Such a dear little EP- wherein Evanescence generously offers three different renditions of that beautiful song: the Album version (from "Fallen"), the Band version (which adds only a tidbit of edge), and a Live version. All three are quite wonderful. Then, additionally, there's to be found another featured track- "Haunted"- which, by some magic, speaks sublimely direct to me as well! That song, however, turns out not being the soft plaintive ballad that is "My Immortal": rather, it's a dark, reproachful and entrancing piece- and a lyrically engaging rendering, at that.

For me, reviewing music is extremely difficult - as a song's substance can be, more than anything else, uniquely personal and deeply subjective. Every body has their flavour. I happen to embrace things soft, spiritual, passionate, and dark. Most assuredly, this Import contains each of those qualities.

An intensely emotional song, something delicate and rare, "My Immortal" is so much more than just poignant poetry from a gothic rock band that's been overplayed on the radio. Softly and deftly, Amy Lee's ethereal vocals capture the feeling heart of the words that she sings - just like the groundless soul of a caged spirit, crying out...


Evanescence Are Not One-Hit Wonders   March 18, 2004
 16 out of 18 found this review helpful

When Evanescence released "Bring Me To Life" in 2003, many critics penned them as one-hit wonders. Many felt it was too high quality rock and too unique for radio. When they released "My Immortal", they rightfully proved critics wrong; not because of its radio and chart success but because of its brilliance. Its quality is only one feature in their careers that deserves them their two Grammy wins, including Best New Artist.

"My Immortal", taken from their album "Fallen", explores a new side of Evanescence that few have heard before its release. This ballad is one of the most beautiful songs from a hardcore rock band. Amy Lee proves on this track that she has the most amazing voice in hard rock. She beautifully sings every word with every drop of heart and soul. Her emotional expressions never fade for one moment. The song was written as beautifully as the recording. The theme's purity is obvious, which earns Evanescence tremendous respect as artists. There hasn't been a hardcore band this good in years.

All three versions are great. They offer different aspects within the artists: the album version, the band version, and the live version. The album version features Amy Lee's voice accompanied with a piano and a small orchestra. The band version is a re-recorded version specially for radio, which features a clear instrumental backing similar to the album version with an alternative ending, a more rock ballad sound adding guitars, bass, and drums. The live version proves that Amy Lee and the band have actual musical talent outside of the studio.

The live version of "Haunted" is a great addition to this CD single. This hardcore rock song was written and performed wonderfully. This explores their extended musical uniqueness. The combination of hard rock and eerie celtic music keeps listeners interested. Rarely in musical history has this combination fit as perfectly as this. Despite the edgy theme, Amy Lee keeps the captivating voice forces audiences to feel her words.

The "My Immortal" CD single is great for Evanescence fans. This is sure to please many audiences. Fans of this should also purchase their album "Fallen", which offers more of a musical experience and explores more of their creative side. Such a combination offers an unforgettable experience.

***For the 2004 Grammy ceremonies, expect "My Immortal" to be nominated for Record of the Year.


what can I say???   September 3, 2004
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

It's amazing when I look at other reviews and see comments like, "they sound like so many other bands." If you ask me, I cannot find another artist who combines the angelic sound of Amy Lee's voice with brooding, chugging guitar work. I've tried comparing Evanescence to other bands in their genre, and they definitely have their own sound and their own style. Plus, Amy Lee's voice is so much better than the lead vocals of, oh, let's say, Iced Earth, which is one band I've seen recommended in place of Evanescence. I've heard Iced Earth, and the purity of Amy Lee's voice far outclasses them.
"My Immortal" is without a doubt the ONLY song that has haunted me since the first time I heard it from start to finish. It is hands down one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. I've got to admit, I have a little bias towards this song because the lyrics speak of a part of my past, but the reason for the effectiveness of this song is the piano, the strings, and, above all else, Amy Lee's heartbreaking voice. Without her, the lyrics don't stand out and the mood of the song fails. She delivers a flawless, heart-wrenching performance that could very well bring tears to your eyes (I wept myself). Forget all the shouting and screaming that's so prevalent in alternative/hardcore bands nowadays. They'd better practice up on their singing skills to reach Amy Lee's level of talent. Could she sing opera???...obviously not, but for hard rock music, Amy Lee and Evanescence have broken the mold.


Beautiful   March 13, 2004
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

After the huge success of Bring Me to Life and Going Under, I didn't know what else Evanescence could do to top that. But, they released the song that I'd been hoping for since I'd bought their album... My Immortal. This song is simply put, beautiful. Amy sounds absolutely amazing, and the music is all very moving and simple, with just a piano playing throughout almost the entire song. It gives me chills everytime I listen to it. All in all, just an amazing ballad, and one of the best songs of 2003 in my opinion.


Good song, but is it truly worth it?   April 10, 2004
 8 out of 12 found this review helpful

I love Evanescence as much as about anybody, but I can't help but feel this single is a little thin in terms of its content. What you get:

A studio, band version of "My Immortal", which I hotly anticipated (having known about its existence from the Evanescence mailing list) but was disappointed in. It's not that it doesn't sound good. It's just I was expecting a truly radical rearrangement of the song to fit the band's array of guitars and hard-hitting backbeat. Instead, the full-band instrumentation seems to come as an afterthought, entering only before the final chorus. The rest sounds a lot like the album version, which also comes with the single. I don't feel like it's one of Evanescence's stronger tracks, finding it a little tame and preferring the dark, similarly spare (piano-and-voice) "Hello".

The live track "Haunted" has poor sound quality, sounding like there's a sheet of paper over the speakers. The best track on here is the last one, a live version of "My Immortal" which uses the full-band arrangement, and notable because of singer Amy Lee's soaring vocal, even more mature and resonant than her already formidable previous performances.

Still, this one's probably mostly for fans.