"My Immortal" by Evanescence from Fallen

Two versions exist to this song. Those who've heard and disliked the other album single "Bring Me to Life" have often been surprised to learn that this is the same artist, particularly for the regular piano-violin version.

The band version (Fallen's bonus track) climaxes with the addition of drums, cymbals, and electric guitar. You may not recognize this song when it's spoken of, but chances are you'll recognize the song the instant someone starts playing the piano part on the radio.

Different people prefer different versions, though I personally perfer the band version. It sounds better mixed, and Amy Lee's voice is less "fuzzy."

"I'm so tired of being here… suppressed by all these childish fears…" but Amy Lee sadly still can't seem to get past her little sister's death. "My Immortal" and "Hello" are Fallen's tribute to that sister.

The lyrics are clean, like much (though not all) of Evanescence, without a blaspheme or curse. The song laments a loved one's death and the song narrator's inability to get past it. "My Immortal" was meant to refer to Amy Lee's sister, true, but it's written in such a way that it's more universally applicable, as well, which I believe is part of its power.

Amy Lee's voice is at top (digitalized?) quality, at least in the band version of "My Immortal". (I'm not sure if I want to hear her voice live, after the live version of "Going Under" I heard from Anywhere But Home.) "My Immortal" is a pleasing song to hear, but…

I'm still convinced that similar-styled rock ballad beauties like "Eva" by Nightwish and "See Me in Shadow" by Delain are better.

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Lyrics: 5/5
Music: 4/5
Vocal(s): 4/5
Overall: 8/10

"Hello" by Evanescence from Fallen

Those who like Evanescence's hit "My Immortal" will likely enjoy the sound of this soft lament for Amy Lee's lost baby sister and her struggle to come to terms with it.

"Has no one told you she's not breathing? Hello?!" she asks. Her sister is missing from life, where she should be, and one seems to realize it. She might tell others she's fine, but "I'm the lie, living for you so you can hide… Don't cry." If you're not disturbed by someone's obvious lingering scars from a sibling's death, you'll likely enjoy this song and its clean lyrics.

The piano is lovely, that element alone making it one of Evanescence's best on the music. A slightly "wet" (echoing) quality further encourages the image of emptiness developed in the song, with accents of the type of sound that make "Haunted" sound so much like the ghost story it is. The accents are just enough to give the imagery that someone's likely died without making you feel like someone's physical ghost is supposed to be present.

Amy Lee has an excellent voice (on this album), and she uses it well in this lament for her baby sister. "Hello! I'm still here—all that's left of yesterday…"

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Lyrics: 4/5
Music: 5/5
Vocal(s): 4/5
Overall: 9/10