In the dynamic landscape of the 1990s music scene, music soundtracks emerged as a cultural phenomenon, and one pivotal moment in this era occurred when Amy Lee drew inspiration from one of the decade’s most iconic soundtrack hits, shaping the distinctive sound of Evanescence. The band, which came into existence in 1994 when Lee was still a teenager, did not release their first major album, Fallen, until almost a decade later in 2003. During her formative teenage years, Lee reflected on her experiences and the influence of ‘90s soundtracks during an engaging discussion with Abe Kanan on the Audacy Check In, highlighting a significant ’90s soundtrack song that played a crucial role in defining the sound she envisioned for her band.

As Kanan and Lee reminisced about their shared experiences growing up during an era dominated by movie soundtracks, Kanan mentioned his fondness for the soundtracks of Singles and Batman Forever. This nostalgia prompted Amy Lee to reveal a soundtrack favorite that significantly influenced her musical direction.

Discover the ’90s Soundtrack Hit That Inspired Evanescence’s Unique Sound

In their conversation, as they connected over their youthful memories of the 1990s music scene, Kanan brought up his personal favorites, including the soundtracks of Singles and Batman Forever. This discussion led Amy Lee to share her own influential soundtrack experience, stating, “City of Angels was where that Alanis Morissette ‘Uninvited’ song happened,” expressing how impactful it was for her artistic vision.

“It was kind of like huuuuuge to me,” she emphasized animatedly. “It kind of was like one of those things where I had the idea, kind of, for our band. Like cinematic strings and stuff but like rock, contemporary. All that crossbreeding was so beautiful and epic, dark.” She also acknowledged the significant impact of The Crow soundtrack in shaping her musical landscape.

Amy Lee’s Insightful Appearance on the Audacy Check-In

Exploring the Impact of the City of Angels Soundtrack and “Uninvited”

The City of Angels film, released in 1998, featured notable performances by Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan. While the film enjoyed success at the box office, its accompanying soundtrack arguably became even more popular, resonating with audiences on a deeper level. The lead single, “Uninvited,” emerged as a significant highlight of the soundtrack, marking Alanis Morissette’s return after the phenomenal success of her mid-‘90s album Jagged Little Pill.

Written and co-produced by Morissette alongside Rob Cavallo, “Uninvited” begins with a hauntingly subtle four piano notes, gradually building intensity with a lush, epic string arrangement that leads to a dramatic instrumental climax, ultimately transitioning into an intimate conclusion that captivates listeners. Although the track was never officially released as a single, it reached an impressive No. 26 on the Alternative Airplay chart, showcasing its popularity.

The City of Angels soundtrack further produced hits like the Goo Goo Dolls’ chart-topping “Iris,” U2‘s poignant “If God Will Send His Angels,” and Sarah McLachlan’s heartfelt “Angel,” each contributing to the soundtrack’s overall success. The album not only dominated the Billboard 200 Album Chart but also achieved a remarkable five-times platinum certification in the U.S., solidifying its place in music history.

Alanis Morissette’s “Uninvited” – A Timeless Classic

Currently, Evanescence is poised to release a potential soundtrack hit of their own, with the highly anticipated song “Afterlife” set to debut this Friday, March 28, as part of the soundtrack for the Netflix animated series Devil May Cry. This upcoming release could mark another significant moment in the band’s evolution and connection to the world of soundtracks.