With passionate protest, “Zombie” considers on the innocent casualties of war. On “Ode to My Family,” the singer pays tribute to caring parents and, in spite of her fame, humbly refuses to bask in celebrity. She also asks for prayer (“Empty”) and thanks her husband for words of encouragement (“Dreaming My Dreams”), pledging commitment to him in the process. “The Icicle Melts” decries child abuse.
On “Ridiculous Thoughts,” the singer second-guesses her decision to be honest. The word “damn” pops up twice on “Ode to My Family.”
Despite being driven by passionate, tortured vocals, No Need to Argue is surprisingly optimistic-even on tunes describing failed relationships. For fans of socially conscious alternative rock, The Cranberries are, for the most part, a worthwhile side dish.
