For decades, The Cranberries’ 1995 MTV Unplugged performance lived in a strange in-between space—deeply cherished by fans, heavily circulated as a bootleg, and partially included only as a bonus in the No Need to Argue 30th-anniversary edition. But now, at long last, this legendary acoustic performance has been officially brought into the spotlight where it has always belonged.
Released worldwide on November 7, 2025, The Cranberries – MTV Unplugged (Live MTV Unplugged) arrives as a fully mastered, standalone album, preserving one of the purest and most emotionally charged shows in the history of MTV’s iconic series. And on Unplugged Live Radio, where every track we play comes straight from classic and modern acoustic-only live sets, this one instantly earns a permanent place in rotation.
A Valentine’s Day Performance That Became Historic
The performance was recorded on February 14, 1995—a cold New York Valentine’s Day—inside the historic Howard Gilman Opera House at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. It was an environment perfectly suited for The Cranberries’ unique mix of vulnerability and intensity, with the acoustics of the Opera House shaping every breath, bow stroke, and whispered note.
Adding to the sonic depth was the Electra Strings quartet, whose warm, enveloping arrangements elevated the band’s already-poignant catalog into something even more cinematic. From the opening moments of “Dreaming My Dreams” to the final notes of “No Need to Argue,” this set presented The Cranberries at their most exposed—no distortion, no walls of sound, just Dolores O’Riordan’s unmistakable voice and a band fully in sync.
To bring the 2025 release to life, longtime collaborator Stephen Street handled the mastering, ensuring this performance finally sounds the way fans have always imagined it should.
Available in Multiple Formats for Collectors and New Fans Alike
The new release is available across all major streaming platforms, but the physical formats are what collectors are already buzzing about. Fans can choose from:
- CD Edition
- Standard Black Vinyl
- Limited-Edition Alabaster White Vinyl
- Limited-Edition Clear Vinyl
These editions turned the release into an immediate hit, even helping the album land on the Billboard Vinyl chart during its debut week—a rare achievement for a 30-year-old performance.
Tracklist – A 42-Minute Acoustic Journey
The nine-song set clocks in at just over 42 minutes, but every second counts. The official tracklist:
- Intro / Dreaming My Dreams
- Ode to My Family
- Linger
- Free to Decide
- I’m Still Remembering
- Empty
- Zombie
- Yesterday’s Gone
- No Need to Argue
This is one of those rare Unplugged performances where the hits shine, the deep cuts feel essential, and even the band seems to recognize in real time just how special the evening is.
Why This Release Matters
For years, fans argued that The Cranberries’ MTV Unplugged deserved an official, accessible release. Now that it’s finally here, it’s clear why this show holds such mythical status.
- “Zombie” loses its electric snarl but gains chilling, acoustic gravity.
- “Linger,” already one of the most delicate songs of the ’90s, becomes almost impossibly intimate.
- “Yesterday’s Gone,” long considered a fan-favorite rarity, finally receives the high-quality treatment it deserves.
This is not just another reissue—it’s a piece of music history finally restored and presented with the care it always warranted. For Unplugged Live listeners, it represents exactly what our station stands for: the unmistakable magic that happens when artists strip everything back and let the songs speak for themselves.
Unplugged Live Radio: Celebrating the Art of Acoustic Performance
Every week, we highlight a release that captures the spirit of live, raw musicianship—and this new standalone edition of The Cranberries – MTV Unplugged is a masterclass in how powerful that format can be. From Dolores O’Riordan’s spine-tingling vocal control to the lush presence of the Electra Strings, this release is as essential today as it was in 1995.
Expect to hear selections from the album throughout our programming this week—and likely for years to come—right here on Unplugged Live Radio, where the greatest acoustic performances of all time live, breathe, and continue to inspire.
Gracie Abrams Acoustic Live Releases
In addition to The Cranberries’ newly restored Unplugged performance, this season has brought a wave of standout acoustic and semi-acoustic releases—none more buzzworthy than those from Gracie Abrams, whose rise in the singer-songwriter world has been nothing short of remarkable.
The Good Riddance Acoustic Shows (Live)
Released in February 2024, this album captures Abrams and collaborator Aaron Dessner performing intimate, stripped-down versions of Good Riddance tracks during a short run of acoustic shows. The performances lean heavily into Abrams’ whisper-soft vocal style and Dessner’s atmospheric arrangements, resulting in an album that feels both delicate and emotionally grounded.
The release is available on all major streaming platforms and as a striking magenta LP vinyl—a favorite among collectors.
Apple Music Live: Gracie Abrams
Debuting in October 2025, this 17-song, 82-minute performance expands her live sound while still retaining the introspective warmth fans love. While the set blends full-band performances with acoustic textures, the emotional core of Abrams’ music remains centered on raw, diary-like storytelling.
Listeners can explore tracks such as:
- Intro & Risk (Apple Music Live) – 5:14
- Blowing Smoke (Apple Music Live) – 4:13
Between her studio albums, EPs, singles, and now multiple live and acoustic-focused releases, Abrams has steadily built one of the most compelling modern singer-songwriter catalogs.
Other Notable Recent Acoustic & Unplugged Releases
The resurgence of acoustic and “unplugged” recordings continues to gain momentum, with 2025 delivering a surprising number of standout projects across genres. Recent highlights include:
- 10,000 Maniacs – MTV Unplugged (2025): A long-requested official release of their classic acoustic set.
- Aviators – Acoustic III (July 2025): A meticulously crafted acoustic reinterpretation project.
- Alan Jackson – Acoustic Classics (Late 2025): A warm, roots-rich collection of country staples performed in a stripped-back style.
- Eric Clapton – Unplugged (Extended Edition) (2025): A never-before-seen and expanded version of one of the most legendary Unplugged sets ever recorded.
- Kendall Street Company – Live / Unplugged from the Grand Caverns: A recent addition to the growing catalog of modern acoustic live sets.
Across streaming platforms and physical media, artists continue to embrace the raw, intimate energy of acoustic performance—offering fans a deeper, more personal window into their music. It’s an era rich with options for listeners who crave authentic, stripped-back sound, and here at Unplugged Live Radio, we’re thrilled to bring those moments directly to your speakers every single day.