CRANBERRIES, THE - In The End LP

Label: BMG The 2018 death of Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan triggered an international outpouring of grief as fans around the world mourned the loss of the singular voice behind inescapable ’90s hits including “Dreams”, “Linger”, and “Zombie”. The loss of O’Riordan also set off a new round of critical reappraisals as a new generation of listeners rediscovered the subtle artistic depth underpinning commercial smashes like Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? (which we praised for its “romantic confessionalism” and “atmospheric dream-pop brooding”). Into that conversation now comes In the End, The Cranberries’ eighth and final studio album. Completed using demos recorded by O’Riordan before her death and released in the band’s 30th anniversary year, the record functions as both a memorial for the singer and a capstone on the work that made her band beloved. Although the end of The Cranberries’ time together came through circumstances beyond their control, the band’s remaining members still managed to deliver a lovely final statement, one that honors their shared legacy as unlikely alternative rock giants while simultaneously exploring the post-fame disquiet that O’Riordan grappled with until the end. Though not perfect, In the End is a reminder of the smoldering vulnerability that earned The Cranberries their initial fame and a testament to why they’ll be remembered long after they’re gone.