Evanescence - Fallen
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Music Reviews of Fallen
Music Review: What Music Has Needed!!
Rating: 5 Stars
Evanescence is truly a blessing to the music scene. While nothing but the same old rap, hip-hop, r&b, manafactured pop, and male dominated rock have ruled the music world for a good period of time, Evanescence burst onto the scene in early 2003, giving us something we thought we would never hear. Soaring beautiful female vocals, hard driving guitar riffs, wonderful classical piano pieces, and magnificent orchestrated strings, all mixed into one!! And boy, is that a treat. The first time I listened to there first hit single, "Bring Me To Life," I was absolutley blown away of the sheer power it had. Anyways, here's a breakdown of the songs:
Going Under - A great way to start off the album and get it
going!! Probably the hardest song on the album.
Bring Me To Life - First single that was a bit overplayed yeah,
but still, awesome. A piano intro accompanys
it. Also guest vocalist Paul McCoy (12 Stones
is featured on here.
Everybody's Fool - A solid powerful song that declares how many
people and celeberties (aka Britney Spears)
just use sex and looks for there image and
how they truly are "Everybody's Fool."
Awesome guitar work on here!!!
My Immortal - One of the most beautiful heart wrenching piano
ballads you will ever hear!!! Enough said.
Haunted - Starts off with a creepy gothic intro and then pulls
the listener into some hard guitar riffs. A hard
song all around!!!
Tourniquet - A cover of old former metal band Soul Embraced's
song Tourniquet, it is very well done!!!
Probably what get many people thinking that
Evanescence was Christian.
Imaginary - Not really a favorite of mine, but still a good
song nontheless. Violins start it off, and then
Amy brings in her deep unique lyrics singing about
her field of paper flowers.
Taking Over Me - A beautiful piano intro starts this off then
an awesome powerful guitar part comes in,
setting the pace for the song. My favorite
song off the Fallen album!!
Hello - Even though the lyrics are kinda on the strange side,
Amy's voice really shines on this one! A sad song though
which is never performed live by the band and it is
about Amy's little sister who died very young.
My Last Breath - Many people call this the average song of the
record, but I think its anything but average!
Has a synthisizer-techno like intro, then
beautiful soothing strings along with an
awesome guitar entrance make this song perfect!
Whisper - One of the best wicked guitar riffs accompany this
song! At the end of the song also theres a nice
awesome guitar solo. Really a head banger!! Great way
to close the album.
All in all, I defintley recommend this album to all who enjoy some good rock n roll but not the usual type. This one will blow you away! It it nothing like you ever heard. And don't forget to pick up Evanescence's new album, "The Open Door," which is being released October 3rd. I'm pretty sure it will be just as amazing as this one, if not, better!!
Music Review: An Analysis of "Fallen" and Comparison to Earlier Works
Rating: 5 Stars
Amy Lee, Ben Moody, and David Hodges are the foundation of the new sensation Evanescence as they wrote and played many songs in the closet of Ben Moody's apartment. The many demo tapes were released on the net, spreading a whisper of passion amongst the fans and their popularity growing.Their newest and public debut album "Fallen" was released March 4 2003 and was based on their demo tape "Mystary" (yes, it is spelled that way) and small release "Origin".
