The Cranberries 

“The Cranberries MTV Unplugged” 

Genre: Rock

By: Bryn Van Horne 

Whether people realize it or not, everyone is a fan of The Cranberries in some way. It’s nearly impossible to hear a song like “Linger,” “Dreams,” or “Zombie” and look around the room to see no one singing along. The Cranberries made music that was not only fresh, but heartfelt, dense with nostalgia, longing, and a sense of comfort. When you need a musical hug, it’s The Cranberries that will provide. There’s a reason why, since the early 90s, their music has touched every generation. Their songs meet you where you need them, offering familiarity and relatability—emotionally, sonically, and lyrically. Constantly dreamy in instrumentation and powered by the unmistakable voice of the late Dolores O’Riordan, their discography lives on as a folk-leaning rock classic that feels timeless and approachable for every music fan. 

In 1995, in Brooklyn, New York, The Cranberries recorded an MTV Unplugged session featuring stripped-back versions of some of their most beloved songs. Folky at its core, the set leans into lush strings performed by Electra Strings, gentle tambourine from Fergal Lawler, soft acoustic guitar by Noel Hogan, steady bass from Mike Hogan, and O’Riordan’s stunning vocals front and center. Mastered and formally released for the first time, this live album is an intimate session where the band’s instruments quietly strum, tap, and create a grounded foundation for O’Riordan to lift each melody into something remarkable. 

The album’s 9-song, 42-minute run showcases not only the band’s cohesion, but their rare ability to move audiences just as deeply through quiet, acoustic arrangements as they did through iconic full-band rock performances like “Dreams” live in Paris in 1999. It’s a reminder of The Cranberries’ gift for making simplicity in music feel groundbreaking. This live album truly captures everything timeless about The Cranberries and everything unforgettable about O’Riordan’s voice. 

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) 

Recommended Track: 

“Yesterday’s Gone” features a beautifully layered accompaniment from Electra Strings alongside O’Riordan’s striking vocals. Its lyric, “Yesterday’s gone, there’s no return,” is haunting and inspiring all at once, delivering a message of persistence and release.

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