The Cranberries -- Wake Up and Smell the Coffee (MCA Records 2001)
by Randy Krbechek
The Cranberries, from Limerick, Ireland, have returned with their first new album in two years. The quartet of brothers Noel Hogan (guitar), Mike Hogan (bass), Fergal Lawler (drums), and singer Dolores O'Riordan still sound fresh, as they approach their tenth anniversary.
Comments Dolores, "This, our fifth album, Wake Up and Smell the Coffee, is an extremely up and grateful album. Life is never as black and white as one may assume it to be ...
"Since Bury the Hatchet was released we toured; fortunately I became pregnant again and gave birth to a beautiful little girl. I guess family and friends are the essential key to happiness. It is from such simplicities that we create love. So, a far cry from To the Faithful Departed, but life is short and meant to be enjoyed."
The band still rocks on tracks like "This Is the Day," while Dolores' vocals shine on "Analyze." Also listen for the pop sounds of "I Really Hope."
The album concludes with the somber "Chocolate Brown," cut live with one microphone. Explains Mike Hogan, "A few songs on the album have different vibes from anything we've done before. It's nice to do different things, though it's not something we planned. It just happens naturally."
The Cranberries have always been a hard-working band, and deserve kudos for their attention to their craft. Dolores O'Riordan rings true on Wake Up and Smell the Coffee.
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-- Randy Krbechek