The list for Origin is as follows:
1. Origin (leads to next song)
2. Whisper (fainter version than the debuted piece)
3. Imaginary (different version)
4. My Immortal (piano and vocals only)
5. Where Will You Go (different version than that of the EP)
6. Fields of Innocence (pure Origin song)
7. Even in Death (another Origin song)
8. Anywhere (a demoed song inserted)
9. Lies (Origin song that is later remixed)
10. Away From Me (another original that leads to next song)
11. Eternal (instrumental techno/natural/piano piece)
(Note: "Listen to the Rain" is a choral piece that is supposedly continuing the rain segment after the "Demise"/End section of "Eternal" but was an outtake)
Fallen consists of
1. Going Under (a new recording)
2. Bring Me to Life (the famous piece inserted in "Daredevil")
3. Everybody's Fool (a work mastered from Mystary)
4. My Immortal (a stringed part was added)
5. Haunted (another new piece that sets a darker mood)
6. Tourniquet (cover of Soul Embraced, originally "My Tourniquet")
7. Imaginary (leaded into by previous track, a revised version)
8. Taking Over Me (another Mystary recording)
9. Hello (an added ballad)
10. My Last Breath (another added song)
11. Whisper (a cleaner version with chorus)
(Outtakes)
12. Farther Away (a Mystary cut out that was featured in the BTML single CD)
13. Missing (another song on the BMTL single)
14. Breathe No More (there are two versions and the acoustic version, being piano-vocals, was considered)
Both albums are very complete with smooth transition. However, to point out the differences are the facets of Fallen being an easy-to-listen rock album while Origin is a more dark-mooded ballad album. The newer version of Whisper is more appealing to me as it seems to have a stronger voicing while the lyrics of the Origin Imaginary shows more favor. These two albums are a bit more brighter than the Understanding series whereas the piece "Understanding" and "Solitude" really haunts the listener into the darkness. Other singles such as "October", "Surrender"(or "Bleed"), "I Must Be Dreaming" are also very haunting and show the variety of this band's performance.
(Note: "Forever Gone Forever You" is a song composed by second guitarrist John LeCompt with Amy's lyrics and vocals and "You" is an Amy Lee song which was not to be released but leaked. Out of all their songs, "You" and the Fallen songs are asked not to be shared while the others are encouraged)
To wrap-up, Fallen is a very rewarding album for the new Evanescence listener and a solid release for the old-time fans. Amazingly, this album has recieved Triple-Platinum and is reaching for the Quadruple mark as of this point, gaining popularity all over the world. There are many worries of a "sophomore" incident, but seeing the past of this band, the future is bright for Amy Lee and company as we await the arrival of their new album. Keep it up guys, we love you!
Music Review: Surprise Surprise
Rating: 4 Stars
Amongst the stuttering of my faulty CD player, I hear this CD. It's really not bad, one of my favorites. Of course most CDs have their faults. When I first popped this in to listen, I was very excited by the hit 'Bring Me To Life' that had enticed me into buying the CD. I had heard they were 'gothic' from one of my friends. I didn't hear it at first. Gothic? Nah! With lead singer Amy Lee's beautiful voice, and the lyrics written by Ben Moody (who also plays the guitar in this CD) this CD melts into your ears, unlike some 'gothic' tunes I have heard.
1. Going Under- ~4/5~ About 45 seconds into this song it kind of goes odd. Maybe it's my brain that's been demented by repetitive rhythms, but it just didn't hit me right. It's still a great song, the music is great, the lyrics are dramatic, and the vocals are very pretty and follow up with the lyrics in making them twice as dramatic.
2.Bring Me To Life- ~5/5~ I was very stricken with this song at first. 'What is this?' was the first question. I saw the music video about five times before I decided to really listen to it. I was in awe; this was such a deep song in every way. It's so rare to hear such a mixed song. The tough music, the beautiful vocals, and of course Paul McCoy of 12 Stones addition to it all. Wonderful song.
3. Everybody's Fool- ~5/5~ I LOVE this song. It's catchy, yet isn't empty. One of those song's I can only dream of writing. Again Amy Lee's voice is beautiful and the back round vocals are awesome. Hard core sounds of course.
4. My Immortal ~4/5~ Much softer then the others. I like it, since I can relate to it a bit, but it's not my type exactly. Very pretty song though.
5.Haunted ~4/5~ Musically this song is really perfect. However, the lyrics do kind of fly by me. They give me the creeps in other words. I am a very lyrical person, so my perspective may not be the most wholesome, but it is a perspective. The vocals are still very well done.
