The Cranberries

In the hands of smart guys, trebly, chiming guitars and spare, certain melodies took
divergent paths in ancient days -- toward the Byrds' clear skies and the Velvet
Underground's blue-lit alleys. R.E.M., of course, fused the directions in the '80s, creating a
freeway that soon became crowded. Arizona's Gin Blossoms approach the Athens, Ga.,
demigods with the reverence popsters used to accord the Beatles, but so smartl... More >

Dream-pop as techno-folk-rock. Lissome Limerick lass Dolores O'Riordan injects spiritual lilt, Smiths/Furs producer Stephen Street applies commercial grease, and like a good dance comp with one set of tonsils, it never quits. Every song diddles your beauty spot by hook or by slick, and with O'Riordan swooping, moaning, and emoting, the worst you feel is a bit of a softy. Believe in the dream. (Grade: A-)