The remaining members of The Cranberries decided they would not continue without Dolores O'Riordan's presence, dreamlike lyrics, and distinctive vocals.
At the time of her death, O'Riordan had written and recorded an album with the band, titled "In The End." The finished product was released on April 26, 2019, as The Cranberries' eighth and final album. The Guardian described it as a collection of "moving swan songs."
Many of the album's lyrics sprang from O'Riordan seeking treatment for mental health issues. "Dolores had an awful lot going on and she was on a roll of being able to write," band member Noel Hogan said in a 2018 interview for The Guardian. "Lyrically, the new album is very strong. She always said she found it hard to write songs when she was happy. She always said: put a bit of misery in her life and it was easier."
"We will do this album and then that will be it," Hogan added. "There is no need to continue." In a review of "In The End," Rolling Stone noted that "even though they had no way of knowing that this would be their parting statement, almost everything about it exudes finality."
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, call the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), or visit the National Institute of Mental Health website.
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