6.Torniquet ~5/5~ This is a very 'wow' song. The word 'wow' is what hit me when I heard it. It's a head bopping said, also a head thrashing, yet still has that deep void that swallows you when you hear it. The lyrics are simple yet still hold a very strong meaning. Powerful.
7. Imaginary ~5/5~ First off, I base this rating mostly on the lyrics. The musical part isn't as impressive as others on this CD. Neither are the vocals. All in all if you feel the same way I do but aren't as intrigued with the lyrics as I, then this is rated lower.
8. Taking Over Me- ~3.5/5~ Didn't intrigue me as most of them have. It feels kind of like a repeat though not. It just doesn't jump out of my CD player and grab me saying 'love me love'.
9. Hello ~4/5~ It's a very soft song, slightly sad, sorta boring. I still like it, I stick to my word, I listen to the lyrics first. The words' are pretty, and so is the voice that sings them...even though it kind of drones on at one part...
10. My Last Breath ~4/5~ I LOVE THE MUSIC! It's so AMAZING! *kiss kiss* The lyrics don't pull me in, and neither do the vocals. BUT the MUSIC is SPECTACULAR!
11. Whisper ~5/5~ I'm in love with these lyrics. Tremendously wonderful. Vocals are very mystical. The end thing is kind of freaky. I love it! This is a great song. Musically it's a little boring at first.
There you go, each song, what I hear from it all! It really is a great CD, each song has something amazing about it. I hope this helps you and has entertained you in some realm of your mind. To conclude my review, I found out Evanescence isn't really `gothic'; they are just very poetic in a dark manor.
Music Review: Music Unlike any other
Rating: 5 Stars
I'd like to say right here and now that I'm tired of people who write reviews without actually trying the product just to make the things they like sound good.Trust me,I know a few people who have deplored this album without even listening to it,I don't want to say any names or sound snobby but one of them did it to nearly every rock CD except his favourite,which was Linkin Park by the way(which is also a great album.And as for the people who can't actually LISTEN to the actual music without complaining so much about the lyrics...go rate a book.On to the review:This album is deep beyond belief,and Amy Lee's voice makes it even more so.It is the perfect combination of a Beautiful voice and hard rock,or in some songs slow soothing music(My Immortal & Hello).Sometimes while you sit there and listen to this CD let's say when you're on the bus,it actually brings tears to your eyes with songs like hello and my immortal,and actually feel like your in another world with the rest.I'll now review every song indivually:
1.GOING UNDER:(8.5)One of my favourite songs on the album.Rock and the biggest example of the voice?rock examples i was talkin about..really empowering also has this slinky feel to it(Don't give me your hand this time,I'll save myselfffffff...)
2.BRING ME BACK TO LIFE:(7.5)gets old really fast.You probably bought the album for this song until you realized it was amazing.
3.Everybody's Fool:(8)Rock.Really Engroosing,plus it has a story.It's about a girl who pretends to be somebody els whom everyone likes and Amy Lee realizes that..(She Never was and never will be.)LOOOVE this song.
4.My Immortal:(7.5)Perfect song to turn to on those really poignant rainy beaatiful days for you.She talks about how tired she is of being so afraid and staying where her boyfriend used to live because he still haunts her.Absolutely Amazing,although it will take some getting used to before you actually get into it.WARNING:HABIT FORMING.ONE LISTEN CAN LEAD TO OVERDOSE.
5.HAUNTED:(8)Really Adreline triggering.Starts off with creepy vrock music sort of like Linkin Parks style,which is dark rock.with occasional sirens blaring between parts.If it was some background music for something it would be mutation into a better thing or some superhero dramatic scene!
6.TOURNIQUET:(9)My Favourite song on the album even thoughI'm yet to find anybody who shares this view.Captivating Rockish Sort-of emotional song.
7.IMAGINARY:(7)Half Rock slow chorus with opera at the end.Like everything about it,but I have to be in the mood before i could here this one
8.TAKING OVER ME:(9)starts slow,then the rock kicks in.the you fall into this amazing song.All the lyrics on the album are moving but if I had to give one as an example I'd choose this in first place,and if i can't I'd choose My immortal or hello.
9.HELLO:(6.5-7.5)The slowest song with the least instruments.The easiest song to skip.but it is still most of my friends favourite and one of mine too.Beautiful Lyrics.If u like slow songs,this will be your mantra.I love this song,i gave it a 6.5-7.5 because not everyone is patient enough to hear it(..has anyone told you she's not breathing...?hello,I'm your head giving you someone to talk you.By the end of this song,you'll be stunned.
10.MY LAST BREATH:(9)Another great Rock song.sort of like bring
me to life but this is stronger.
11.WHISPER:(9)Hardcore rock with church opera background that concludes this album very well.I love her voice...
I hope this review helped
Music Review: The Voice Isn't Everything
Rating: 2 Stars
Like most other owners of this album, I was first drawn to Evanescence via Bring Me to Life. Although the "metal band with chick singer" route has been taken before, Evanescence added a new twist-- Amy Lee's voice is more like that of Mariah Carey or Christina Aguilera than Courtney Love. In "Bring Me to Life," her voice works perfectly in the metal-girl mix... soft and demure on the verse, strong and demanding on the chorus, Amy is able to properly emote the underlying themes of pain, confusion, and hope within the song. "Going Under" gave listeners an even better look at the extent of Lee's vocal power. She kneels to growling lows in the verse and soars high on the chorus. The song is masterfully composed. However, those beautiful highs that made us fall in love with Amy on "Bring Me to Life" started to sound whiny and excessive to me as the chorus played a second and third time.
This is the problem with "Fallen." Evanescence's combination of a vocally powerful soprano with dark, crunchy, melodic rock is refreshing, but one can only be refreshed so much before becoming irritated.
"Fallen"'s album cover, whether mistakenly or not, gives us the message that it's all about Amy, while the other band members take a backseat on the rear cover. However, Amy's voice is a little /too/ perfect. In many songs, she sounds more like a girl in choir practice than a rocker. She never strays from her precise vocal technique, and it's because of this that she fails to completely capture the spirit of the tormented soul in "Tourniquet" or sound truely in mourning during "My Immortal." Her voice never cracks with emotion, sighs with fustration, or growls with anger, and she hits and maintains every note with pitch-perfect precision. The only thing she uses to convey any feeling at all are volume dynamics. This works on "Bring Me to Life" because it's a power ballad perfect for showcasing vocal prowess, but her sanitary vocal lines are the ruin of many of the other songs on her album.
While listening to this album, I found myself often wishing for a different singer. The songs are good-- Amy Lee and Ben Moody are both highly talented songwriters-- but Lee's sophisticated voice sounds too mature for the songs she sings. Quite honestly, I'd rather have a less talented singer like Toby from Snake River Conspiracy or the lead singer from the Donnas, both of whom can sing a line note for note like Amy, but who can also add the growls, whines, and other elements that make you feel like the singer is actually feeling something. No one wants to hear their high school chorus teacher rocking out to metal tunes, and Amy's opera-quality voice gives me ugly mental pictures of a matronly church choir director secretly rocking out to her hidden collection of metal tapes before Sunday school starts.
Although I wasn't really able to enjoy this album because of its vocal monotony (plus some of the melodic repetiveness that other reviewers have mentioned), this album can be a good listen. Diluted in a ratio of 1 Evanescence song to 10 songs from other bands, this CD is full of powerful tunes to add to a mix or to play on "shuffle" mixed in with other songs on your IPod. If Evanescence keeps making songs of equal or better quality, and Amy stops feeling the need to prove to the world how perfectly she can sing, there's no doubt I'll be giving the next Evanescence album 5 stars.