MTV Unplugged Review

07/13/2005 6:15 AM, AMG


Only two years after delivering his first live set, Bryan Adams returned with his second, MTV Unplugged. Of course, "unplugged" albums were in vogue in the '90s, but it has to be said that Adams arrived a little late in the game, several years after efforts by Eric Clapton and 10,000 Maniacs ruled the charts. Nevertheless, Adams' MTV Unplugged is a strong effort, featuring stripped-down versions of such staples as "Summer of '69," "Cuts Like a Knife," and "Heaven" that prove that he's a resourceful straight-ahead rocker with a knack for a hook. There's also a handful of surprises, like early cuts like "Fits Ya Good" and a few new songs, that keep the record interesting for dedicated fans, but the overall quality of the music makes the record one of his best efforts of the '90s. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide