“In Love and Death,” released Sept. 28, 2004, is the much-anticipated second album from The Used. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2002, was a success, even amid accusations that the band gained their popularity due to lead singer Bert McKracken?s relationship with Kelly Osbourne, daughter of the “Prince of Darkness” Ozzy Osbourne.”In Love and Death” is full of the poignant, emotional lyrics that fans have come to expect from The Used, but without the novelty of their first album.
While most of the songs are undoubtedly enjoyable, there is not a remarkable difference in this second album.
What is worth mentioning about the album is its violent nature. Songs like “Cut Up Angels,” in which the band talks about the thin line between desire and violence (“I?ve lost my head/ You couldn?t come/ this lust to my brain almost feels like a gun”) show the band?s emotional depth.
My favorite song on the album was track seven, “Yesterday?s Feelings,” a ballad about how it takes time for feelings to develop and change. The lyrics are actually lovely, and the melody is as well. “And try not to hide how I feel/ cause feelings mean nothing now/ I don?t care to worry/ I?m feeling so lonely/ Breaking apart all this love in my heart.”
In all, this was a very enjoyable album for any “emo” fan, and though it really wasn?t anything groundbreaking, it was another thought-provoking album by the talented band.