Only the most devoted Cranberries fan could have any great expectations of their new album, following the seriously substandard nature of their last two efforts. Perhaps in recognition of this, the Limerick band have gone back to their roots and produced a record of airy lightweight indie ballads that hark back to the simple charms of their debut album. While the result may well be their best work since then, unfortunately that's no extravagant compliment. There's nothing here as embarrassing as Bosnia or I Just Shot John Lennon but Dolores O'Riordan's self-regarding lyrics remain her band's greatest weakness, a problem that at this stage is probably insoluble. Wake Up and Smell the Coffee is a pleasant, inoffensive album but it's ultimately unlikely to restore much lustre to the Cranberries' reputation.
