REVIEW: The Cranberries - MTV Unplugged

 Finally, fans of The Cranberries get their wish!  Out now via Island Records/UMe is the official debut standalone release of the band’s legendary MTV Unplugged performance. 

Originally broadcast on April 18, 1995 (my 16th birthday, by the way!) the gorgeous acoustic performance by the Irish alt-pop band featured nine songs, highlighted by standouts, “Ode To My Family”, “Linger” and “Free To Decide”.  The album also includes non-album track “Yesterday’s Gone” which was written the day before the performance and has never received a proper studio recording.  The track worth the price of admission is the much lighter and subdued version of the normally heavy and explosive single, “Zombie”.  The heaviness of the lyrics remains though the distorted guitars and crashing cymbals are absent, revealing the stunning songwriting beneath it all.        

Dolores and crew were assisted by the string quartet Electra Strings (who steal the show on the beautiful “Linger”) and the intimate stripped-down renditions are the perfect opportunity to shine the spotlight on the inimitable vocals of the late O’Riordan.         

For more info: https://cranberries.com/

Listen to the stirring “Empty” from The Cranberries – MTV Unplugged here: