The Used are exploring new lyrical territory on their sixth album Imaginary Enemy. If the album cover doesn’t suggest they’re latching onto political themes, the tracks surely do.
“Revolution,” the heaviest track on Imaginary Enemy, has vocalist Bert McCracken call for as he screams “So wrong I wanna pledge allegiance/to a world that’s so much different/No one suffers, everyone is free. Revolution starts with me.”
“Force Without Violence” focuses on a similar theme as “Revolution” where freedom from society is yearned.
“A Song To Stifle Imperial Progression (A Work In Progress)” is a blatant critique on the United States tendency to get involved in wars that have proven detrimental to the country’s economy while championing themselves as the heroes of democracy.
This track easily becomes the most memorable song of Imaginary Enemy due to its catchiness that transforms it into a distorted post-hardcore track worth dancing to in the mosh pit.
The Used comes full circle on the pop punk inspired track “Imaginary Enemy” where they tackle with the concept of an enemy and why they exist. “Who taught me to hate you, when I don’t even know you?” McCracken sings as society refuses to bring hostility to a halt long enough to think, much less answer such a question.
Although longtime fans will take some time to adjust to a political Used, Imaginary Enemy retains the post-hardcore, emo sound they fell in love with.
Side Note: The Used is currently on tour with Taking Back Sunday and will be performing at Best Buy Theater in New York City on April 15, 16 and 21.
