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The Open Door

(2006, Rock, by Evanescence, Label: Wind-Up Records)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Brooding, poetic songs ease a breakup's pain.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    A lot of dramatic wallowing in loss and depression; the big-picture message is that of using artistic self-expression to deal with heartbreak and loss.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Filled with poetically dark imagery ("I'm not afraid to dream -- to sleep, sleep forever").
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    A couple of references to drinking and drugs.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Open Door

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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about The Open Door?
  •  I think this title is

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See all 13 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    perfect for 10 yer olds

    ilove it

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • 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.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0

    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.

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    Amazing.

    Evanescence is an amazing band. Amy Lee's vocals and poetry are fantastic. This album is a must!

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I think this album is....

    I think this album is outstanding, i really hate how u people are saying that there is stuff wrong with these albums, like there might be some stuff, but nothing extremely bad i think it is a great album and that you should buy it!

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