What makes What You Want by Evanescence notable?

The album's lead single debuted at number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant comeback for the band. Critics praised its blend of heavy instrumentals and melodic hooks, which helped re-establish Evanescence within the alternative rock scene. The song's themes of empowerment resonated widely, contributing to its chart performance and renewed fan engagement. Released in 2011, What You Want marked Evanescence's return after a five-year hiatus following their self-titled album in 2006. This track served as a lead single for their third studio album, showcasing the band's evolution while retaining their signature sound. The period was significant as it also coincided with lineup changes, including the departure of co-founder Ben Moody.

How many songs are on What You Want?

What You Want has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

What You Want

Evanescence · 2011

6 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of gothic textures and powerful vocals, driving forward with anthemic choruses and a modern rock edge.

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Top tracks — play these first

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What You Want — As the lead single, this track encapsulates the band's fusion of hard rock and orchestral elements, featuring soaring vocals that highlight Amy Lee's range.
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What You Want (Elder Jepson remix) — This remix offers a fresh perspective on the original, emphasizing electronic elements that showcase the band's adaptability to modern sounds.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong hooks and production but lacks depth in its overall impact and cohesion.

What we noticed

The track features a dynamic range, starting with a soft piano intro that builds into a powerful chorus with layered vocals and heavy guitar riffs.
The structure follows a traditional verse-chorus format, with the chorus being notably anthemic and designed for sing-along moments.
The remix included as a second track alters the original's arrangement, emphasizing electronic elements while maintaining the core melody.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 What You Want 3:41
2 What You Want (Elder Jepson remix) 3:18

What to play next

Listen next

Evanescence

2011

Go back to

The Open Door

2006

Full Evanescence discography Where to start with Evanescence Artists like Evanescence

alternative metal alternative rock hard rock

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