My Top 5 Favorite Songs by The Cranberries

 

I did not grow up listening to Irish band The Cranberries because by the moment that I’ve heard about them I was old enough to put their album No Need to Argue on loop for a long period of time. I played that album until my cassette player ate the damn thing. I am such a fan of the 4 piece band that when I had the chance to do a phone interview with front woman Dolores O’ Riordan for her solo endeavor Are You Listening? in 2007, I was so excited to hear her voice that it took me a while to say Hello. Imagine how excited I am now that they’re coming back to Manila for their “Greatest Hits Concert” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on April 10. 

This gives me ample time to reminisce on my top 5 favorite songs by The Cranberries which I have to say is not an easy thing to do since 5 isn’t enough but here they are and in no particular order. 

1)      Linger

This is from their debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? This song is their first major hit. I remember playing this on my guitar and I’m not saying that I was any good but back then, I knew it by heart that I can play it even if my eyes are closed.

2)      Dreams

Again, this song is from their debut album. I would deem you a hypocrite if you listened to this song and denied ever perfecting that O’ Riordan keening and yodeling singing style. 

 

3)      Empty

This is one of those lesser known songs by the band but it’s a really good acoustic track from their album No Need to Argue. I love the bongos on this one.

4)      Ode to My Family

One of the most touching songs by the band and the first track from No Need to Argue album. It has one of the most familiar and simplest intros. Listen, you’ll know what I mean.

5)      Zombie

I think it would be such a travesty if I didn’t put this song here. If there is one Cranberries song that is surely abused over and over, it would be this one. When I was younger, this was my morning song, you know, that first song you want to hear when you wake up. No judgments, please, I was a kid and allowed to have all that angst. This is one of those tunes where O’ Riordan demonstrates her powerful voice.