Screaming made decent

en-year-old rock band The Used recently unleashed a much-anticipated fourth studio album, “Artwork.” Though the album is worth spending money on, some tracks are better than others.

The first and best song, titled “Blood on My Hands,” is reminiscent of hard core, headbanging punk rock.

However, with its identifiable melody and admittedly creepy, clear lyrics, it is digestible to those who usually do not listen to mosh pit-worthy music. If there is any one song you should download, “Blood on My Hands” is it.

Another notable song, “Born to Quit,” features the rage-filled screaming type of singing that few artists can pull off. Lead singer Bert McCracken masterfully makes the song actually sound decent while still being able to unleash his impressive belting powers.

The softer tune, “Empty With You,” although musically sophisticated, crosses the border between sounding emotional and whiney.

While The Used are far from being a classic boy band, the annoying bellyaching heard in “Empty With You” brings to mind images of the Backstreet Boys and ’N Sync.

While “Artwork” is indeed a remarkable collection of music, leave the softer, slower songs for the boy bands.