Cranberries concert at Zenith in Paris, May 31, 2010 by Poudou99 is licensed under CC BY 3.0
For rock fans, the MTV Unplugged series represents a golden age—a moment where some of the loudest, biggest bands stripped down their sound and laid their songwriting bare. We got Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Pearl Jam. Now, 30 years later, we finally have the definitive, officially released audio from a session that cemented the legacy of one of alternative rock’s most unique voices: The Cranberries.
Released officially on November 14th, 2025, The Cranberries’ MTV Unplugged album finally gives this legendary 1995 acoustic performance the attention it deserves.
The Vulnerability of 1995
Recorded in London during their massive No Need to Argue tour, the performance captures the Irish band at a crossroads: navigating global stardom while trying to maintain the earnest, emotional core of their music.
And no one embodied that tension more than vocalist Dolores O’Riordan.
Stripped of the driving distortion and swirling stadium sound, the acoustic format throws O’Riordan’s voice into sharp relief. It is, by turns, fragile, defiant, and breathtakingly soaring. The simplicity of the arrangements allows the Celtic lilt and emotional weight of tracks like “Linger” and “Dreams” to shine through, reconnecting listeners with the raw power of their earliest singles.
The Power of “Zombie”
The true emotional high point, however, is the performance of their biggest hit, “Zombie.” In its original electric form, “Zombie” is a ferocious, political anthem. Here, played on acoustic guitars, it loses none of its urgency—it simply trades rage for raw heartache. It is a haunting, powerful reminder of O’Riordan’s ability to inject intense, genuine emotion into even the most simplified setting.
Why You Need This Album Now
This release is more than just a historical artifact. It’s a masterclass in songwriting and vulnerability.
If you’re a long-time fan, this new release offers a clean, mastered version of a legendary bootleg. If you’re a newer fan discovering The Cranberries through their influence on today’s alternative artists, this is the best possible entry point to understanding the depth and soul of one of the 90s’ essential bands.
