The Open Door
by Evanescence
  • Record Label: Wind-Up
  • Release Date: Oct 3, 2006
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 231 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 195 out of 231
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 231
  3. Negative: 20 out of 231

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  1. Pember96
    Nov 8, 2022
    10
    Great, dynamic album. Far beyond the average debut Fallen, which was musically monochromatic with average, one-note guitar from a mediocre guitarist; I'm aware the drummer and bassist were only session players so I won't fault them too, but I'll say that the only thing that made that album listenable was Amy's voice, lyrics, and some of the strings with the background choir. The guitarGreat, dynamic album. Far beyond the average debut Fallen, which was musically monochromatic with average, one-note guitar from a mediocre guitarist; I'm aware the drummer and bassist were only session players so I won't fault them too, but I'll say that the only thing that made that album listenable was Amy's voice, lyrics, and some of the strings with the background choir. The guitar "work" was dull, uninspired and has aged very badly on most songs). On The Open Door, Amy and Terry went musically adventurous, Amy also got thematically stronger, vocally more dynamic, incorporated her classical influences as a classical pianist as well as other stylistic elements, and the songwriting and performance overall is superior. A great array of layered music with strong songwriting and interesting production that compels you to go back and listen to it again and even find nuances you hadn't noticed before. Amy and Terry aced it here, plus this album (and future work) confirmed who was the commercial tyrant and who was the real artistic talent behind the band-less Evanescence back then; the latter one being the female musically-educated and diverse musician whose vision it was in the first place.… Expand
  2. DriaWoods
    Mar 29, 2022
    3
    I enjoy the album’s aesthetics but overall it’s very slow and boring. Of course, ‘Call Me When You’re Sober’ and ‘Lithium’ are great tracks, but the rest of the album just doesn’t hold up for me. I find myself zoning out and wanting to skip after the first chorus/second verse of each track. I can understand if other fans love this album but I certainly don’t. Fallen will forever be topI enjoy the album’s aesthetics but overall it’s very slow and boring. Of course, ‘Call Me When You’re Sober’ and ‘Lithium’ are great tracks, but the rest of the album just doesn’t hold up for me. I find myself zoning out and wanting to skip after the first chorus/second verse of each track. I can understand if other fans love this album but I certainly don’t. Fallen will forever be top tier.… Expand
  3. luizfelipe_crf
    Feb 25, 2022
    10
    I love Amy Lee and Evanescence
  4. HighRoad17
    Mar 26, 2021
    10
    A perfect body of work with some of the best songs in their career, much more mature than their debut
  5. FluffyL
    Dec 25, 2020
    10
    As amazing as Fallen. Fallen was the introduction to they music, The Open Door is the confirmation that they are amazing!
  6. MAX4D
    Nov 23, 2020
    9
    The album was good and audible. The best album of this group is Fallen in my opinion
  7. annazxhir
    Oct 3, 2020
    10
    epic, bold, dark melancholy in some moments, heavy in others, the album is full of ups and downs with songs ranging from lively and heavy like Call Me When You're Sober and Weight of The World to songs filled with amazing instrumentations, chorus and eye-catching orchestras like Lacrymosa and Your Star, there are also the beautiful ballads Lithium and Like You which find beauty in pain andepic, bold, dark melancholy in some moments, heavy in others, the album is full of ups and downs with songs ranging from lively and heavy like Call Me When You're Sober and Weight of The World to songs filled with amazing instrumentations, chorus and eye-catching orchestras like Lacrymosa and Your Star, there are also the beautiful ballads Lithium and Like You which find beauty in pain and sadness and Good Enough that exalts love and happiness. A complete album that brings all the best that Evanescence can offer, each song is unique and different and obviously Amy Lee's vocals are the greatest highlight of the record. An easy A for me, 10/10!… Expand
  8. Cristophersaram
    Aug 27, 2020
    10
    Este álbum tiene un sonido exquisito y han salido grandes canciónes desde este álbum, grandes hit de Evanescence, amy le su voz ws fantastica, altos increíbles, instrumentales preciosas unos de los mejores álbumes.
  9. Kai82
    Mar 19, 2020
    8
