The Used's bio reads like a weird made-for-tv movie and offers more than enough material for several rock albums. Growing up in Mormon country, members of The Used decided there was something more. They battled homelessness and drugs and relied on others' kindness to get their band off the ground...more like off the planet. With a Reprise record deal The Used recorded their debut album in LA and London.

"So here I am, it's in my hands, and I'll savor every moment of this," lead singer McCracken sings on Bulimic. Fellow rock fans, meet Bert McCracken. If you've heard The Used on the radio the thing that will stick in your head the most is Bert's amazing ability to scream. It's almost a Deftones like sound only even more raw. Thankfully though, this album is not all about screaming. The Used are a musically talented bunch and they have a good sense of balance and contrast. In order for a scream to sound particularly loud and menacing, you have to put it up next to some other more quiet melodic line of music. Bert's rather fragile singing voice helps to accomplish this feat as well as thoughful use of guitar work and sampling.

The Used is a brilliant debut effort that is as sincere and passionate as a rock album gets.