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THE REVIEW
These four Irish guys, who, when they started out, had the sole purpose of making good music that would reach people, certainly did not think that one day they would compose an album that can be comfortably included among the classics of authorial pop-rock of the last thirty years.
An artistic triumph and an extraordinary commercial success (18 million copies sold so far) - aided by a legendary single. The intro of "Zombie" is really simple. Sweet guitar opening, Charleston touch, and the arrival of the hard guitar. Simple, but after a minute you realize you are facing a great song. After the intro, the instruments step aside and accompany Dolores's voice very soberly, without ever overshadowing her, with the guitar occasionally stepping in with some sparkling notes. Then the chorus with the epic vocalizations and distortion used to perfection. In a technically superior but less intelligent band than the Cranberries, the song would have been lost in noise or some idiotic virtuosity. Four chords for a monumental masterpiece of songwriting.
But "No Need to Argue" is not just "Zombie," but an almost miraculous series of inspired tracks: "Ode to My Family" (delicate electric arpeggio, delicate string arrangement, delicate singing); "Ridiculous Thoughts" (their rhythmic masterpiece, with an angry Dolores against journalists who had criticized her); "Daffodil Lament" (a long suite, perhaps the peak of the album); "Dreaming My Dreams" (whispered love declaration, with the chorus gently underscored by the violin); "21" (simple but effective folk-rock); "Disappointment" (a slow rhythm enlivened by the drums); "I Can't Be With You" (the pop track of the album, with Dolores missing her partner); "Yeat's Grave" (acoustic guitar introducing a wonderful psychedelic pop-rock); "No Need to Argue" (an organ and an almost Gregorian chant that conclude the album).
If we want to find a flaw, it is in the number of tracks - despite the reasonable 50-minute length. With a couple of songs fewer, it would have been better.
But the worst flaw is the absurd position of "Zombie." Such a song should have been in one place only, at the end, perhaps with the peaceful "No Need to Argue" preparing the way for the wrenching finale.
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Summary by Bot
The Cranberries' album No Need To Argue stands as a classic in pop-rock history, driven by the iconic song 'Zombie'. The review praises the band's songwriting, Dolores O'Riordan's expressive voice, and the varied, inspired tracks throughout the album. Despite minor critique on track sequencing and album length, the album's artistic and commercial success is celebrated. It highlights the band's skill in balancing technical proficiency with emotional intelligence.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
The Cranberries
The Cranberries were an Irish rock band formed in Limerick, best known for 1990s alternative/pop-rock classics featuring the distinctive voice of singer Dolores O’Riordan. Their catalog is frequently associated with songs like “Linger” and “Zombie,” and later included reunion-era releases such as 'Roses' and the final album 'In the End' (issued after O’Riordan’s death).24 Reviews
Other reviews
By Kurt81
The thing that makes the album exceptional is Dolores O’Riordan’s voice, which puts on a true show.
Zombie... signifies the band’s social commitment against war and especially their commitment to child protection.
By Totisque
I get a shiver when I hear the opening riff of "Zombie".
Dolores was sad, yes. But at least, back then, she communicated it with her eyes and her powerful, angry, distant voice.
By Angeldust82
"'Zombie' is one of the keystone tracks of the entire decade."
"No Need To Argue is far from perfect... but after all, this is what the Cranberries are."