    I really enjoy the style of Evanescence. The previous album Fallen is one of my favorites and it is also their best and most successful one. My expectations for The Open Door were high. I am split with this. On one side this is really awesome and on the other it is a bit inferior to Fallen. Amy Lee has such a great voice and can sing songs in many different genres without being out ofI really enjoy the style of Evanescence. The previous album Fallen is one of my favorites and it is also their best and most successful one. My expectations for The Open Door were high. I am split with this. On one side this is really awesome and on the other it is a bit inferior to Fallen. Amy Lee has such a great voice and can sing songs in many different genres without being out of place. Combined with the rest of the band they create memorable tracks. For the new ones: The style is somewhere in the circle of alternative / gothic / symphonic rock. I avoid topics like this because the lines are blurry and for many there is no (or not enough to separate) difference. Within Temptation and Nightwish were similar for me. You got many good songs here with sad themes like departing, struggles, and serious life problems. My favorites are Sweet Sacrifice, Weight of the World, Lithium, Loose Control and All that I am Living for. Like I said all songs deal with harsh problems you can look up if you want. Like Linkin Park they make so beautiful sad songs about depressing or enraging themes. Overall a really good album but not as good as Fallen. I would recommend both albums still-… Expand
  10. PolishGamer
    Jan 31, 2020
    8
    A great album. "The Open Door" with their first album "Fallen" are one of the best albums I've heard. My favorite songs from this one include: "Lithium", "Like You", "Call me When You're Sober" and "Good Enough".
  11. Randompersonn
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    Their best album! This album is so much more creative and heavier than fallen. The Open Door shows that Evanescence can be versatile and does not have to use the same sound over and over again to make a beautiful record.
  12. HPFANBOY1237
    Nov 30, 2017
    8
    Unfortunately, I'm not sure Evanescence can ever top "Fallen". They started out TOO good and made TOO much of a hit with "Fallen". "The Open Door" is by no means a bad album, in fact, I like every song on the album. It's just constantly unhappy and angsty, so much more so than "Fallen". By far my favorite track on here is Good Enough because it ends the album on a lighter note and feelsUnfortunately, I'm not sure Evanescence can ever top "Fallen". They started out TOO good and made TOO much of a hit with "Fallen". "The Open Door" is by no means a bad album, in fact, I like every song on the album. It's just constantly unhappy and angsty, so much more so than "Fallen". By far my favorite track on here is Good Enough because it ends the album on a lighter note and feels like a breath of fresh air. "The Open Door" is still a pretty solid album though. B… Expand
  13. how_tobefamous
    Nov 5, 2017
    10
    Love the album! I like "Sweet Sacrifice", and "Call Me When Your Sober". Love the album. Love the album. Love the album. Love the album. Love the album.
  14. JakeColtonLynch
    Jul 21, 2017
    8
    A woman haunted by her past trying to break out in the world, this is what the album proposes. It's a sensual and emotional album provided to us by Amy Lee's exquisite vocals. in this Album she doesn't hold herself back. Contrary to their first album "Fallen", "The Open Door" is more passionate and darker. It's about a struggle of finding yourself and deciding what you want to do. InA woman haunted by her past trying to break out in the world, this is what the album proposes. It's a sensual and emotional album provided to us by Amy Lee's exquisite vocals. in this Album she doesn't hold herself back. Contrary to their first album "Fallen", "The Open Door" is more passionate and darker. It's about a struggle of finding yourself and deciding what you want to do. In songs like "Lithium", "Weight of the World" and "All That I'm Living For" the listener hears Amy Lee trying to leave the past and live with the present. We are also introduced to some of her abstract content like "Sweet Sacrifice" and "Lose Control" both focused on human fear. The Album is charged with dark emotions but almost at the end of every song we see a hope for her to get better and at the end of the album she admits that she is going to be happy through the song "Good Enough". The song is pure love which Amy Lee has written to her future husband. It's elegant and exquisite. The albums ends with the most beautiful piano ballad Lee has ever written, which contains only piano and strings accompanied by Lee's tender vocals. In the song she is in dilemma because she doesn't feel good enough to deserve happiness. But she also says that she won't be able to resist it in case he (her future husband) offers it to her. It is truly the pinnacle of her songwriting career. The composition of the songs are brilliant, most of them start slowly, without any hint of a surprise and than they gradually build up the volume and instruments. One of the highlights of this technique is "Your Star" and "Like You". The Album has a unique vibe in contrast to their first mainstream album "Fallen". It's almost opera-like. A beautiful work of art. 8/10… Expand
  15. GamecubeLover
    Jul 3, 2016
    10
    This is one of the best evanescence albums the band has created. The songs are meaningful and they aren't bad at all. This is not her best album but it's like the 3rd one.
  16. CharlieBetterIs
    Jan 12, 2016
    9
    The Open Door é um álbum magnífico. Não é melhor que o Fallen, mas é ótimo. Amy Lee mostra sua evolução vocal e a banda mostra a sua diversidade instrumental, variando da guitarra até o violino.

