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Everybody Else Is Doing It So Why Can't We

Artist: Cranberries
Genre: Alternative
Year: 1993
Rating: 8 / 10

When "Dreams" and "Linger" hit the airwaves in 1993, the Cranberries announced their presence to the world at large. This Irish quartet blended Gaelic folk music, rock & roll, and the soft, entrancing voice of their lead singer to create a sound never heard before. With Everybody Else Is Doing It So Why Can't We, the Cranberries became the biggest group to come out of Ireland since U2. And as the Cranberries continue to churn out chart-topping albums and singles, it is important to take a look back at the collection of songs that started it all.

Everybody Else is by far the softest and most complete of the albums released by the Cranberries. The members of the band - lead singer Dolores O'Riordan, guitarist Noel Hogan, bass player Mike Hogan, and drummer Feargal Lawlor - excel at what they do, but it is Dolores who defines the true feel of the Cranberries. She delivers "guttural whoops and throttled cries" (Amazon) while also maintaining a melodic base throughout the album. The band's energy and pace thrive off of her, as she brings an emotive style that pervades their entire music. Having seen this band perform live, I can say that her passion and exuberance drive each and every song.

The band's debut album is one which contains nary a dull moment. While the group's best individual song efforts would follow on later albums, none have been as complete as this. "Dreams" attained the greatest level of popularity from this album, so much so that it is still a staple of all concert encores. However, it is far from the defining track of this album. "Pretty" and "Sunday" ring true as the main highlights of this album. "Sunday" - where Dolores speaks, "You mystify me, you mystify me" - illustrates the subtle blending of styles that has become a trademark of Cranberries songs. Dolores' opening salvo leads to a strumming Noel Hogan guitar, which in turn leads back to a more vibrant, vocally electric Dolores.

What makes this album so remarkable, as has been stated above, is the completeness of the album as a whole. From the opening "I Still Do" to the soothing "Put Me Down," Everybody Else should be experienced in its entirety as the wonderful piece of music that it is. "Wanted" gives fans an early look into the direction the band will eventually take with No Need to Argue, their second album. "Linger," meanwhile, shows the softer side of the Cranberries, a calling card that will return in force on later efforts. Excellent for relaxing on one's couch or motoring down the highway, Everybody Else is a perfect introduction to a band that has already left a lasting mark on the music landscape. Enjoy it as it was meant to be heard…

See Also: Concert Review

Submitted 7/29/99.