Rating:  -
In 2001, the Cranberries seemed to be a band the public had forgotten about. But they proved that they were still around on their 5th (and final) album. It's sad to say that the Cranberries have dismembered, but it is the truth. On their final effort, the Cranberries give it one last go round and it is quite a success.
Maybe it's Dolores' angelic voice or the light strumming of the guitar but I truly have not disliked any album and think "Wake Up..." is yet another grand success. The lyrics are bit simpler on some songs and less politically charged but Dolores' voice is as pure as it ever was especially on the whispy and dreamlike "Pretty Eyes".
The band keeps an up-tempo feel throughout the whole album only stopping a few times to slow it down. "Analyse", "Time Is Ticking Out" and "Do You Know?" are delightful fast-paced tunes that will have you singing "La-la-la the strangest moment...La La La the strangest day...La-la-la the greatest love of them all..."!
But the last track on the album is really a perfect ballad. It showcases Dolores' songwriting and singing ability and is called "Chocolate Brown" defienatley a must listen.
STANDOUT TRACKS: Time Is Ticking Out, Chocolate Brown, Dying in the Sun and Analyse
Rating:  -
I own all five of their albums, and what I seem to notice, is that each album isn't as good as the one before it. Ok, maybe "No Need To Argue" is the exception, but this is my least favorite of the bunch. It's not bad of course, it just seems to be alot of filler to me. I only really like 5 songs alot, and 3 of them are also on "Stars", which means I'm pretty much keeping this just for "Never Grow Old" and "Dying Inside". I hope they make a comeback sometime soon, but as far as "Wake Up And Smell The Coffee" goes, get the other 4 first.
Rating: -
I purchased this record the day I saw it at the music stores without knowing what to expect. Some songs on the album have piano on it(Chocolate Brown).Dolores O Riordan has a message for the fans in the booklet inside. It definitely says a lot for this album.Stand Out Tracks on this album - "Dying Inside" , "I really Hope" (reminds me of YOU AND ME) , "Chocolate Brown" , "Do You Know", "Concept" ...
Dying Inside is melody void of any uncertainity. Like I said this is by far the most calm Cranberries album. "Chocolate Brown" is my favourite song on the album. In a way it reminds me of the past. Its a step away from anything they've done. Its a song that'll pamper the listener. "Analyse" is good for the first few listens but sounds monotonous after a while.
Overall...I'd say this album is a definite buy for Cranberries Fans. I must add I quite liked the refreshing album art. I will remember this album for "Chocolate Brown" cause it added a definite worth to by all time favourite Cranberries songs.
New Cranberries Fans,Other songs for those interested would be : Electric Blue,When you're Gone,I Still Do,Ridiculous Thoughts,Hollywood,Joe,Linger and many more.Albums for new fans - Start with No Need To Argue. For the ambitious try TO THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED (Its their best record,hands down)
Rating: -
I can't consider myself as a devote Cranberries fan, because even I listen to their music frecuently and I've got the whole discography and videos, I can't say I love them, but just I'm really fond of them and I have a great admiration. May be this condition of being fond-of and not devote-of lets me be more critic toward their works and have a panoramic view of it.
Wake up and smell the coffee is, for me, a culmination and a true photography of what Dolores O'Riordan and the other musiceans have become in, and it reflects unavoidable they have change so much since EEIDISWCW era: they're pretty less worried about selling, more concernd in doing it relaxed and enjoying it; they dared to make some experiments in this with their former producer; and you can notice it is more mature than early works. Of course , all these conditions have provided good things but also bad things: The most remarkable good things are related to the sound, which is softer (pretty eyes - carry on - chocolate brown) more experimental, elegant (time is ticking out, the concept), very much honest, out of any pretention, and it captures the real Dolores essence as a composer, as well as her "never-missed" rock music soul, just like in old times (this is the day, wake up...). By the other hand, the most remarkable bad things are may be the so well-known topics in lyrics, which are more than repeted, poor and simple. There's quite a lack of originality in Dolores writting you can easily notice.
In final words, I woulnd't say this is a bad album or a "super excellent" work. It is just a result, a product of a decade of music and it capture all the weaknesses and strenghs of a music band which has had good times as much as bads,that has decided to calm down, make music more for fun than anything, and enjoy the life as much as can.
MARISOL BARRIOS
Date 04-01-05. Santiago, Chile.
Rating: -
The fifth album from the Cranberries, Wake Up And Smell The Coffee is a decent follow-up to Bury The Hatchet. On this album, they go back to their more original sound and have produced a really decent album. One problem, I think Dolores' lyrics are a bit simple on this album. Still, I buy their albums because of their great music and Dolores lilting vocals. There are some great rockers like This Is The Day and the titletrack. If you like Dreams, you will love Analyse, one of the better tracks on this album. There are also some lovely quiet songs, like Never Grow Old, Dying Inside and Chocolate Brown. Dolores' voice is still one of a kind and she really has one of the most distinct voices in today's music bis. I have the European version with the bonus tracks: Salvation Live and In The Ghetto. In The Ghetto is a lovely version of that well-known song. Lots of emotion in Dolores's voice. If you're new with the Berries, start with their first or second album before you buy this one.
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