    Pontos Altos: Lithium, Call Me When You Sober, Cloud Nine
    Pontos Baixos: Lose Control, Like You, Your Star
  17. blasphy2012
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    A classic, the depth of each song is stunning. You can literally play the album a dozen times in a row and hear new interesting things you didn't notice the previous times you listened to it. Brilliant!
  18. Juliakay337
    Mar 19, 2012
    5
    I don't think anyone can deny that Amy Lee has exceptional vocal ability, and I think there are some well crafted songs here. However, the album is almost unbearably melancholy...it seems like a chore to listen to it. There's a difference between music that you can relate to when you're feeling down and music that truly brings you down.
  19. Zal
    Jan 23, 2012
    5
    While not terrible, this album was disappointing. I personally loved Fallen so I had high expectations for this. Unfortunately, I did not think it was that great. I liked some of the songs like "Snow White Queen," "Lithium, " and "The Only One," but there really wasn't much else that I liked. "Call Me When You're Sober" wasn't that enjoyable and I barely remember "Sweet Sacrifice." I thinkWhile not terrible, this album was disappointing. I personally loved Fallen so I had high expectations for this. Unfortunately, I did not think it was that great. I liked some of the songs like "Snow White Queen," "Lithium, " and "The Only One," but there really wasn't much else that I liked. "Call Me When You're Sober" wasn't that enjoyable and I barely remember "Sweet Sacrifice." I think it's sad since I loved Fallen and I do believe that Evanescence is good, but you can tell that Moody leaving the group really took it's toll, and this album shows it.… Expand
  20. Fiction
    Oct 12, 2011
    10
    Yes, this is clearly a personal album. The album was written entirely by Amy herself & Terry. Amy's strong voice combined with the personal lyrics, hard guitar riffs and just beautifully 'classical' ongoing tones - leads to a powerfully 'Evanescence'. They've shown the world that you don't make a record like Fallen two times. Even though the commercial for Fallen was huge. The Open Door isYes, this is clearly a personal album. The album was written entirely by Amy herself & Terry. Amy's strong voice combined with the personal lyrics, hard guitar riffs and just beautifully 'classical' ongoing tones - leads to a powerfully 'Evanescence'. They've shown the world that you don't make a record like Fallen two times. Even though the commercial for Fallen was huge. The Open Door is more personal and definitely heavy. Higly recommended.… Expand
  21. Harle
    Sep 25, 2011
    10
    The Open Door had the misfortune of being presented as and sold as a 'rock' album. What becomes clear by the end of this album is that is precisely what it isn't. Fans of said genre will be disappointed when coming across slow building songs like Lacrymosa or Your Star (especially Your Star). These are songs that beg you to 'listen' to them and leave your expectations at the door, becauseThe Open Door had the misfortune of being presented as and sold as a 'rock' album. What becomes clear by the end of this album is that is precisely what it isn't. Fans of said genre will be disappointed when coming across slow building songs like Lacrymosa or Your Star (especially Your Star). These are songs that beg you to 'listen' to them and leave your expectations at the door, because they are a journey, not just rock songs. These two songs build to two of the most dramatic and intense climaxes of the entire album, yet will be ignored by the average listener looking for an album full to the brim with an over abundance of misplaced energy. Something has to be said about Your Star in a live environment, in which it is the most effective of the album... Lacrymosa, Your Star, Like You, Good Enough, Lithium, The Only One and Lose Control are all lopped into the category of 'sounding the same' because of their slow starts and instrumentals centered around piano, yet one will find each one to be a unique experience far superior to the likes of My Immortal...

    Where this album excels is its many moods and atmospheres. Like You, from what I've read/heard, is probably one of the most polarizing songs on the album, being the slowest and softest of them all (a title that would normally be handed off to Good Enough, but of the two, Like You is still quieter... Despite the obligatory climax). To the point, Evanescence has up until now never released a song quite so desolate. Like You is another world within the album, one that is, similarly to the songs mentioned above, accused of lacking the energy of a proper rock song. I can't help but think Like You desperately needs its climax guitars replaced with strings while keeping the quieter, rippling guitar parts that fill the rest of the song. That said, this is one of the best songs of the album... Not for being catchy, not for it's head banging qualities, but for being deeply expressive and one of a kind. Though it belongs on a different cd, without a band... Just a full blown orchestra with a singer, her piano, and her lone guitarist.

