The Cranberries’ ‘To the Faithful Departed’ Anniversary Edition: Review
by Jeff Burger
The Cranberries’ third album, To the Faithful Departed, garnered decidedly mixed reviews when it first appeared in 1996. Some critics loved it, but others panned the musical and lyrical changes it introduced, with Rolling Stone, for example, giving it one-and-a-half stars out of five. Fans of the Ireland-based group had the last word, though, making the album a six-million seller and the band’s highest-charting record.
Certainly, there’s a lot to like on the CD, and even more to appreciate on a new 25th anniversary edition. The original record, which has been remastered for this release, includes a few missteps, such as the plodding hard-rocker “Salvation,” but also some extremely tuneful material. The Cranberries’ late lead singer, Dolores O’Riordan, is in fine form throughout the set and often sounds redolent of fellow Irish artist Sinead O’Connor.
There are some melancholy songs here, including the mandolin-spiced “Joe,” which is about Riordan’s late grandfather, and “Cordell,” a tribute to record producer Denny Cordell, who died of lymphoma the year before this album’s release. Ultimately, though, the record is as uplifting as it is moving.
The original 13-track U.S. CD has been significantly expanded for this October 2023 three-disc package, whose liner notes include commentary from the group’s surviving members. Among the 30 bonus tracks are demo versions and early and alternate mixes of many of the album’s tracks, including the sublime, early-rock-influenced “When You’re Gone,” which may remind you of Julee Cruise, and a fine cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way.”
There are also 13 live recordings drawn from 1996 concerts in Toronto, Michigan and the U.K. In addition to several numbers from To the Faithful Departed, those concert tracks include versions of “Dreams,” “Linger,” “Sunday” and “Waltzing Back,” which first appeared on the group’s debut LP, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?; and “Zombie,” “Dreaming My Dreams,” “The Icicle Melts” and “I Can’t Be with You,” from its sophomore collection, No Need to Argue.
Related: We lost Dolores O’Riordan in 2018
A top editor at leading consumer and trade magazines for more than 40 years, Jeff has interviewed dozens of musical luminaries, including Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt, Roger McGuinn, John Sebastian, Wolfman Jack, Tommy James, Tom Waits, the Righteous Brothers, and the members of Steely Dan.
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