Forgiven, Not Forgotten
Label: Atlantic Records
Release Date: September 26th 1995 (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Erin Shore (intro) (instrumental)
- Forgiven, Not Forgotten
- Heaven Knows
- Along with the Girls (instrumental)
- Someday
- Runaway
- The Right Time
- The Minstrel Boy ((Instrumental))
- Toss the Feathers ((Instrumental))
- Love to Love You
- Secret Life
- Carraroe Jig (Instrumental))
- Closer
- Leave Me Alone
- Erin Shore” (Instrumental)
Initial thoughts: The Corrs were instrumental in promoting Irish pop music on the map in the 90’s and 2000’s and their brand of traditional pop is incredibly unique- they blend together pop and rock, with Irish traditional folk-sy atmosphere to create a female fronted group with the singing harmonies of that of maybe a band like Point of Grace, Wilson Phillips or even CCM short-lived band ZoeGirl. Nevertheless, of who we as listeners compare this unique and impressive band to whenever we do hear them; their music and the messages within the chart-topping hits cannot be denied. They have impacted people far and wide throughout the years. 1995 was the year when The Corrs dropped their debut album Forgiven, Not Forgotten; and the sound of 1995 is different but still similar to the sound of music we have now- just less electronics. And maybe that’s a good thing. We’re always led to believe, maybe intentionally or not, or maybe it’s because of the media, but whatever the case, we’re bought into the notion that newer is always better, especially when it comes to music. But what I’ve learnt from hearing The Corrs is that assumption is not always true. This album is testament to the fact, with songs like the 5 singles reminding us of the timelessness of music, and the instrumental traditional Irish tunes also reminding us about the need for traditional music from the country you’re living in or born in. we mustn’t forget our roots, and The Corrs is great nostalgia for Irish folk. In fact, this album probably makes us want to be Irish, that’s for sure!
Reason to listen: To see how a 90’s album sounds like, to see how Irish music sounds like, to hear the beautiful vocals of Andrea Corr, any/all of the above.
Reason to buy: See above, also, these 5 singles (“Forgiven, Not Forgotten”, “Runaway”, “The Right Time”, “Love To Love You” and “Closer”) solidify the Corrs immortality status amongst Irish pop and pop in general- and along with a lot of their instrumental traditional Irish recordings (“Toss The Feathers”, “Erin Shore”, “The Minstrel Boy” and “Carraroe Jig”), then you get Forgiven, Not Forgotten, an album that I truly believe solidifies the 1990s decade amongst any artist, and reminds us all that the traditional American pop sound need not to be altered drastically, to create albums that are influential!
Reason to skip: No reason whatsoever. And I mean it!
No. of iconic singles and timeless classics: 5 (“Forgiven, Not Forgotten”, “Runaway”, “The Right Time”, “Love To Love You” and “Closer”)
Is the album relevant and relatable now? Why/why not?: For an Irish pop album, Forgiven, Not Forgotten is incredibly relevant and relatable- songs about unconditional love, wanting to be close to someone on a soul and spiritual level, and loving someone so much that you’d want to run away with them no matter the consequences… these are all universal and relatable themes, and each are prominent on this debut album from The Corrs. These themes are timeless, and that is why Forgiven, Not Forgotten is relevant and relatable. The music also actually sounds pretty modern also, and that’s always a plus in my opinion.
No of guest artists: None- although the band’s harmonising of vocals means that no guest vocals are in fact necessary at all!
Does it have heart?: The passion, intensity, heart, emotion and honesty here, not to mention vulnerability, is extensive all throughout. Andrea, Sharon, Caroline and Jim wear their hearts on their sleeves, and that’s what makes this debut album all the more impressive and impacting.
Does it have replay value: The Corrs is one of the few bands that I can listen to and not have it feel like it’s overplayed after a while. And the same goes for this album. I personally reckon it has replay value. But that’s just me, you may have another opinion, and that’s ok.
Uniqueness?: Yes, yes and yes! Irish instruments galore! A traditional Irish atmosphere like no other! 6 instrumental traditional Irish tunes! What more could you ask for?
Timeless message for today? A message for the time of release?: I feel as if The Corrs’ music is always timeless as they don’t write and sing about partying and feeling ‘good’ in the moment they speak about pertinent issues that transcend time (like life, death, relationships ad everything else in between). And that’s what makes them timeless and impacting and special. That’s what makes this album special.
Closing thoughts: I think I’ve said everything that needs to be said. Buy this album. No questions asked. In 20, 30 years’ time, Forgiven, Not Forgotten will still be talked about.
4 songs to listen to: Runaway, Love To Love You, Closer, Toss The Feathers
Overall rating: 5/5
Yes/no; why/why not?: If you want to expand your musical horizons: yes. If you want to be educated in Irish culture: yes. If you appreciate music as a whole: yes. Need any other reason?
RIYL: Bellefire, B*witched, Atomic Kitten, The Cranberries, Sugarland, Fleetwood Mac, Coldplay