Description
The Cranberries – To The Faithful Departed – Deluxe – Double Vinyl Record
Deluxe remaster featuring three previously unreleased demos recorded in Paris in 1995
Released on April 30, 1996, To the Faithful Departed marked The Cranberries’ third studio album, following the massive success of Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? (1993) and No Need to Argue (1994). While their earlier work leaned into dreamy alternative rock and folk influences, this album embraced a harder, more aggressive sound, reflecting both personal and political turmoil. Produced by Bruce Fairbairn (who had worked with Bon Jovi and Aerosmith), To the Faithful Departed saw The Cranberries expanding their sonic palette while maintaining Dolores O’Riordan’s signature emotive vocals and deeply introspective lyrics.
The album’s title and themes center around death, loss, war, and societal decay, making it one of the band’s darkest and most politically charged records. It was also their most commercially ambitious album, though reactions were mixed due to its heavier themes and production choices.
Moving away from the ethereal, reverb-heavy sound of their early albums, To the Faithful Departed features grittier guitars, more direct songwriting, and politically conscious lyrics. O’Riordan tackles subjects like war, fame, mortality, and personal loss, making this album feel more urgent and impassioned than their previous work.
To the Faithful Departed debuted at No. 2 in the UK and No. 4 on the Billboard 200, eventually selling over six million copies worldwide. While it was a commercial success, critical reactions were divided. Some praised its bold, politically aware songwriting, while others felt it lacked the subtlety and intimacy of their earlier records.
Despite the mixed reviews, the album’s singles remained radio staples, and “Salvation” and “When You’re Gone” became some of The Cranberries’ most enduring songs. Over time, the album has been reassessed more favorably, recognized for its emotional depth, urgency, and willingness to tackle difficult topics.
To the Faithful Departed stands as one of The Cranberries’ most ambitious and intense albums, showcasing Dolores O’Riordan’s powerful voice, fearless lyrics, and the band’s evolution into harder rock territory. While not as universally adored as No Need to Argue, it remains a crucial chapter in their discography, offering a raw, politically charged side of the band that still resonates today.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Hollywood
Salvation
When You’re Gone
Free To Decide
War Child
Forever Yellow Skies
The Rebels
I Just Shot John Lennon
Electric Blue
I’m Still Remembering
Will You Remember?
Joe
Bosnia
The Picture I View
Go Your Own Way
When You’re Gone (Paris Demo)
I Just Shot John Lennon (Paris Demo)
Free To Decide (Paris Demo)
