cite web |author=Spinelli |first=Tom |date=July 21, 2009 |title=The Used Announce " Artwork " Special Edition |url=http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=13856 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308003015/http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=13856 |archive-date=March 8, 2019 |accessdate=March 7, 2019 |work=Melodic}} Following the album's release, the group went on a UK tour in September.{{cite web|url=http://www2.kerrang.com/2009/07/the_used_announce_uk_tour_date.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090711081133/http://www2.kerrang.com/2009/07/the_used_announce_uk_tour_date.html|title=The Used announce UK tour dates|work=Kerrang!|author=Katie|date=July 8, 2009|archivedate=July 11, 2009|accessdate=March 10, 2019}} 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 video for "Blood on My Hands".{{cite web |author=Wippsson |first=Johan |date=August 24, 2009 |title=The Used Announce Venues For Nationwide Headlining Tour |url=http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=14129 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308003015/http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=14129 |archive-date=March 8, 2019 |accessdate=March 7, 2019 |work=Melodic}} On December 11, a music video premiered for "Empty with You" through Tunelab's website.{{cite web |author=Winberg |first=Pär |date=December 11, 2009 |title=The Used Release "Empty With You" Video |url=http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=14952 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024110406/http://melodic.net/?page=news&id=14952 |archive-date=Oct 24, 2013 |accessdate=March 7, 2019 |work=Melodic}} "Born to Quit" was released to radio on December 15.{{cite web|url=http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16771 |title=FMQB Airplay Archive: Modern Rock |publisher=Friday Morning Quarterback Album Report, Incorporated |accessdate=October 31, 2016 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142732/http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=16771 |archivedate=March 22, 2013 }}

{{Album ratings

| MC = (56/100){{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/artwork/the-used/critic-reviews |title=Critic Reviews for Artwork |website=Metacritic |accessdate=September 16, 2013}}

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1score = {{rating|3|5}}[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1626484|pure_url=yes}} AllMusic review]

| rev2 = Alternative Press

| rev2score = {{rating|4.5|5}}{{cite journal| last = Slessor| first = Dan| url = http://www.altpress.com/reviews/entry/the_used_-_artwork| title = The Used - Artwork| journal = Alternative Press| issue = 254| page = 109| date = June 24, 2010| accessdate = September 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140901091912/http://www.altpress.com/reviews/entry/the_used_-_artwork|archive-date=Sep 1, 2014}}

| rev3 = The A.V. Club

| rev3score = C{{cite news|last=Heller |first=Jason |url=https://www.avclub.com/the-used-artwork-1798206826 |title=The Used: Artwork |newspaper=The A.V. Club |date=September 1, 2009 |access-date=September 16, 2013}}

| rev4 = Billboard

| rev4score = (68/100){{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/review/1070938/the-used-artwork |title=The Used, 'Artwork' |magazine=Billboard |date=August 25, 2009 |accessdate=September 16, 2013}}

| rev6 = PopMatters

| rev6score = {{rating|3|10}}{{cite magazine|last=Commins |first=Shane |url=https://www.popmatters.com/111205-the-used-artwork-2496082128.html|title=The Used: Artwork |magazine=PopMatters |date=September 17, 2009 |accessdate=September 16, 2013}}

| rev7 = Rock Sound

| rev7score = (9/10){{cite magazine|author=Tim Newbound |url=http://www.rocksound.tv/reviews/article/the-used-artwork |title=The Used - 'Artwork' | Reviews|magazine=Rock Sound |date=September 1, 2009 |accessdate=January 11, 2012}}

| rev8 = Rolling Stone

| rev8score = {{rating|2|5}}{{cite magazine|author=Christian Hoard |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/29607523/review/29716121/artwork |title=Artwork : The Used : Review |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=August 31, 2009 |accessdate=September 16, 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090904162150/http://www.rollingstone.com/reviews/album/29607523/review/29716121/artwork |archivedate=September 4, 2009 |url-status=dead }}

| rev9 = Spin

| rev9score = (3/10){{cite magazine|last=Kornhaber |first=Spencer |url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/used-artwork-reprise |title=The Used, 'Artwork' (Reprise) |magazine=Spin |date=August 25, 2009 |accessdate=January 11, 2012}}

| rev10 = Sputnikmusic

| rev10score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite web|last=Spencer |first=Trey |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/32067/The-Used-Artwork/ |title=Review: The Used - Artwork |website=Sputnikmusic |date=August 25, 2009 |accessdate=January 11, 2012}}

| rev5 = The Metal Forge

| rev5score = {{rating|7.5|10}}{{cite web|last=Milburn |first=Simon |url=http://www.themetalforge.com/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=2557 |title=Review - The Used - Artwork |publisher=The Metal Forge |date=December 17, 2009 |accessdate=January 11, 2012}}

