1992-2002 Stars Best Of [Limited Edition, Best of]

Throughout much of the 90s, Ireland's 'The Cranberries' represented an innovative new wave of British rock. While the early days indicated the birth of a new supergroup, the later part of the decade saw a fast decline in its popularity.

With that, the decade captured them as Stars, The Best of 1992 - 2002, summarises a great career of a band who did "get there" but didn't stay for long.

The two albums that will always be "the classic" Cranberries records get a good representation here. 'Dreams' and 'Linger' from 'Everybody Else Is Doing It' and of course 'Zombie' from 'No Need To Argue' are already deemed classic hits for the radio. The third album 'To The Faithful Departed' sprouted 'Salvation' but the interest level in the band was already starting to wane.

Next came 'Bury The Hatchet' and 'Wake Up And Smell The Coffee', and while songs like 'Analyse' and 'Animal Instinct' still maintained the uniqueness that made up the sound of The Cranberries, the band was caught up in a sound from an era that was no longer relevant to the music charts. The audience had moved on.

The core fan base must likewise be interested more in the past than the present. When the band invited their fans to vote for their favourite non-single track for inclusion on this record, it is not surprising that the choice came from their biggest album 'No Need To Argue'. 'Daffodil Lament' is here for that reason.

The Cranberries record two new songs, 'New New York' and 'Stars', for this record which brings conclusion to the project but the real gems are not surprisingly the early ones.

Songs like 'Ode to my family' and 'Salvation' as well as 'Linger' and 'Dreams' are everlasting tunes that leave a great sound and a wonderful craving for more. The new single which is also the title track of the album is 'Stars'.

Their sound is idyllic and pleasing to ears; the kind of rock you can comfortably listen to with your family. Not many bands in the last 10 years can claim to have as many hits as this Irish quartet.

'Analyse' and 'Just my imagination' are two great-sounding yet relatively new hits. 'Off the Wake up' and 'Smell the Coffee album' sing-along tunes, you can enjoy with your friends on a ride.

But one track that really sticks to your mind is the 'Lovable Animal Instinct' with moralistic lyrics; an interesting storyline and an excellent music score. This compliation is by far The Cranberries greatest work so far. Stars ( The Best of 1992-2002) is a collector's item for sure and one that will be taken off and replayed on your CD player for a long time to come.