Something Else

The Cranberries

The End/BMG, 2017

http://www.cranberries.com

REVIEW BY: Pete Crigler

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 05/08/2017

And we come full circle! My first review for The Daily Vault three years ago was an archived review of The Cranberries’ comeback album, Roses. Since then, members of the band have been arrested, lawsuits have been filed, and the band went on hiatus again. It’s been so long since the band was on everyone’s lips that some people don’t even realize that they’re still around. It’s been five years since the last record and the band has returned with acoustic renderings of some of their biggest hits and a couple new songs. It’s an interesting premise, but something that’s been done to death at this point.my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

“Linger” (obviously the band’s longest lasting hit) was already acoustic, so this new version just feels weird and off-putting. The original version is still the one everyone’s going to remember for future generations anyway. Of all the new songs, “The Glory” sounds like classic Cranberries, circa ’94. It’s a great song, with a great feeling and amazing vocals; it’s excellent to see them still doing originals, not just relying on the classics.

“Dreams,” never one of my favorites, still doesn’t appeal to me at all. “Zombie,” which is probably one of the most recognizable songs if you grew up in the ‘90s, takes on new dimensions here. Dolores O’Riordan’s vocals are impeccable and the song sounds as good as it does on modern rock radio.

“Ode to My Family” is one of those songs that sound better than the original. It’s kind of like one of those singles you forgot about until you hear this version and you go, “Oh crap, I do remember this song now!” I was also happy to see that one of my favorite songs “Animal Instinct” from 1999’s Bury The Hatchet is here. I always enjoyed this track and this version just reaffirms that notion. It’s just lovely from beginning to end.

All in all, Something Else is a very decent album. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a romantic night in. Nothing here is Earth shattering, but it is an amazing reminder of what a great band The Cranberries has been.

Rating: B

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