Evanescence at their best (The Open Door - Evanescence)

Member Name: theviewer

Product:	The Open Door - Evanescence
Date:	21/01/08 (57 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Rocky memorable tunes

Disadvantages: Some songs are uninteresting

After seeing that this item was reviewable I have jumped at the chance to review one of my favourite music albums. The Open Door represents more than 3 years of waiting for new music from Evanescence's fans but this record is worth all the wait because it is brilliant! The band comprise of lead singer Amy Lee's often haunting vocals, combined with a rock/goth feel from drums, guitar and bass and Amy's expert piano playing. This album is value for money as I can see it on Amazon for £5.97 yet you get 13 songs which is more than most albums seem to manage to deliver.

Evanescence mix goth rock with sweet slow and sad piano-vocal songs which really define Evanescence and make them unique. It works well because Amy Lee really can sing and each song has her trademark vocals stamped all over them. Also she plays piano in most the songs (though sometimes it is drowned out my heavy guitar drones!) which I as a pianist am in awe of because they are quite challenging to play (many notes in not a lot of time) yet including quite nice riffs (the riff in Your Star is brilliant and fantastic to play). Arguably the guitar parts aren't as good as in the first album (Fallen) after Ben Moody who was their guitarist quit the band. Certainly the guitar playing is full of melody but I feel that it is not as challenging as before. However the record is a pleasure to listen to:

1. Sweet Sacrifice
A catch introduction to the album, but this was released as a single and it has a slightly manufactured style. The style of this song is like the style found in their first album, yet all the later songs are more distinct.

2. Call Me When You're Sober
Again this was released as a single so similarly it songs manufactured but this is one of the best songs on the album which a very nice piano part.

3. Weight of the World
A song which is less 'rocky' than the first two songs but yet is fairly haunting. Not a bad song, again this was released as a single but the sound of it represents Evanescence more than the first two tracks.

4. Lithium
Slower than other songs, an ordinary not outstanding song.

5. Cloud Nine
A song which passes very quickly as it has a quick beat. Vocals are excellent again.

6. Snow White Queen
This is the most haunting song on the album but without listening to the lyrics it's quite a moving song as well.

7. Lacrymosa
My least favourite song on the album. This is based on Lacrimosa by W.A. Mozart which Amy Lee is very keen on but I don't think this covers successfully as a song. The lacks sole and I often skip this track! The original Lacrimosa is more preferable for me!

8. Like You
A song written about Amy Lee's deceased sister, so fairly slow and personal to Lee. Hard to relate to as a normal listener.

9. Lose Control
The album starts to pick up the pace again after some slow songs with Lose Control but this track isn't particularly gothic.

10. The Only One
Again picking up the pace. An excellent warm-up for the next song.

11. Your Star
By far the best song on the album! Everything about this song is perfect! Vocals (Lee and choir), piano and other instruments are exactly right and combine to make a truly memorable record.

12. All That I'm Living For
This is a rich vein of form in the album. This song is rocky and catchy.

13. Good Enough
A great song to finish the album with. It starts with a 90 second instrumental and then kicks into the song. Another great song.

In conclusion this song mixes fast with slow, rock with quiet and thoughtfulness. It is a mix and a very successful one at that. Well worth buying, especially as you can pick it up cheaply now. Good listening!

Summary: A blend of excellence and a great album