When a successful band releases a brand new album, the critics will always compare it to what has so far been the band's maximum opus. This will continue for the rest of the band's career until they top that one album. Now, I'm not too familiar with the Alt. Rock scene of the 1990's, so I'm not going to try to think up some half-assed examples, but you most likely have an idea of what I'm talking about. For Irish alternative rock band, The Cranberries, this album is their second release,
No Need to Argue. To this day No Need to Argue is The Cranberries most successful album with over 16 million copies sold. Released in 1994, the album also contains some of the band's most well known work, with songs like
Zombie and
Ode to My Family. In 2002, No Need to Argue was re-released with several bonus tracks (that I have not yet had the chance to hear).
Many of No Need to Argue's 13 tracks are emotional, mellow affairs with the listener. Songs such as
Twenty-One,
Dreaming My Dreams,
Empty, and
Everything I Said show The Cranberries at their softest. The focal point of these ballad-esque songs is obviously vocalist Dolores O'Riordan, as the other members of the band tend to not stick out, with rather simple rhythms. Other songs, such as the opener,
Ode to My Family, the epic
Daffodil Lament, and
I Can't Be With You are also pretty mellow themselves, however, the rest of the band generally participates and stands out more in these songs, giving them an extra edge energetically. Of course, the band changes things up with the atypical
Zombie, and the mid paced rocker,
Ridiculous Thoughts. With 13 tracks, there is surprisingly very little filler. In fact, the only track that could be considered filler, is the title track,
No Need to Argue, as it is just features Dolores speaking over a quiet tune. Through the several varieties of songs, No Need to Argue flows perfectly with little, if any, awkward moments. The result is about 47 minutes of enjoyable music.
A very large part of No Need to Argue's appeal comes from the pipes of singer Dolores O'Riordan. Her singing doesn't vary as much as in the band's next release, but she does a beautiful job on songs like
Ode to My Family and
I Can't Be With You. Aside from the aforementioned tracks, Delores does a superb job on both
Zombie and
Ridiculous Thoughts. The former is one of the band's most well known songs, and for good reason. Among the album's highlights is O'Riordan waling out the song's chorus, which is perhaps the most memorable moment in the band's history. The later song shows off Dolores with an energetic feeling present in her vocals. Like with
Zombie, the result is very catchy and will be remembered even several days after listening to the song. No Need to Argue is arguably Dolores' finest effort, surpassing all that came before and after.
With twelve strong songs, The Cranberries second album, No Need to Argue, is definitely the band's essential album. Some of the band's most memorable outings can be found on the album, with the likes of
Zombie,
Ode to My Family and
Daffodil Lament taking the lead. There will be no sophomore slump in The Cranberries' camp, as No Need to Argue is a very solid effort from the Irish band. If you're looking to pick up an album from this band, I would definitely recommend this album to those try to get into the band, as it shows the band at its best and does not disappoint.
Recommended Tracks:
Zombie
Ode to My Family
Yeat's Grave
Ridiculous Thoughts
I Can't Be With You