    Somewhere within Snow White Queen and Lose Control, though the former is arguably one of the weakest songs instrumentally, is that 'strange' that was totally lacking in Fallen. When the song 'Haunted' tries to deliver creepy, it gives us cheesy, but Lose Control and Snow White Queen are genuinely unsettling... And this is an artistic success, whether it's commercially viable or not. I'm reminded of Fiona Apple, who came into the music world a critical success. She turned around and gave them all the finger, going on to produce such anti-airplay wonders as the entirety Extraordinary Machine and never putting the finger back down. In their own special way, Snow White Queen and Lose Control are the big artsy f*ck you of this album, and it's made all the better because of them.

    Good Enough is Amy Lee's crowning achievement. It may not be as polished as the increasingly mediocre and shallow love songs we're accustomed to, but this is without a doubt an emotional treasure and a triumph for simple, honest expression. She explores new territory lyrically, and experiments vocally... She is not afraid to show hope, even happiness in this song. All the while, the thought still lingers in her mind, "Is she good enough?". Call it whatever you want, the song is honest and it doesn't have to be anything else. It sees the angsty cliches of the genre and delivers yet another whopping f*ck you, as elegantly as possible.

    What becomes immediately clear when gauging fan reaction to this album is that today's listeners have little patience for anything but exactly what they expected. The Open Door takes the quiet intros to a number of songs from Fallen and turns them into entire verses of quiet. Again, this is one of the biggest criticisms of the album, yet the only way this becomes a drawback is by failing to see what is offered instead of the expected. Fallen was energetic, emotional, and even hyperactive... The Open Door gives us a sensual, grumbling, moody experience... In that sense it is like the smelly, overpriced, aged European cheese to Fallen's 'all it does right is melt' American cheese. I suppose the point would be: At first, The Open Door smells funny and couldn't possibly taste good, yet when you eat enough of it, you start to smell funny too. It's a different experience, different genre, and different band than the Evanescence that made Fallen... And it's better. The best bits of this album are the quietest, and it's a collection that can never be enjoyed until it is embraced for what it really is: Not a rock album... But a masterful joining of creativity and necessary restraint for the sake of the children.

    Top Songs: Like You, Lose Control, Lithium, Lacrymosa (there must be something in the L), Good Enough, Your Star, All That I'm Living For    … Expand
  22. Nikos52
    Sep 16, 2011
    7
    This album has some incredible music inside, but it's not the Evanescence we know. It lacks the energy and the specialness of Fallen. Fallen had no fillers, while in this there are songs that really feel like b-sides. I can't believe i'm saying this, but at times i was bored and that's because of the slow-paced and too long parts between the choruses. They are not bad, they are just notThis album has some incredible music inside, but it's not the Evanescence we know. It lacks the energy and the specialness of Fallen. Fallen had no fillers, while in this there are songs that really feel like b-sides. I can't believe i'm saying this, but at times i was bored and that's because of the slow-paced and too long parts between the choruses. They are not bad, they are just not interesting. I still suggest this album as a great buy and wonderful music, but don't expect Fallen part II, this is well below that album.
    Great job for taking some risks and trying something new, but i was kinda dissapointed considering what i was expecting after Fallen    … Expand
  23. LucaISlandDJ
    Sep 12, 2011
    8
    The cover is gothic but when you hear the album you change idea fastly. Well structured nu-metal songs (altought they don't reflect her senimental live). SOme songs ahave got more impact than others but other ones more complicated to listen and understand.
  24. AD421
    Aug 23, 2011
    9
    The Open Door turned out to be the perfect way to follow up Fallen. While Fallen was extremely over-produced, poppy and cliched lyrically, The Open Door manages to be a big step in the right direction for Amy and the band. Without Ben to hold her back she shows her true artistic colors. While for the most part the guitars and drums are as stale as they were on their debut, musically theThe Open Door turned out to be the perfect way to follow up Fallen. While Fallen was extremely over-produced, poppy and cliched lyrically, The Open Door manages to be a big step in the right direction for Amy and the band. Without Ben to hold her back she shows her true artistic colors. While for the most part the guitars and drums are as stale as they were on their debut, musically the piano and Amy voice has never sounded better. The electro sounds on Snow White Queen and Lose Control give a very dark atmosphere and accomplishes what the lyrics on Fallen tried to accomplish but in a much more modern and simplistic way. The album has a real epic feel throughout and while keeping those beautiful melodies it still finds a way to have that hardness rock fans will be looking for. Evanescence still has a lot to grow but The Open Door is a fantastic step towards a brighter future. Standouts: The Only One, All That I'm Living For and Good Enough… Expand
  25. Lisq
    Jun 22, 2011
    10
    It is an AMAZING album. It's one of the best rock albums ever! Evanescence and Amy Lee - they are one of the best rock artists. They do such a great music, it's so amazing, the music and the vocals are so great, magical... Everyone should buy this album, everyone.
    I give it 10 points.
  26. ohaiKendyl
    May 31, 2011
    8
    The Open Door is a beautifully dark and finely polished album that's filled with Evanescence-signature guitars riffs, strings, and choir vocals, matched perfectly with Lee's angelic vocals. All of the tracks belong on a rainy day, and they're not as memorable as Fallen's collection, they'll certainly please Ev fans. Its standout tracks are the album's two singles, "Call Me When You'reThe Open Door is a beautifully dark and finely polished album that's filled with Evanescence-signature guitars riffs, strings, and choir vocals, matched perfectly with Lee's angelic vocals. All of the tracks belong on a rainy day, and they're not as memorable as Fallen's collection, they'll certainly please Ev fans. Its standout tracks are the album's two singles, "Call Me When You're Sober", Lee's ideal of revenge, and "Lithium", which sounds like a flashback from the Fallen days. However, tracks like "Snow White Queen" and "Lose Yourself" can get a bit too caught up in experimentation, losing the interest of unfamiliar listeners.… Expand
  27. KendylKlownfish
    Mar 12, 2011
    7
    Evanescence's sophomore album, The Open Door, may be overly produced, but it's attractive for that matter. However, I'd hardly qualify The Open Door as a full rock album, sadly enough. Actually, Evanescence aren't really a "real band" anymore either. As much as I adore the lovely frontman, the sound seems to rap around Lee herself most of the time. The album's lead single, "Call Me WhenEvanescence's sophomore album, The Open Door, may be overly produced, but it's attractive for that matter. However, I'd hardly qualify The Open Door as a full rock album, sadly enough. Actually, Evanescence aren't really a "real band" anymore either. As much as I adore the lovely frontman, the sound seems to rap around Lee herself most of the time. The album's lead single, "Call Me When You're Sober", is one of the only tracks you actually hear the band's "all". Another problem within the band's sound is their similarity between eachother.

    The album's ballad tracks, "Like You" and "Good Enough", are lovable for their in-depth lyrical content, but while the sound is unique, they're lackluster in the ability to relate to. The album's standout track is "Lithium". It's a wonderful flashback to their previous album, lyrically. While the track is certainly ballad-worthy, it has a beautiful "gothic rock" melody.

    Overall, The Open will please hardcore Evanescence fans, and maybe even fans of the album's unique sound. However, mainstream listeners might find it difficult to accept Evanescence's new sound.    … Expand
  28. AdrianS
    Dec 5, 2009
    10
    I think this album is Amazing, Amy and the band did a great job. The vocals are as outstanding as Fallen's and even more powerful. Buy It!
  29. JD
    Oct 5, 2009
    9
    Glad to see there's the idiots on here that give out rediculously low scores for no apparent reason. Oh, and Jesus is on here too! Anyways, the album is very different from the first, but the sound is more experimental and Amy's voice is much stronger. I love the melodies and layering of her voice on the tracks. The isn't a critic's album I guess, but I love it.
  30. EdnitaR
    Sep 3, 2009
    6
    I think that The Open Door wasn't as good as Fallen but I did like some of the songs like call me when your sober, and lithium.
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Most Discussed Album of 2006
46
#46 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. Blender
    70
    Denser and more scuzzed-up than Fallen, the album amps everything up to gloriously epic, over-the-top proportions. [Oct 2006, p.129]
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  2. Billboard
    70
    Those who embraced "Fallen" will doubtlessly fall even harder into "The Open Door."
    Read full review
  3. The New York Times
    50
    Many of these theatrical, midtempo songs run together.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »