Forgiven, Not Forgotten cover

Forgiven, Not Forgotten

The Corrs · 1995

48 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

A rich blend of folk melodies and pop sensibilities, driven by lush harmonies and traditional Irish instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Runaway — This track became one of The Corrs' signature songs, featuring haunting vocals and an infectious melody that captures the essence of their sound. Its emotional depth laid a foundation for the band's subsequent hits.
  • →
    Forgiven, Not Forgotten Start here — The title track showcases the band's harmonious vocals and intricate instrumentation, highlighting their ability to merge pop with traditional elements seamlessly. It also serves as a thematic anchor for the album's exploration of love and loss.
  • →
    Heaven Knows — With its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, this track exemplifies The Corrs' knack for blending folk influences with pop appeal, making it a standout single that resonated widely with audiences.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a blend of folk and pop with strong melodies and harmonies but has some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a traditional instrumental track that sets a folk tone, followed by vocal tracks that alternate between upbeat and reflective.
  • Several tracks feature traditional Irish instrumentation, such as fiddles and tin whistles, which are woven into the pop arrangements.
  • The lead vocals often harmonize in layers, creating a rich texture, particularly in songs like 'Runaway' and 'Forgiven, Not Forgotten'.
  • The last three tracks include instrumental pieces that provide a contrast to the vocal-heavy sections, allowing for moments of reflection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with resolution
  • rich harmonies that invite reflection
  • instrumental interludes enhance emotional depth
  • for evening relaxation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced, high-energy tracks
  • dislike instrumental breaks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This debut album established The Corrs' reputation and led to mainstream success.
Themes
Celtic folk influences· Irish music scene· love and loss
Career context
Forgiven, Not Forgotten is The Corrs' debut album, released in 1995 when the band was still emerging from their local Irish music scene. This record set the stage for their rise to international fame, showcasing their unique blend of contemporary pop-rock infused with traditional Celtic influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Enya· Clannad· The Cranberries

Tracklist

  • 1 Erin Shore (traditional intro) (instrumental) 0:27
  • 2 Forgiven, Not Forgotten Start here 4:15
  • 3 Heaven Knows 4:18
  • 4 Along With the Girls (instrumental) 0:49
  • 5 Someday 3:51
  • 6 Runaway 4:24
  • 7 The Right Time 4:07
  • 8 The Minstrel Boy (instrumental) 2:12
  • 9 Toss the Feathers (instrumental) 2:50
  • 10 Love to Love You 4:08
  • 11 Secret Life 4:31
  • 12 Carraroe Jig (instrumental) 0:52
  • 13 Closer 4:05
  • 14 Leave Me Alone 3:40
  • 15 Erin Shore (instrumental) 4:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata