Going Under

by

Evanescence

Edit

Many a music critic had said that the strongest tracks on Evanescence's Fallen album were the stripped-down, piano-and-vocal tracks. While that's not entirely true -- I think now-departed guitarist Ben Moody was a crucial part of the sound -- it does pay just tribute to vocalist Amy Lee's ability to inhabit a song without the aid of bells and whistles. The point of interest on the "Going Under" single is Moody and Lee's cover of Nirvana's "Heart-Shaped Box", where Lee uses the sensual low end of her crystalline voice, which hasn't been accessed in Evanescence's own material. Moody's hard acoustic strums offer up skeletal support. The acoustic "Going Under" acquires a ghostly campfire quality thanks to Lee's gorgeous performance, looser and lonelier than the studio version. Hearing her employ multiple "characters" with her voice, through technique rather than studio gimmickry, only increases my respect for her vocal ability.

There are maybe five music videos I like that were made after 1996, but the one that comes with this CD single is quite respectable. It's still chopped up and doesn't fulfill its potential; Lee and co. commit themselves a great deal in live performance and the video could have captured that better. But the camera and editing trickery are kept to an acceptable level and the energy of the song comes through well enough.

This single comes highly recommended.

Amy Lee is one of the best singers around at the moment. I do have this song, although it doesn't instantly hit you how good it is as much as their previous single. The video is very dark and shows the group in a concert, with loads of body surfing or whatever its called! The guitarists don't have much to do with singing this song, they did kinda back up singing to Amy in "Bring Me To Life". Which is a real shame, as Amy has this brilliant voice, and then you hear the guy singing, and it just completes the song.

I always hear one song from a new group etc, but avoid buying the album. I still haven't bought the Evanescence album, but might get it soon. It's on my Christmas list!