Unplugged [Live]

Some bands work studio magic to bring their songs to life. Others do it the old-fashioned way, writing their own material and playing their own instruments. These Irish rockers are of the latter category, and they prove it on this brilliant recording of their MTV "Unplugged" session.

The album opens with an almost haunting acoustic rendition of their "Talk On Corners" hit 'Only When I Sleep'. Backed by a Dublin orchestra and Andrea Corr's powerful vocals, the band shatters all rumors that they are nothing but mere studio magic.

Performing live, especially with an orchestra, means that some songs will have to be re-worked -- and they are, but not necessarily for the worse. In the tounge-in-cheek ballad 'What Can I Do', they manage to combine both versions - the original and Tin Tin Out Remix - to create a beautiful sound backed by gentle orchestral strings. 'Forgiven Not Forgotten' sounds even more mystical in its acoustic state, and the jig 'Toss the Feathers' sounds more Irish than ever with Caroline Corr's rhythmic bodhran driving it forward.

The album is full of great material, including previously unrecorded songs that the group has been performing live for years, including a gently touching cover of REM's 'Everybody Hurts' and an amazing duet between sisters Sharon and Caroline to Jimmy McCarthy's 'No Frontiers'. Not many bands can place such delicate ballads in the hands, or, rather, voices, of their backup singers, but the sisters do the song justice with some of the most beautiful harmonies I've ever heard.

Also featured on this record are two new hits - the jovial 'At Your Side' and the melancholy yet enticing acoustical 'Radio'. While the former is a testament to loyalty, the latter is both dark and uplifting at the same time.

What makes "Unplugged" different from other Corrs' albums? For starters, it has a distinctively Irish feel to it. Without a lot of percussion, Caroline's bodhran, Andrea's tin whistle, and Sharon's violin effortlessly shine through, creating a bit of a rough edge to such brilliant tracks as 'Little Wing' and 'Runaway'. The acoustic-ness of it is immediately appealing, giving it a relaxed, mellow effect. And, best of all, it was recorded live -- without overlapping tracks and re-takes, proving once and for all that the Corrs are just as amazing outside the studio as they are inside of it.

This is my favourite Corrs album. Everything else from the Corrs has paled in comparison to the lively atmosphere that exudes from this recording. The Corrs has a wonderful synergy with the audience in this album, their MTV Unplugged recording of "Toss a feather" is still the best recording they ever did on this track.

I am a Corrs' fan for a while now... And believe me - I'm not a pop person. Not at all.. But the Corrs has something different in them. I can't call them a "pop" band... Because they aren't. They make thier music out of their soul, and in this Uplugged album you can see it in the best way. The songs here are amazing. So is the music. In this album they show the whole world that they can make music... and a beautiful one, too. Some songs are already known, but there are some covers and some new songs that we will soon find on "In Blue" (which is much more disappointing). "At Your Side" is catchy and fun with lines like "I'll be at your side, there's no need to worry, together we'll survive through the haste and hurry...", Radio is more rocky, No Frontiers has great lyrics ("if life is a river, and your heart is a soul, and just like the water, baby, born to float..."), Old Town id upbeat and makes you wanna jump off your feet, and Everybody Hurts is just perfect. I'm also an REM fan, and I still can't decide which version I like more. Andrea sings it so powerfuly and so Passionately... It just makes you wanna cry. The instrumental tracks are also great. Toss The Feathers is so Irish and so makes you wanna dance, or at least watch "Lord of the Dance" and Erin Shore is just relaxing.. This album is my favourite so far, and I don't think it's gonna change for a long while. This is the album that I put in my CD Player every night when I go to sleep, and the album that I play whenever I feel sad or angry. It's just relaxing.. and it makes you feel fine. You listen to it and you just drown into Andrea's voice and into the wonderful music.. So buy it, and I promise you you won't regret it. It's just pure magic!