The Cranberries’ Everybody Else is Doing it, So Why Can't We? heralded the arrival of a musical force to be reckoned with, thanks to the singular vocals of the late Dolores O’ Riordan, frequently jangly guitars by Noel Hogan, and the inspired rhythm section of Fergal Lawler and Mike Hogan.
Among the finest debut albums by any rock act during the 1990s, it was certified quintuple platinum in America and spawned two hands-down classics in the top 20 alt-rock hits “Dreams” (later to be featured in multiple commercials and films) and “Linger”
This highly recommended 33rd Anniversary Deluxe Edition is available now in various LP/CD/digital configurations (for more info:
www.cranberries.com). A fresh remastering, as well as a 2026 stereo mix done at Abbey Road by original producer, Stephen Street, draw out more of the alluring instrumentation.
Besides the aforementioned singles, highlights include atmospheric opening track “I Still Do,” the tension filled “Waltzing Back,” laid back “Pretty,” and rocking “Wanted.”
Lawler, Street and Noel Hogan provide enlightening background info the songs, making of the album and the Irish band’s history (this writer particularly enjoyed reading how the musicians were in awe of Street, who’d previously helmed Smiths albums and that he concentrated on making the “Linger” sound swing alongside The Duke Quartet’s orchestration).
Elsewhere, the deluxe edition features four previously released B-sides or session outtakes (each nearly as strong as what made the final cut), a remix of “Pretty” from the 1994 “Pret-a-Porter” film soundtrack (here, it is more orchestrated), a punchier, bass-heavy Radical Remix of “How” and a new exotic-sounding remix of “Linger,” with a crackling old 45 single effect, courtesy of Chvrches’ Iain Cook.
The deluxe liner notes also sport nearly two dozen Andy Earl black and white moody band shots (he and cover designer Cally Callomon contribute more recollections, as does O’Riordan’s mother Eileen).