Over the last 15 years, the Used have gifted us with albums that have significantly impacted the alternative rock scene. The are back and hitting hard on their latest studio album, Toxic Positivity.

A name synonymous with the alternative rock scene they helped shape, the Used embark on a new chapter both musically and personally on Toxic Positivity. Frontman Bert McCracken speaks of these songs as some of the most sincere he has ever penned, and you can feel the weight of his words.

For Toxic Positivity, the band took on an ambitious recording schedule, laying down 11 tracks in just 11 days during October 2021. Keeping the creative juices flowing, they returned to the studio and churned out 10 more songs in a mere 10 days in February 2023. With so much material in the can, the band made the bold decision to release 11 of the songs on the album, leaving the remaining 10 to be unveiled in the future. The move hints at more exciting surprises on the horizon, keeping us eager for what is still to come.

The first taste of Toxic Positivity came in the form of the powerful single "Numb," setting the stage for what was to come. The band followed up with another hard-hitting track, "Giving Up," further building anticipation for the full album. Taking the producer's seat for Toxic Positivity was none other than John Feldmann, lead singer and guitarist of the punk rock band Goldfinger. With Feldmann's seasoned expertise at the helm, the Used no doubt found the perfect collaborator to bring their vision to life. Toxic Positivity is a dynamic addition to the band's impressive discography.

The Used's high-energy live shows, relatable gut-wrenching lyrics, and melodies that effortlessly blend pop sensibility with hard rock have left an indelible mark on the scene. Since their inception in Orem, Utah, in 2001, the band have released eight studio albums, one live album, and two EPs. Toxic Positivity is yet another testimony to their unyielding spirit, cementing their position as pioneers in the genre. As they continue to evolve and explore new musical territories, the Used remind us that their journey is far from over. Their legacy continues, and their music remains an essential voice in the alternative rock landscape.

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