}}

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.{{Citation |title=Artwork by The Used |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/artwork/the-used |publisher=Metacritic |language=en |access-date=2023-02-23}} On Sputnikmusic, it received a score of 3.3 out of 5 based on all reviews, indicating "great".{{Cite web |last=Trey |date=August 25, 2009 |title=Review: The Used - Artwork |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/32067/The-Used-Artwork/ |access-date=2023-02-23 |website=Sputnikmusic}} 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 said, "After sampling the tasteless, bland delights of Artwork though, I can't imagine many will."

{{track listing

| all_writing = The Used

| title1 = Blood on My Hands

| length1 = 3:17

| title2 = Empty with You

| length2 = 3:23

| title3 = Born to Quit

| length3 = 3:33

| title4 = Kissing You Goodbye

| length4 = 4:08

| title5 = Sold My Soul

| length5 = 4:12

| title6 = Watered Down

| length6 = 3:57

| title7 = On the Cross

| length7 = 3:07

| title8 = Come Undone

| length8 = 3:23

| title9 = Meant to Die

| length9 = 3:45

| title10 = The Best of Me

| length10 = 4:29

| title11 = Men Are All the Same

| length11 = 5:54

}}

The Used recorded 18 songs during the Artwork recording session. The 5 b-sides from the session are titled "Mosh n' Church", "In a Needle", "Something Safe", "Burning Down The House" "On The Cross (Save Yourself Mix)" and "Sold My Soul (Time Lapse Mix)". 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. "Burning Down The House" is a cover of the song by Talking Heads and is available on the Transformers Revenge Of The Fallen soundtrack and Covered, A Revolution Of Sound.

{{track listing

| headline = iTunes deluxe edition{{cite web|url=http://www.theused.net/news/2009/08/17/different-configurations-artwork |title=The Different Configurations of Artwork |publisher=The Used|date=August 17, 2009 |accessdate=April 2, 2020|url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090824233225/http://theused.net/news/2009/08/17/different-configurations-artwork |archivedate=August 24, 2009}}

| title12 = On My Own

| note12 = acoustic from PureVolume Sessions

| length12 = 3:13

| title13 = Lunacy Fringe

| note13 = acoustic from PureVolume Sessions

| length13 = 4:18

| title14 = Empty with You

| note14 = acoustic from PureVolume Sessions

| length14 = 4:01

| title15 = Mosh n' Church

| note15 = demo

| length15 = 3:21

}}

{{track listing

| headline = Limited edition

| title12 = In a Needle

| length12 = 3:56

| title13 = On the Cross

| note13 = Save Yourself Mix

| length13 = 3:04

}}

{{tracklist

| headline = Ticket pre-sale'

| title12 = Something Safe

| note12 = demo

| length12 = 3:14

| title13 = Blood on My Hands

| note13 = uncensored music video

}}

{{tracklist

| headline = Limited Edition Bonus DVD

| title1 = Behind the Scenes

| title2 = Making of the Album

| title3 = Exclusive Interviews

}}

{{tracklist

| headline = Japanese Bonus Tracks

| title12 = Mosh n' Church

| note12 = Demo

| length12 = 3:21

}}

The Used

• Bert McCracken – lead vocals, piano; drawings
• Jeph Howard – bass, backing vocals
• Quinn Allman – guitar, backing vocals; photography
• Dan Whitesides – drums, percussion, backing vocals

Additional personnel

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

Production{{cite web |last=Erlewine |first=Stephen Thomas |date=September 1, 2009 |title=Artwork - The Used |url=http://allmusic.com/album/artwork-r1626484/credits |accessdate=January 11, 2012 |website=AllMusic}}

• Matt Squire – production, sound engineer
• Neal Avron – mixing
• Ted Jensen – mastering
• Edward Colver – assistant
• Nicolas Fournier – mixing assistant
• Bill Appleberry – digital editing
• Paul Rayner-Brown – photography, artwork
• Frank Maddocks – design, cover photo, creative director
• Craig Aaronson – A&R

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

;Standard edition

{{col-2}}

;Limited edition

{{col-end}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTo9pEXsDq8Z5u08e-BoEo1N7xDlsyIys Artwork] at YouTube (streamed copy where licensed)
• {{Metacritic album|title=Artwork}}

{{The Used}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2009 albums

Category:The Used albums

Category:Albums produced by Matt Squire

Category:Reprise Records albums