Something Else cover

Something Else

The Cranberries · 2017

54 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting blend of orchestral arrangements and the Cranberries' signature ethereal vocals, reimagining classic hits with fresh intimacy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Linger Start here — The orchestral arrangement enhances the song's bittersweet nostalgia, making it resonate even more deeply than its original version.
  • →
    Zombie — This reimagining maintains its powerful anti-war message while adding emotional weight through lush instrumentation that underscores O'Riordan's iconic vocals.
  • →
    Dreams — The new orchestral backdrop elevates this classic track, allowing its themes of yearning and hope to shine with renewed clarity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The orchestral reinterpretations breathe new life into familiar songs, creating an intimate listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features orchestral arrangements that reinterpret the band's classic songs, adding strings and woodwinds to the original melodies.
  • Each track maintains a slower tempo compared to the original versions, creating a more reflective and intimate atmosphere.
  • The lead vocals are layered with harmonies that enhance the emotional weight of the lyrics, particularly in tracks like 'Linger' and 'Zombie'.
  • The last three tracks feature a gradual decrease in tempo, allowing the album to close on a softer, more contemplative note.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo reflective moments
  • nostalgic themes of longing
  • intimate vocals for quiet evenings
  • consistent flow for focused listening
  • evocative melodies for daydreaming

Maybe skip if you

  • seek instant gratification tracks
  • prefer high-energy party vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — A strong release post-O'Riordan that showcases the band's continued creativity.
Themes
bittersweet nostalgia· posthumous tribute· orchestral reimagining
Career context
Released in 2017, Something Else marked a significant moment for The Cranberries as it was their first album after the tragic passing of lead singer Dolores O'Riordan. This album features new orchestral versions of their earlier hits, showcasing both nostalgia and artistic evolution during a time of reflection for the band.
Stylistic neighbors
Lush· The Sundays· Alvvays

Tracklist

  • 1 Linger Start here 4:56
  • 2 The Glory 5:14
  • 3 Dreams 4:24
  • 4 When You’re Gone 4:10
  • 5 Zombie 4:01
  • 6 Ridiculous Thoughts 3:07
  • 7 Rupture 4:16
  • 8 Ode to My Family 4:43
  • 9 Free to Decide 3:17
  • 10 Just My Imagination 4:02
  • 11 Animal Instinct 3:39
  • 12 You & Me 3:33
  • 13 Why? 5:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata