Bert McCracken, frontman of The Used, ventures into bold new territory with his debut full-length solo project robbietheused, out October 25, 2024, via Big Noise Records. Known for his raw energy in alternative rock, McCracken sheds his heavier roots to embrace pop music’s shimmering melodies, all while maintaining the emotional depth that defines his songwriting. robbietheused captures the delicate balance between introspection and exuberance, resulting in an album that brims with personal reflections wrapped in pop hooks.
With singles like “Terrible” and “The Feels,” McCracken teases the essence of this LP—a blend of poignant lyrics and infectious rhythms. “Terrible” stands as one of the record’s highlights, with its high-energy, danceable beats and a tragic yet relatable love story at its core. The track brilliantly showcases McCracken’s ability to reimagine timeless romantic themes in a fresh, modern way. Meanwhile, “The Feels” draws inspiration from his ongoing battle with his mental health, with a message of learning to embrace love and acceptance. Its upbeat yet vulnerable tone reflects the cathartic nature of this solo endeavour.
Working alongside longtime collaborator John Feldmann, McCracken pushes his sound into adventurous new directions. Feldmann’s knack for fusing pop sensibilities with a slight edge is on full display, with the use of heavy bass undertones, vocoder effects, and synth-driven melodies that give each track a futuristic feel. Tracks like “Just A Little Bit” offer glimpses of this sonic exploration, weaving together familiar angst with hope, all wrapped in a synth-pop groove that makes it hard to sit still.
McCracken’s songwriting process for robbietheused was equally therapeutic, with each recording session acting as a daily mental health tune-up. As he reveals, every morning in the studio began with discussions about his emotions, forming the foundation of that day’s song. This approach lends the album an authenticity that is both raw and relatable, addressing themes of love, loss, mental health, and self-redemption with an open heart.
Lyrically, the album touches on a range of emotions. “Always Gonna Be Like This” and “Gladiator” delve into resilience and facing adversity, while “In My Dreams” and “Blame You” explore longing and heartbreak. The presence of guest vocalist Sierra Deaton on “Push Me” adds an extra layer of emotion, making it one of the standout collaborations on the album. The album's penultimate track, “Something You Can Count On,” helps bring the album to a hopeful conclusion, serving as a reminder of the possibility for growth and redemption, which McCracken emphasizes as the album’s core message.
While McCracken’s move into pop may surprise longtime fans of The Used, his solo project under robbietheused feels like a natural evolution. The shift from angst-ridden post-hardcore to a brighter, more pop-oriented sound highlights McCracken’s versatility as an artist and his desire to explore new emotional landscapes. This LP is a testament to his growth, both as a musician and as a person, offering listeners a more vulnerable side of McCracken while delivering irresistibly catchy pop tracks.
Ultimately, robbietheused is an exhilarating and heartfelt album, one that encourages listeners to embrace their emotions, seek love and redemption, and find solace in music’s ability to heal. McCracken’s solo debut is more than just a departure from his past—it’s a step into a future filled with possibility.
Check out more from robbietheused:
Website: https://robbietheused.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robbietheused/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbietheused/