- Audio CD (23 May 2007)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Extra tracks, Import
- Label: Bmg Japan
- ASIN: B000OXEOAA
- Other Editions: Audio CD | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,062,945 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
It's been a long wait for the solo debut from Irish icon Dolores O'Riordan. After all, the Cranberries issued their swan song in 2001. After their breakup, O'Riordan collaborated with Germany's Jam and Spoon, Italy's Zucchero, and David Lynch composer Angelo Badalamenti. She also appeared, as herself, in the 2006 comedy Click. All the while, she toiled away on her first solo effort. Fortunately, good things come to those who wait. Co-produced by Youth (the Verve, U2), Are You Listening? is a throwback to 1980s-era Siouxsie and the Banshees and Sinead O'Connor--sweeping keyboards, forceful drumming, and muscular guitar work. It may seem like a melodramatic move, but the music never overwhelms the slight yet steely figure at the center of the maelstrom, particularly on the lilting "Ordinary Day" and haunting "Black Widow." Cranberries fans expecting something more demure may be taken aback, but O'Riordan's supple voice should win over most skeptics. And lyrically, she compensates with tender words inspired by her husband ("Apple of My Eye"), the death of her mother-in-law ("Black Widow"), and the birth of her youngest child ("Ordinary Day"). --Kathleen C. Fennessy
Paper Copy Fax (London UK)
If I got to choose a singing voice, I would ask for it be like Dolores O'Riordan's. It's so utterly complete, a voice that makes me full of wonder and green with envy at the same time. I love this album, it is a really cracking return. Do not be fearful of 'the comeback record' - this is not just a bored singer with a few quid. There is fire in this release, the kind which seems to come from a very genuine and meaningful songwriter. Dolores's concerns are honest and worldly in a 'dont f*ck with me' kinda way. I honestly can't recommend this record enough. If you loved the big Cranberries singles like I did, you will adore tracks like 'Ordinary Day' and 'Apple of My Eye', if you liked their more indie rock elements then you'll love 'When We Were Young' and 'Loser', and if you want evidence of a songwriter who is not just going through the motions and has really upped her game, you'll simply marvel at 'Human Spirit' which made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. Basically, its an absolute belter of a record
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
28 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
As a long listener of the Cranberries, I was immediately interested when
I heard that their ex-frontwoman Dolores O'Riordan was releasing her debut
solo effort Are You Listening?. Though in all honesty I had my doubts as to
whether or not she could release an album of any substance. What I found,
shockingly enough, was an album that falls only a few steps shy of perfection.
From the haunting Black Widow to the heartwrenching Ecstasy, Are You
Listening? is both a step in a new direction and a return to basics. While
sure not to disappoint long time listeners, with tracks such as Apple of
My Eye, Ordinary Day and October, Are You Listening? also opens doors to a
new audience. Most apparent on the Gothic, Black Widow with it's Robert
Smith-esque lyric and the Celtic sounding, Human Spirit. The one sore point
with Are You Listening? however is the same sore point it's always been with O'Riordan:
her lyrics still lack creativity and depth. With cringy lines like "I think
you pretend that you are my friend" in Accept Things and "Don't stand in my
way with nothing to say"in October I find myself wincing every single time
I hear it. That all said, Dolores O'Riordan's crystal clear voice is as
smooth, ethreal and breathtaking as ever, which is sure to compensate for
whatever tiny problems I can find with the album otherwise. It's definitely
worth the buy, we should all be listening.
I heard that their ex-frontwoman Dolores O'Riordan was releasing her debut
solo effort Are You Listening?. Though in all honesty I had my doubts as to
whether or not she could release an album of any substance. What I found,
shockingly enough, was an album that falls only a few steps shy of perfection.
From the haunting Black Widow to the heartwrenching Ecstasy, Are You
Listening? is both a step in a new direction and a return to basics. While
sure not to disappoint long time listeners, with tracks such as Apple of
My Eye, Ordinary Day and October, Are You Listening? also opens doors to a
new audience. Most apparent on the Gothic, Black Widow with it's Robert
Smith-esque lyric and the Celtic sounding, Human Spirit. The one sore point
with Are You Listening? however is the same sore point it's always been with O'Riordan:
her lyrics still lack creativity and depth. With cringy lines like "I think
you pretend that you are my friend" in Accept Things and "Don't stand in my
way with nothing to say"in October I find myself wincing every single time
I hear it. That all said, Dolores O'Riordan's crystal clear voice is as
smooth, ethreal and breathtaking as ever, which is sure to compensate for
whatever tiny problems I can find with the album otherwise. It's definitely
worth the buy, we should all be listening.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I wasn't sure what to expect from Delores as, in truth, the best Cranberries stuff is now more than 12 years old. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
'Angel Fire' is a great track (the best in my opinion), as are the other more pop orientated tracks such as 'Loser' (I love the 'taking the piss' line), 'October', 'When We Were Young' and of course 'Ordinary Day'. However, there are other less obvious little gems on this album too, 'Apple Of My Eye' and 'Stay With Me' to name but two.
I don't expect this album to ever reach the top of the charts (in the UK anyway), but that is the fault of the buying public, not this great little album. If you were/are a fan of the Cranberries you'll love the album. If you were/are not a fan of the Cranberries, but like originality in your music collection, you'll love the album!
Well worth buying. Well done Delores.
'Angel Fire' is a great track (the best in my opinion), as are the other more pop orientated tracks such as 'Loser' (I love the 'taking the piss' line), 'October', 'When We Were Young' and of course 'Ordinary Day'. However, there are other less obvious little gems on this album too, 'Apple Of My Eye' and 'Stay With Me' to name but two.
I don't expect this album to ever reach the top of the charts (in the UK anyway), but that is the fault of the buying public, not this great little album. If you were/are a fan of the Cranberries you'll love the album. If you were/are not a fan of the Cranberries, but like originality in your music collection, you'll love the album!
Well worth buying. Well done Delores.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I was interested in Dolores' solo album as her amazing voice was always the draw of The Cranberries. Towards the end of The Cranberries the songs were getting pretty middle of the road and I will admit that is what I expected here. But I am pleasantly surprised as the sound breaks free of The Cranberries and paves the way for Dolores to have a sound of her own.
Stand out tracks are her first single 'Ordinary Day'. It seems Dolores has a different life these days compared with the mad, heady days of The Cranberries. She now has kids and that has changed her outlook on life and I think that reflects here. 'When We Were Young' reflects on past days and how getting older makes you think of the past.
On 'Loser' I think we have all had times when we have come across people who we can relate to this song! 'Stay with Me' is my song of the album. It finds Dolores in reflective mood and with a chorus remanisant of Evanescence (a bit of a surprise!). 'October' is also a great track.
All in, this is a good purchase and if you loved Dolores' voice in The Cranberries this takes things forward a bit more as she finds her own style as a solo artist after ending up as a bit of a lost soul at the end of The Cranberries. How things can change and that is what Dolores talks about here.
Buy! You won't regret.
Stand out tracks are her first single 'Ordinary Day'. It seems Dolores has a different life these days compared with the mad, heady days of The Cranberries. She now has kids and that has changed her outlook on life and I think that reflects here. 'When We Were Young' reflects on past days and how getting older makes you think of the past.
On 'Loser' I think we have all had times when we have come across people who we can relate to this song! 'Stay with Me' is my song of the album. It finds Dolores in reflective mood and with a chorus remanisant of Evanescence (a bit of a surprise!). 'October' is also a great track.
All in, this is a good purchase and if you loved Dolores' voice in The Cranberries this takes things forward a bit more as she finds her own style as a solo artist after ending up as a bit of a lost soul at the end of The Cranberries. How things can change and that is what Dolores talks about here.
Buy! You won't regret.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
delores
i am a big cranberries fan bought this and its superb ,delores uses all her vocal skills to great effect wasn't sure what it would be like without the rest of the band but its an... Read more
Published 7 days ago by le,brick
For Cranberrie Fans
Dolores signature vocals on an enjoyable album of just over 50 minuets, so it is good value for the money. Read more
Published 1 month ago by chatham
I liked it. Just because.
I find it quite difficult to review music, because I can't base my opinions on technical, objective facts and, to be honest, I couldn't tell what makes me love or detest a... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Pilar
I Am Listening!
Ive just got the record and frankly havent stopped playing it! Every song is so well thought out and intricately woven into textures both sublime and immediate. Read more
Published on 6 April 2008 by Rush K. Shukla
buy this
I don't have technical or fancy words to use but this is a great album I really enjoy it and I don't think she will get the recognition she deserves. Read more
Published on 18 Aug 2007 by K. barclay
From there to here and back again
I'm not sure why the Cranberries split up....was it artistic differences, a battle of egos...a natural end ???
Whatever...'Are you listening' proves one thing. Read more
Whatever...'Are you listening' proves one thing. Read more
Published on 10 Aug 2007 by Arthur Dooley
la Lola de Irlanda strikes again
Powerful, impressive arrangements. Even fascinating at times, as in Black Widow. Nice O'Riordan's vocals. But few great songs perhaps. Read more
Published on 18 July 2007 by JOSE I. L.
The more things change, the more they stay the same
Perhaps the one thing which made the Cranberries stand out was O'Riordan's voice and I'm happy to report that its still in fine fettle. Read more
Published on 29 May 2007 by IWFIcon
still the berry best!
without doubt dolores is the best all round female composer, writer and live performer, in the world. Read more
Published on 21 May 2007 by Robert Wilson
Yes, a lot!!!
This is truly a fantastic album, with not one song that you feel the need to skip. It is an album with attitude and I can't stop playing it! Read more
Published on 16 May 2007 by Gillybob
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