The Cranberries

Ireland, 1989–2019

Irish rock band formed in Limerick in 1989, defined by Dolores O'Riordan's keening, lilting voice and Celtic-tinged jangle. Their debut Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We? and the follow-up No Need to Argue — with 'Linger', 'Dreams' and the anthemic 'Zombie' — made them one of the biggest alternative acts of the 1990s.

MusicRoots documents 4 artists who influenced The Cranberries and 0 artists The Cranberries influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced The Cranberries?

• The Smiths — The Smiths were a primary influence on Dolores O'Riordan — she named their debut album among her three favourites and later formed the band D.A.R.K. with former Smiths bassist Andy Rourke.
• The Cure — The Cure were among the post-punk acts O'Riordan named as her primary teenage influences.
• R.E.M. — R.E.M.'s jangly, melodic alternative rock was among O'Riordan's stated primary influences and echoes in the Cranberries' guitar sound.
• Depeche Mode — Depeche Mode were a stated favourite — O'Riordan named Violator among her three favourite albums.