In the End is the eighth and final studio album by the Irish rock band The Cranberries. It was released on 26 April 2019 through BMG, making it the band's only album released posthumously following the death of lead singer Dolores O'Riordan in January 2018. The album features O'Riordan's pre-recorded vocals from demo sessions in late 2017, with the surviving band members (Noel Hogan, Mike Hogan, and Fergal Lawler) completing the instrumentation and production as a tribute to her.
Background and Recording The genesis of In the End began in 2017, when Dolores O'Riordan and guitarist Noel Hogan had written and demoed 11 songs. O'Riordan recorded her vocals for these tracks in December 2017, just weeks before her unexpected death on January 15, 2018. Following O'Riordan's passing, the remaining members of The Cranberries initially hesitated about continuing. However, with the encouragement of O'Riordan's family and the quality of her completed vocal recordings, they decided to finish the album as a final testament to her legacy and the band's career. They enlisted long-time producer Stephen Street, who had worked on many of their previous albums, including Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? and No Need to Argue. The recording process was described by the band as highly emotional, yet also therapeutic, allowing them to channel their grief into a final creative endeavor.
Release and Reception The album was officially announced in January 2019, with the release of the first single, "All Over Now," on March 5, 2019. Subsequent singles included "Wake Me When It's Over" and "In the End."
Upon its release, In the End received generally positive reviews from music critics. Many praised O'Riordan's poignant vocal performances and the album's bittersweet, melancholic atmosphere, which was widely seen as a fitting farewell to both the singer and the band. Critics noted the album's return to The Cranberries' classic sound, characterized by melodic rock arrangements and O'Riordan's distinctive vocal delivery.
Commercially, In the End performed well globally, charting in the Top 10 in several countries, including Ireland (No. 4), the UK (No. 10), Germany (No. 8), and Italy (No. 4). It also reached No. 16 on the US Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and No. 98 on the Billboard 200. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2020.
Track Listing (Selected)
- All Over Now
- Lost
- Wake Me When It's Over
- A Place I Know
- Catch Me If You Can
- Got It
- Illusion
- Crazy Heart
- Summer Song
- The Pressure
- In the End
Personnel
- Dolores O'Riordan: Lead vocals
- Noel Hogan: Guitars
- Mike Hogan: Bass
- Fergal Lawler: Drums
- Stephen Street: Producer
Legacy In the End stands as a powerful and emotional conclusion to The Cranberries' illustrious career. It is widely regarded as a respectful and artistic swansong, providing a sense of closure for the band members, O'Riordan's family, and their global fanbase. The album successfully captures the essence of The Cranberries' signature sound while serving as a poignant tribute to Dolores O'Riordan's enduring vocal talent and songwriting contributions.