Album Review: The Cranberries — To the Faithful Departed (1996)
Released on April 30, 1996, To the Faithful Departed is the third studio album by Irish alternative rock band The Cranberries. Following the massive global success of No Need to Argue (1994), this record arrived with high expectations and a heavier creative impetus, reflecting a band exploring bigger themes and sharper sounds. It also stands as one of the most ambitious and controversial turns in their catalog.
Produced by Bruce Fairbairn alongside the band — Fairbairn was known for his work with Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Kiss — the album marked a shift from the more atmospheric alt‑rock of earlier releases to a punchier, more eclectic palette featuring influences from punk, pop rock, and orchestral arrangements.
Album Tracklist & Musical Highlights
The core international tracklist includes 15 songs:
-
Hollywood – A gritty, powerful opener with a heavy rock feel.
-
Salvation – A raw, punk‑tempered anthem about resisting addiction, it topped the US Modern Rock Tracks chart.
-
When You’re Gone – A heartfelt, melodic ballad that became a widely recognized single.
-
Free to Decide – A strong mainstream rocker about freedom and choice.
-
War Child – A somber song touching on themes of conflict and innocence.
-
Forever Yellow Skies – A textured mid‑tempo track showing the band’s softer side.
-
The Rebels – Distinctive rock with layered guitars and vocal melodic lines.
-
Intermission – A brief instrumental interlude.
-
I Just Shot John Lennon – A provocative track featuring samples of gunshots (hence controversy).
-
Electric Blue – A melodic, slightly pop‑pier rhythm with bright hooks.
-
I’m Still Remembering – A reflective ballad with rich textures.
-
Will You Remember? – Short, poignant, and emotional.
-
Joe – A more stirring rock piece co‑written by Noel Hogan and Dolores O’Riordan.
-
Cordell – Dedicated to producer Denny Cordell, a significant supporter of the band.
-
Bosnia – A sprawling, dramatic closer tackling international strife.
Different editions (e.g., The Complete Sessions reissue) include bonus tracks like “The Picture I View,” a live “Ave Maria” (with Luciano Pavarotti and Dolores), “Go Your Own Way,” and “God Be with You.”
Musicians & Album Credits
Band Members:
-
Dolores O’Riordan – Lead vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, keyboards, whistle, mandolin
-
Noel Hogan – Electric & acoustic guitars, mandolin
-
Mike Hogan – Bass guitar
-
Fergal Lawler – Drums & percussion
Production & Additional Personnel:
-
Bruce Fairbairn – Producer, trumpet on “Salvation”
-
Mike Plotnikoff – Engineer & mixer
-
Michael Kamen – Orchestration and string arrangements on several tracks
-
Henry Daag – Musical saw on “Bosnia”
-
Richie Buckley & Michael Buckley – Saxophones on “Salvation”
-
Randy Raine‑Reusch – Additional percussion
Photography was by Andy Earl, with art direction by Cally.
Themes & Sound
To the Faithful Departed reflects heavier subject matter than previous albums. Dolores wrote lyrics exploring war, loss, drug culture, personal reflection, and spirituality, often imbuing songs with raw honesty. Tracks like Bosnia and I Just Shot John Lennon drew attention — and sometimes criticism — for their stark references to real world violence and global conflict.
Musically, the album blends harder rock textures and punchy rhythms with orchestral embellishments, giving it a wider emotional and sonic scope than No Need to Argue.
Commercial Performance & Legacy
To the Faithful Departed debuted strongly, peaking at #4 on the US Billboard 200 and #2 in the UK.
Sales figures show the album has sold over 4 million copies in 33 countries, with strong performances in the US, Canada, France, Australia, and across Europe.
It was also reported to have sold over 6–7 million copies worldwide, and in places like the US and Taiwan achieved multi‑platinum status.
Compared to their earlier blockbuster No Need to Argue, the album performed well but was seen as somewhat of a commercial and critical step down, largely because expectations were sky high after their massive 1994 success.
Singles from the album included:
-
Salvation – #1 on the Billboard Modern Rock chart.
-
Free to Decide – Charted well, especially in Canada and the US.
-
When You’re Gone – A strong international chart performer.
-
Hollywood – Released as a single in some regions.
Fun Facts & “Did You Know?”
🎧 Did you know? The album was dedicated to Denny Cordell, the producer who first signed the band to Island Records, and to Dolores O’Riordan’s grandfather, Joe O’Riordan, both of whom died around the time of recording.
🎙️ Fun Fact: Unlike their earlier records, this one leaned into political commentary (e.g., Bosnia) and confrontation (I Just Shot John Lennon claims real gunshot sounds), making it one of their most controversial releases at the time.
📀 Trivia: Despite strong singles, this album’s tone and style initially divided critics (it scored middling reviews in some retrospectives) — yet many fans now regard it as a bold, raw snapshot of the mid‑90s sound and the band’s artistic ambition.
🎸 Recording Note: Sessions took place at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin in late 1995, featuring orchestral arrangements and guest instrumentalists that expanded the band’s sonic palette.
Conclusion
To the Faithful Departed is a dynamic and ambitious chapter in The Cranberries’ catalog. While not eclipsing the unprecedented success of its predecessors, it captures a band willing to stretch stylistic boundaries — lyrically and musically — and to tackle heavier themes with visceral honesty. With standout singles like Salvation, evocative ballads like When You’re Gone, and orchestral depth across its tracks, the album remains a compelling listen for fans of ’90s alternative rock.
