The Cranberries Album: “Bury the Hatchet [Clean]”

I heard quite a few negative comments regarding the Cranberries' third CD, so when their fourth CD came out, I was initially reluctant to buy it. However, the reviews were somewhat positive, so I decided to give it a shot. My conclusion: I believe the first two CDs they released are better, but this one is very listenable and worth buying.

This CD still has some of the angst that seemed to be a common thread of the Cranberries' first two CDs, but some of these songs stray quite far from those heavily angst-ridden songs. Some of this music is more rock-influenced than some of their earlier music as well. "Loud and Clear," as an example, has overlaid vocal tracks, a fast rock beat, some synthesized horn, though with a relationship theme. "Promises" similarly has a heavy rock beat with strident lead guitar; a very impressive song that makes full use of Dolores O'Riordan's vocal talent.

There are also songs reminiscent of their first two albums; for example "You and Me," though in the case of this song the theme is love forever, a very positive song. Another lovely song is "Just My Imagination," which has a fairy-tale theme, rock-influenced but still solid Cranberries. "Saving Grace" is just plain pretty, and another positive song. This song perhaps could have been released as a single. "What's on My Mind" is another positive love song, which again sounds very similar to the music on the first two Cranberries CDs.

There are a several other songs I really enjoy from this CD. "Shattered" is a laid back song, with an acoustic guitar taking the musical lead with the principal focus being Dolores's voice. "Desperate Andy" has a good beat and some interesting vocal effects. The very last track, "Dying in the Sun" is principally piano with occasional synthesizer, and Dolores's lovely voice; a gorgeous song for a concert.

"Delilah" is quite an unusual track for this CD. This song has a little metal flavor to it. I like the change of pace musically and vocally, though a song like this risks losing traditional Cranberries fans.

My favorite song on this CD is also the saddest and most poignant. "Fee Fi Fo" deals with the subject of sexual abuse of children. The vocals and the music here are ethereal, bordering on and perhaps edging into progressive rock. The song is sad and angry. You would not want to get into the way of the person singing this song.

Not every track on this CD is a winner, but generally there is good quality here. I think The Cranberries are trying to experiment with their music without being totally commercial. I must approve whole-heartedly. They continue to bring their own flavor to a spectrum of musical styles. I did have a hard time getting into this CD initially, and had to listen to it several times before I finally began getting into the topics and the music. However, I also was dealing with the paradigm of their first two albums, and was expecting much the same. While there is some music that is similar to the first two albums, there are some striking differences as well. I think the Cranberries are making changes that should be positive ones for their future, and I look forward to purchasing their next CD.

Reading some of the other comments has reaffirmed my opinion that this album is best for gurl-ranting! It is maybe not as moving as their first two albums, but it is far superior to To the Faithful Departed (which I still like alot, but always have to skip "I just shot John Lennon", and the Sarejevo references date it too much).

This album makes me feel good. I enjoy listening to it and singing along. The tunes are catchy and more melodic than TTFD (alot of which sounded like circus music).

Anyway, I recommend it completely.

I also think it is funny that there is an "explicit" and "clean" cover. It's hardly explicit - it's more goofy-silly. : )

Personally I prefer the "softer" side of the Cranberries and Ms. O'Rordian. Her soft, breathy, ballad style songs, tinged with her profound Irish accent, and occasional "Irish yodel", just flat out put me away! Granted, I also like the upbeat solid, "alternative rock" style songs that the band has developed as well. This particular CD, (some of the lyrics not withstanding), is a good example of what the Cranberries can truely be. Clean , clear, rock or smooth, silky ballads that make you just relax in the sound of Delores O'Rordian's lush , captivating vocals. This toning down of the band as a whole is fine with me. Too much gutteral angst is not all that pleasant on the ear.

This is a good place to start your Cranberries collection. It may be their best to date (though Wake up .. does have its moments). The lyrics are honest and the singer (whose name escapes me at the moment) was in fine voice for these sessions. The guitar is great too, especially on the first track. The main problem here (and it's the same for all their other releases) is that there are 3 or 4 great songs and the other ones are just "so so". I mostly listen to the first three tracks,and to "Sorry, son ..". But on the whole, it's an enjoyable record.

This is a great album! After waiting nearly three years for a new release, no one could have dreamed of a better album! We get to hear more of the sweet and sometimes sad ballads ('Shattered', 'What's On My Mind), rocky tunes ('Promises', 'Delilah') and and 'epic' as Fergal Lawler put it, 'Fee Fi Fo', in the tradition of 'Daffodil Lament' and 'Bosnia'. Yes, indeed, a brilliant album, easily comparable with the likes of 'No Need To Argue'.