Author Description

Since it's doubtful that Bryan Adams is going to appear in your living room, guitar in hand, to serenade you with "I'm Ready," check out MTV Unplugged: Ballads. Featuring eight heart-hurts-to-listen love songs, this compilation features artists for whom being unplugged just underlines their songwriting talent. "Let Her Cry" by Hootie and the Blowfish becomes a plaintive plea for a lost love. Paul Simon's distinctive voice is aided by a jazzy piano-drum combo in "Still Crazy After All These Years." Known for their harmonies, Boyz II Men soar with "Please Don't Go," and Tony Bennett, who has never needed to be plugged in, shows how it's done with "It Had to Be You." Accompanying herself on the accordion, Sheryl Crow sings a heartbreaking version of "Strong Enough" followed by Chris Isaak crooning a smooth "Somebody's Crying" before Eric Clapton ends the show with a slow, smoldering "Old Love." Included on the DVD are profiles and discographies of all the artists, producers' notes, and interviews with five of the bands, and an option for Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. --Dana Van Nest