I think this album, while melodramatic (duh, it's Evanescence. That's just what Amy Lee does), is beautiful musically. Its poetic lyrics are somewhat depressing and metaphorically violent, but Amy Lee is living her own message by writing music about an upsetting situation. So what if that's the basis for all of the songs? Writing them was a way for her to express her emotions in a positive way, which is something more people in this world should learn to do.
The Open Door
(2006, Rock, by Evanescence, Label: Wind-Up Records)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Brooding, poetic songs ease a breakup's pain.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of The Open Door was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Parents need to know that this album contains 13 variations on one theme: the end of a love affair. There are a couple of drug and drinking references (mostly referring to a lover's drinking) and a couple of mildly violent metaphors.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the idea of dealing with breakups and other losses creatively rather than self-destructively. Do Amy's expressed emotions ring true for you? Can you think of other positive ways to deal with breaking up?
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More on The Open Door
What’s the Story?
THE OPEN DOOR tackles themes of devastation, despair, but also the ultimate hope and redemption inherent in any great personal loss. Fans of Evanescence will know that guitarist Ben Moody left the band mid-tour in 2003 after his breakup with lead singer Amy Lee, and the songs -- darkly poetic and beautifully performed -- are all about the end of this troubled romance. Lyrics contain a couple of mild references to drugs and drinking. For example, "Just didn't drink enough to say you love me…Lithium -- don't want to forget how it feels without lithium/I want to stay in love with my sorrow" ("Lithium"). There are also many poetically depressing moments ("We're all grieving/lost and bleeding" on "The Only One" is an example).
Is It Any Good?
Filled with anxious, brooding messages of self-obsession, The Open Door will be most appealing to dramatic teenagers suffering through their own losses and heartbreaks. If they come away with a view of the bigger picture -- that creative expression is better than self-destruction as a tactic for dealing with life's hard stuff -- it's well worth the price of admission into Amy Lee's house of pain. One might think that this collection would grow tedious, but Amy is such a passionate and skilled singer that she pulls off this self-indulgence with perfect emotional pitch.
Music Details
Released on: 10/3/2006
Parental advisory: No, Edited version available: No
Parental advisory: No, Edited version available: No
Our Members Say
See 15 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Beautiful, poetic :)
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
GREAT ALBUM!
Even though there is dark poetry, it's still beautiful. Now I am 13 myself, but that does NOT mean I can't listen to my FAVORITE band. Evanescence is amazing! They are so unique, not metal, rock, pop, and not even electronica, they are their own genre. TOD is beautiful, and Fallen was a masterpiece too.
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Kids ages: 10
I rate this title on for age 9 and give it- My highlights are:
- Good role models
perfect for 10 yer olds
ilove it
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Amazing album! Definet listen for anyone interested
I love this album! I loved Fallen, Evanescence's first album, but The Open Door brings an element of hightened artisic expression, new influence and growth to the table. The music is dark, yes, but it provides a sense of comfort in that at the end of the songs and even the final song of the album, 'Good Enough', give the listener hope and tell them "you'll make it through this". Evanescence's music is beautiful, poetic, dark, inspiring and unique. A must listen.
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I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Fine for teens
It's a mixed bag lyrically, ranging from independence to depression to contentment to anger. Amy Lee's brilliant voice and strong lyrics lift the album. "Good Enough" is the best track on this album. It is beautiful. The rest are alright.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 33% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 33% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
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