Roses (Extended Version)

The Cranberries smartly teamed up with their original producer, Stephen Street, for their first studio album in more than a decade. Singer Dolores O'Riordan has matured as a vocalist, shearing off her delivery’s gritty edges for a prettiness her younger self might have rejected as too soft. Several of the tunes—"Someday", "Raining in My Heart", "Astral Projections"—were reportedly scheduled for their 2004 album that never was, and the ensuing years have given the group a stronger authority on the material. The ballads here are especially well-executed, with "Fire & Soul" combining acoustic guitars and electronic textures to soothing results. "Tomorrow" reflects the advantage of perspective that comes with age. "Schizophrenic Playboy" builds in layers of sound redolent of shoegaze, with a sharp ‘90s alt-rock overlay. By staying close to what they do best and having a better idea of how to stay in their zone, The Cranberries have made a comeback album that's a worthy improvement to their catalog. The deluxe edition adds live versions of two classics: "Linger" and "Zombie".