Loyal Cranberries fans never fear, the band's newest CD Wake Up and Smell The Coffee is here. It couldn't have come at a more appropriate time than now, when the world has dramatically changed and humans are perplexed by love, hate and hypocrisy.
The Cranberries remain consistent in the progression from their earlier albums to Coffee. The smooth evolution of its music has allowed the band to keep a consistent style and explore the realm of sounds within it. The group uses similar chords in each cut and repetition of phrases within each song. While other bands can be redundant when using this approach to their music, the Cranberries mastered the art of exploration.
Some of the explorations are evident in the title track, "Wake Up and Smell the Coffee." The beat is driven, but not primarily dominated by the melody. The introduction of the song suggests a trance-like state and when the beat kicks in, it has a subliminal tone that works well with the tune and the context of the title, telling the listener to "wake up."
The first single from Coffee, "Analyse," has a heavy drum beat and could easily be compared to the earlier single "Dreams" off The Cranberries first album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? Dolores' vocals reach a harmonic tone during the chorus that fills the songs with energy and a heavenly emotion.
"Every Morning" is a very sweet tune - almost too sweet. It fits with the concept of the album and the lyrical content, but the music doesn't draw you in like the other songs. It is a feel-good song that is not classic Cranberries' style, but reminiscent of fluff-filled '70s inspirational rock.
"Chocolate Brown" is a relaxing acoustic song. There's more definition in Dolores' voice accentuating the background acoustic guitar. It is a nice change of pace from the rest of the album and the only song that was recorded in one take, live and uncut.
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The best track on the album is by far "This Is The Day." With a heavy lead guitar, it inspires an urgency not found in the other tracks. It has some Christian undertones with lyrics such as, "Faith will save you," and "Par forth thy grace, thou art divine."
The apparent differences in Coffee, compared to previous albums are contained within the lyrics.
Much of the songs deal with appreciating life and love, whereas older songs are about love's hurtful consequences and political and social standpoints.
While political and social metaphors are still prevalent in Coffee, they are more subtle.
The Cranberries have an obvious passion for global change and this album is focused toward a positive view. The album reveals a higher level of maturity than earlier albums with the tone and depth of its music and lyrics.
It is an album that can relax and inspire you at the same time.
So take comfort in knowing that the world may change, but the Cranberries music will always be classic.
