I heard quite a few negative comments regarding the Cranberries' third CD, so when their fourth CD came out, I was initially reluctant to buy it. However, the reviews were somewhat positive, so I decided to give it a shot. My conclusion: I believe the first two CDs they released are better, but this one is very listenable and worth buying.

This CD still has some of the angst that seemed to be a common thread of the Cranberries' first two CDs, but some of these songs stray quite far from those heavily angst-ridden songs. Some of this music is more rock-influenced than some of their earlier music as well. "Loud and Clear," as an example, has overlaid vocal tracks, a fast rock beat, some synthesized horn, though with a relationship theme. "Promises" similarly has a heavy rock beat with strident lead guitar; a very impressive song that makes full use of Dolores O'Riordan's vocal talent.

There are also songs reminiscent of their first two albums; for example "You and Me," though in the case of this song the theme is love forever, a very positive song. Another lovely song is "Just My Imagination," which has a fairy-tale theme, rock-influenced but still solid Cranberries. "Saving Grace" is just plain pretty, and another positive song. This song perhaps could have been released as a single. "What's on My Mind" is another positive love song, which again sounds very similar to the music on the first two Cranberries CDs.

There are a several other songs I really enjoy from this CD. "Shattered" is a laid back song, with an acoustic guitar taking the musical lead with the principal focus being Dolores's voice. "Desperate Andy" has a good beat and some interesting vocal effects. The very last track, "Dying in the Sun" is principally piano with occasional synthesizer, and Dolores's lovely voice; a gorgeous song for a concert.

"Delilah" is quite an unusual track for this CD. This song has a little metal flavor to it. I like the change of pace musically and vocally, though a song like this risks losing traditional Cranberries fans.

My favorite song on this CD is also the saddest and most poignant. "Fee Fi Fo" deals with the subject of sexual abuse of children. The vocals and the music here are ethereal, bordering on and perhaps edging into progressive rock. The song is sad and angry. You would not want to get into the way of the person singing this song.

Not every track on this CD is a winner, but generally there is good quality here. I think The Cranberries are trying to experiment with their music without being totally commercial. I must approve whole-heartedly. They continue to bring their own flavor to a spectrum of musical styles. I did have a hard time getting into this CD initially, and had to listen to it several times before I finally began getting into the topics and the music. However, I also was dealing with the paradigm of their first two albums, and was expecting much the same. While there is some music that is similar to the first two albums, there are some striking differences as well. I think the Cranberries are making changes that should be positive ones for their future, and I look forward to purchasing their next CD.

This 4th album from "The Cranberries" seemed to be their attempt at regaining the following they had from their 1st two albums. I don't find this to be as good front to back as others were, but some of their best songs are on "Bury The Hatchet". "Animal Instinct" and "Promises" are both catchy, and therefore made good singles. Two of my favorites ever are "Shattered", and the beautiful "You And Me". However there's a few songs of filler, and "Copycat" that's just bad. The last two songs on the original album are pleasing as well, those are "Fee Fi Fo" and "Dying In The Sun". The extra tracks here are all good, maybe not enough to buy this twice for, but good. Overall, this may not convert anyone, but fans should like it "Loud And Clear".

I don't really want to spend time doing this. It was a gift, guess it's good.