Life coach and self-proclaimed expert on positivity, Mindy Bloom, has recently reviewed The Used’s latest album, Toxic Positivity, for Vanflip and her verdict is in: it’s just too negative.
As someone who spends her days helping people stay optimistic and motivated, Bloom was excited to hear the album’s title and thought it would be a refreshing change from all the “doom and gloom” out there. But alas, it was not to be.
“I was expecting uplifting lyrics and empowering messages,” Bloom said, shaking her head. “But instead, all I got was negativity and anger. It’s like they don’t understand the power of positive thinking.“
Bloom went through each track with a fine-toothed comb, analyzing the lyrics for any hint of positivity, but to no avail. Even the punk-infused “People Are Vomit” failed to lift her spirits.
“The title alone is just so negative,” Bloom sighed. “I mean, come on, people are not vomit. That’s just rude.“
Bloom then delved into some of the lyrics she found particularly negative, such as those in “Darkness Bleeds, FOTF”:
“‘There’s no god, only man’ – that’s just nihilistic,” Bloom said. “And what’s with ‘We’re all gonna die’? It’s just so defeatist.“
She also took issue with the chorus of “The Lottery,” which goes:
“We’re all just rats in a cage
Fighting for scraps, feeding the hate
How long ’til we break?“
“That’s just so negative,” Bloom said, throwing her hands up. “It’s like they’re saying we’re all doomed to a life of misery and suffering. That’s not the kind of message we need right now.“
Bloom has since advised her clients to steer clear of the album, citing its potential to bring down their moods and derail their progress. Instead, she recommends listening to birds chirping or walking in nature.
“I know some people like this kind of music, but it’s just not for me,” Bloom said. “I prefer to focus on the good in the world and leave all the negativity behind.“
In the end, Bloom’s review may have been scathing, but it just shows that positivity truly is in the ear of the beholder. And if you’re looking for a dose of optimism, you won’t find it in The Used’s Toxic Positivity.
Bloom rated the album 3 out of 5.
