The Cranberries – In the End Review

By: Elberton Cisnero

The Cranberries were an Irish rock band formed in Limerick, Ireland in 1989 by lead singer Niall Quinn, guitarist Noel Hogan, bassist Mike Hogan, and drummer Fergal Lawler. Singer Dolores O’Riordan replaced Quinn in 1990.  Seven successful albums and a refreshed and reunited Cranberries came to a crashing end on January 15, 2018, lead singer Dolores O’Riordan was found dead of drowning in a London hotel room. She had recently arrived in London for a recording session. The Cranberries confirmed in September 2018 that they would not be continuing as a band, releasing their final album In the End in April 2019 and disbanding afterward. Noel Hogan stated: “The Cranberries was the four of us. We don’t want to do this without Dolores. So, we’re going to leave it after this.”

“All Over Now” opens the eleven-song album. With an up-beat pop/rock feel, O’Riordan’s voice enters with her strong feel and laid-back approach, singing style. The chorus is catchy, with large production vocal harmonies and a melody that is memorable. The Cranberries certainly have a sound, and “All Over Now” is a fine example of their energy and group sound. With hip guitar parts, full bass sounds and driving drums all framed with swirling keyboard sounds, The Cranberries can deliver a song with impact. O’Riordan had a special gift of capturing that energy and putting an exclamation point on their songs that was identifiable and magical.

“Wake Me When It’s Over” is set to a hip bass line. O’Riordan’s vocals are beautiful on this one. Her range and emotion are in great form. The guitar parts layer in and build the song. The chorus is big, rambunctious and delivered with that Cranberries signature sound. The acoustic guitar in the verses is a wonderful orchestration choice, allowing the chorus to hit hard and grow. The bridge is interesting rhythmically and O’Riordan again delivers the goods with style. A well-constructed song, nothing fancy, just great music delivered with heart and passion. The right stuff!

The rock world lost a shining star when O’Riordan left this life.  In The End is a lasting acknowledgement of the groups undeniable Irish influenced sound and the timelessness of their music.  O’Riordan is limitless in the way she conveys a lyric, it penetrates your soul, and whispers to your heart.  Her band-mates with the permission of her family members released a loving tribute to their longtime friend.

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Elberton Cisnero

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