Going Under
A dark introduction and slight presence of the classical piano that opens up vocally at the chorus. This track sets up the tone of the entire album. With strong lyrics of falling into the same downfall and having to break away.
"I'm going under
Drowning into you
I'm falling forever
I've got to break through"
Very influential lyrics, and we see this theme carry throughout the album.
Bring Me To Life
What can be said about this track that isn't known? The moment your mind recognizes the opening piano melody, if you're anything like me, you crank that volume to the max ! Many recognize it simply as being on top of the rock charts (and Christian music charts), as well as that scene where Electra is stabbing sand bags in Daredevil. The track was released on April 22, 2003 (HAPPY 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY) and in my opinion singlehandedly gave Evanescence their permanent place in rock music. Their are theories surrounding the inspiration for this song, but I won't go into what I don't know to be a fact. With the help of Paul McCoy of 12 Stones one can't help themselves to sing his part along with Amy Lee.
Everybody's Fool
A powerful track with a great music video complementing the audio aspect of it. This particular song can have a double meaning, whether personal or of another. We sometimes hide behind a smile that disguises someone screaming internally, and for whatever the reason it remains hidden. Others may view the hypocrisy in others trying to please the masses thus, becoming Everybody's Fool !
My Immortal
If Bring Me To Life put Evanescence on the map, My Immortal made sure they stayed permanently. I have never heard such a song so powerful, yet so soft. The exit of a loved one and their ever-present memories are sometimes haunting, but at times needed in the process of healing. Lee's piano melody and vocals, alongside perfectly structured lyrics in itself make it a song to be immortalized. One of my personal all-time favorite tracks. (which happens to be included in one of my all-time favorite albums)
Haunted
Another dark introduction with words of "Long lost words whisper slowly to me still can't find what keeps me here." We see the lingering presence that's being carried out throughout the album. Recalling what was someone physically present has now become a haunting recollection of thoughts. Absolutely love the harmonies and the background vocals of a choir. The bass guitar and drums add a great rhythm towards the exit of the song.
"I can feel you pull me down"
Tourniquet
A tourniquet is a device for stopping the flow of blood. For this track, it's probably referring to the metaphorical approach although a literal meaning is present too. A perfect blend of electronics and rock instrumentation with an addition of stringed instruments that exit the song and lead into the next track. Seeking God as your tourniquet towards salvation shows it as a cry for help of the challenges and difficulties from life. Great track. Truly inspirational !
Imaginary
One of the albums best songs, lyrically. Living in your world of "Paper Flowers" only tells us of the ability to shield oneself from the chaos that surrounds us. Paper Flowers can symbolize an undying beauty that can be created by ones own desire. The lyrics further speak of "Candy clouds and lullabies" where one can seek refuge. Yet another perfect blend of instrumentation that gives soft piano melodies topped with heavy guitars and drums.
Taking Over Me
A lullaby type of piano entrance followed by a staccato guitar riff gives yet another lyrically strong track. One never sees a relationship as possibly ending when in the beginning. Often times the end does appear. This deep track pleads the importance needing one that is gone. I'd quote the entire song as a favorite line... but I'll play fair.
"But who can decide what they dream? And dream I do..."
"Have you forgotten all I know and all we had? You saw me mourning my love for you, and touched my hand."
Hello
A hypnotic piano melody set in a minor key (like many tracks). For some reason the thought of mortality comes to mind on this one. With lyrics such as, "has no one told you she's not breathing, hello, I am the light giving you someone to talk to, hello." A chilling, yet fitting line, "Hello, I am the lie living for you, so you can hide, don't cry." It features a soft yet deep cello and piano part that it too is mesmerizing. We listen to Lee's vocals hit a different level of range and suspension. Not bad for a rock star !
My Last Breath
Another electronically heavy intro with the rock guitar following in. Yet another chilling track My Last Breath speaks of transcending into the unknown that is death. Holding your last breath so you can remember, or see or listen to your loved one once more one last time. I will admit, this track still makes The Scientist's eyes watery. Probably my personal favorite track of the album. Check out the lyrics for yourself.
"Look for me in the white forest hiding in a hollow tree. Come find me
I know you hear me, I can taste it in your tears".
INCREDIBLE ! Here we have a dying person who in a sense can see another world no longer in front of her and with sight absent from her physical self, she can only taste the tears of her loved one that fall on her. I also really dig the drum feature towards the end !
Whisper
The final track of the album features many elements of all types of music. From electronics, rock, classical, orchestral and choir the track even features a little Latin in, "Servatis a periculum, Servatis a maleficum".
Shortly after the 10 year anniversary of Fallen we see that the world needed an album like this. Throughout the years, Evanescence have complimented each other and trusted themselves to challenge, and test the blending of genres and influences enough to earn their spot in rock music history with their debut album. I cannot fully say one track is better than another. One may influence you more than another yes, but what I can say, if you already own this album (as millions worldwide do) play it again, and crank the volume up and enjoy it. If you're one of the few who haven't had the pleasure of owning such a great record, then go get your own copy, either digital or physical. Although you know The Scientist, I like to own my own physical copies !
Thank you Evanescence for 10 years of Fallen, it's been my pleasure listening all of these years...
The Scientist
"Either write something worth reading, or do something worth writing"
-Benjamin Franklin
"Hey ho, Let's go"
-The Ramones
On a side note, for Cerpin Taxt and myself, we would like to congratulate and wish Amy Lee and husband Josh Hartzler all the very best on their recent announcement of their pregnancy ! ! ! !