The Open Door [Digipak] * by Evanescence (CD, Oct-2006, Wind-Up Records)

The 1st CD from Evanescence was a complete suprise. After hearing 2 of their tracks on the "Daredevil" soundtrack, I said to myself, "Hey, I like the sound of both the lyrics AND the rythm," so I bought the CD and was floored at the fact that every track was strong, still rythmic, and that Amy Lee (vocals) just completely rocked every single track with bold lyrics and a pleasant voice- that could be supple, yet turn right around, and flat out flex some serious muscle.

This second CD's approach had me eager to make a 1st day purchase. I figured after nearly 3 years of waiting, that this CD would surely rock. I am extremely dissapointed. Amy Lee screeches and howls like a wounded dog on almost EVERY track. She moans and groans like a school child that has to wake up early to go to school. This is NOTHING like the first CD. At times, Amy Lee just bounces her voice up and down and all around like the blue-alien-chick in that movie "The Fifth Element." This is downright PAINFUL to listen to. I cannot honestly roll my windows down and blast this garbage like I did their 1st CD. I would instantly lose my manliness.

Evanescence was the first and ONLY female led group that I believed could rock with the likes of Linkin Park and Chevelle. Man, they took a serious turn for the worse. They can now rock with the likes of the Dixie Chicks. These songs are exremely weak and have no energy whatsoever. It is just a huge racket. The beats, at times, can be OK, but those songs especially are the ones that Amy Lee just obliterates with a horrid voice and whining lyrics. What happened to her?

If you like their hit "Call me when you're sober" which I sort of liked, you will still be completely let down by this CD. What are they even singing about in this CD? I don't understand any of it. Stop moaning please. Geese, this is just PAINFUL in every sense of the word. All they had to do was keep doing what they were doing: but they failed. This is a "chick flick" cd. No male that honestly liked their 1st cd would EVER like this CD. Oh my gosh, I am so furious with myself for spending 9.99 on this. I could have gone to Popeye's for some chicken and been happier. I think Amy Lee says the line "All I stood for.." at least 100 times in this CD. How original.

The only halfway decent tracks are 4, 5, and 10. I can't say I enjoy hearing track 2 anymore (call me when you're sober) because is was played to DEATH on XM radio, I can't stand it anymore. But even these few tracks would NOT have made the cut on their first CD. The only song that is honestly good is track 12.

Conclusion: Save your money on this CD. And DO NOT see them in concert unless you want to see one of their openers, like Revelation Theory (now THEY rock!)