This is the second album from the Irish band, thanks to which they gained popularity both in Europe (where their first work, "Everybody Else Is Doing It So Why Can't We?" didn't manage to break through), and in America, but here it's a true consecration considering the success of the first album.
Well, there is very little to say, the thing that makes the album exceptional is Dolores O'Riordan's voice, which puts on a true show, mostly accompanied by melodies on the keyboard and acoustic guitar, but the strings also play their part, as in "Empty".
However, it's difficult in this album to choose which songs to highlight, they are all unique, but certainly the one that stands out the most is the very popular "Zombie", a harsh, indignant song, the only one on the album with heavily distorted guitars. The track signifies the band's social commitment against war and especially their commitment to child protection, and it's on this latter theme that "The Icicle Melts" focuses.
Also noteworthy is "Ode To My Family", a song dedicated to Dolores' family, from whom she has been kept away for long periods due to tours in the States, and she suffers from this.
Then, the stunning closure of the CD, "No Need To Argue," which also gives the album its title, is almost entirely whispered but with sudden thrilling crescendos, all accompanied by a delicate organ sound.
For anyone who only knows the Cranberries from recent years, that is, since "Wake Up And Smell The Coffee": the Cranberries of the past were infinitely superior and we hope they return to that!
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.
Four chords for a monumental masterpiece of songwriting.
'Zombie' is a great song with a simple intro that evolves into a legendary track.
"'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."