The Corrs – Forgiven, Not Forgotten

The Corrs – Forgiven, Not Forgotten

The Corrs’ debut album, Forgiven, Not Forgotten, introduced the Irish family band’s distinctive blend of melodic pop rock, polished production and traditional Celtic instrumentation. Originally released in 1995, the album established the sound that would help make The Corrs one of the most recognisable Irish pop acts of the late 1990s, balancing contemporary songwriting with musical traditions rooted in their Irish heritage.

Formed in Dundalk, County Louth, The Corrs consists of siblings Andrea, Sharon, Caroline and Jim Corr. Andrea’s expressive lead vocals sit alongside Sharon’s violin, Caroline’s percussion and bodhrán, and Jim’s guitar and keyboards, creating a musical identity that draws on both Irish folk and accessible mainstream pop. Their arrangements bring traditional instrumental passages into a modern band setting, giving the album a character that distinguishes it from conventional mid-1990s pop rock.

Produced primarily by David Foster, with additional production by Jim Corr, Forgiven, Not Forgotten combines melodic songwriting, layered arrangements and an emphasis on memorable choruses. The result moves between romantic pop, reflective ballads and livelier passages informed by Irish traditional music. Rather than treating its folk influences as decoration, the album incorporates them into its structure and overall musical identity.

The title track, “Forgiven Not Forgotten,” captures the group’s blend of pop-rock momentum and Celtic colour, while “Runaway” became one of the band’s signature songs, showcasing their gift for heartfelt melodies and direct, emotionally engaging songwriting. “Heaven Knows” and “The Right Time” add further melodic highlights, while “Someday,” “Secret Life” and “Closer” demonstrate the album’s range of moods and arrangements.

Instrumental pieces are an important part of the record’s character. “Erin Shore,” “Along With The Girls,” “The Minstrel Boy,” “Toss The Feathers” and “Carraroe Jig” bring traditional Irish musical elements to the forefront, providing contrast with the vocal-led songs and connecting the album more directly to the folk traditions that shaped the group. The opening traditional introduction and closing instrumental version of “Erin Shore” also give the record a distinctive sense of musical framing.

For fans of Celtic pop, Irish folk rock and sophisticated 1990s pop, Forgiven, Not Forgotten offers an engaging meeting point between traditional instrumentation and contemporary production. It is an essential starting point for exploring The Corrs’ catalogue and a compelling release for collectors interested in the development of Irish popular music during the decade.

Tracklist

1. Erin Shore (Instrumental) (Traditional Intro) – 0:27
2. Forgiven Not Forgotten – 4:15
3. Heaven Knows – 4:18
4. Along With The Girls (Instrumental) – 0:39
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