MTV Unplugged
Island/UMe, 2025
9/10
The Cranberries fleshed out these 9 songs way back in 1995 at the Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, NY, and for the first time ever it’s available as a standalone release.
“Intro/Dreaming My Dreams” starts with Dolores O’Riordan’s heartfelt voice alongside Noel Hogan’s warm guitar and stirring strings, and “Ode To My Family” follows and instantly invites singing along to the wordless singing, as Feral Lawler’s cozy percussion adds much beauty.
“Linger” lands in the 3rd spot, and somehow the song sounds better in this lovely version that blends the strings and guitar amid the expressive vocals, while “I’m Still Remembering” allows for O’Riordan’s powerful pipes to shine next to Mike Hogan’s precise bass playing.
“Zombie” arrives close to the end and turns the crunchy rocker into an orchestral ballad that’s emotive, and “No Need To Argue” exits with an elegance and bare quality that tugs on the heartstrings.
The songs here are so good, they didn’t need to be dressed up and buried with other instruments other than the sophisticated strings. This performance is considered one of the best of the MTV Unplugged series, and 30 years later it’s a great reminder of just how crucial The Cranberries were to the ‘90s and how well their work has aged.
Travels well with: The Cranberries- No Need To Argue; The Cranberries- To The Faithfully Departed