Revisiting: Evanescence's Fallen

 

Fallen by Evanescence

Release Date: 2003

Last Time I Listen to It: Not sure. This album was part of a bunch of CDs I gave to my sister so it has to be at least ten years. But from the day I bought it through 2005 or 2006, I played the fuck out of this one.

Like almost everyone else, my first exposure to Evanescence came from hearing their big breakthrough hit, Bring Me to Life. I also remember how My Immortal was the musical score for the funeral scene in Daredevil and it did a lot more to stir the emotions than anything any of the actors in that scene did.

I picked this CD up mostly because I was kinda sick of nu metal and guitar pop and Ev at least had some heavy guitars. I've always dug the way Amy Lee's voice hung like an eerie mist over the instruments. And it also didn't hurt that Lee was smokin' hot.

Fallen wasn't the only Evanescence album I bought. While I no longer have a physical copy of Fallen, I do still have 2006's The Open Door and 2011's self-titled record on CD. I did really enjoy this band's debut but it was a case of diminishing returns. I liked every new Ev record less than the last one. On top of that, it was around this time that I was really getting into bands like Lamb of God and Mastodon. I guess there just wasn't enough room for Ev in my heart anymore. (That last sentence is sponsored by Kraft Cheese.)

The Verdict: This is still a fun listen. Going Under gets things underway with heavy guitars and a steady, stomp-worthy rhythm. Bring Me to Life isn't as cool as I remember it being but Everybody's Fool is a pretty killer song. My Immortal is a little too overblown for my taste but it adds a nice dose of drama to the record and stands out by being driven by piano instead of guitars.

The big highlight on this album for me is Tourniquet, a song that raises the beats per minute a little and eekes out every ounce of desperation out of Lee's voice. This song was also huge for me when I was struggling with religion and feelings of unworthiness. I can totally relate to the desperate, terrified soul taking stock of how far they've fallen and wondering "Am I too lost to be saved?" Plus that riff is pretty badass.

The back half of Fallen is basically a copy of the front half only less memorable. My Last Breath works pretty well with its pulsing electronic beats bleeding into heavy rock. Hello is another piano ballad that doesn't have the hooks My Immortal does. This isn't bad stuff, it's just that the finish isn't as good as the start.

Even with its flaws, Fallen is a pretty good listen. Even the lesser material on the record is still enjoyable, if only because of Lee's performance. The bottom line is that Fallen is really pleasant, the perfect album to enjoy on a chilly, rainy day with a cup of tea.  

Best Songs:  Going Under, Everybody's Fool, Tourniquet, My Last Breath