The Cranberries wrapped up their final album In The End earlier this year. which has introduced them to their first Grammy nomination ever. This final moment in their career has been nominated for best rock album, alongside the likes of Gary Clar Jr.’s This Land and Rival Sons’ Too Bad.
In The End featured posthumous vocals from Dolores O’Riordan, the band’s former lead singer who passed away back in 2018. The coroner’s report revealed that the singer had died from drowning in a bathtub while intoxicated. After much deliberation, and support from O’Riordan’s family, the band decided to work on the final project in her memory, and for the many fans they have made during their thirty year career.
“We wanted to finish this album for our dear friend and band mate Dolores. It’s a tribute to her, the band and our fans for the past thirty years,” the band’s guitarist Noel Hagan explained in a press release. “Being honored with this Grammy nomination has made this whole process even more special.”
O’Riordan’s iconic lilting mezzo-soprano voice helped lead the band since their formation in 1989, and was noted for her emphasized use of keening and her strong Limerick accent. The band released eight studio albums throughout their career, and were noted for their blend of indie pop, post-punk, Irish folk and pop rock.
“Dolores would be so happy with this, she put her heart and soul into her songs and music. For us as her family it’s kind of bittersweet, we’re immensely proud yet saddened that she isn’t here to witness and enjoy this, although I feel that she is in spirit,” Eileen O’Riordan, Dolores’ mother stated regarding this nomination.