Time Is Ticking Out cover

Time Is Ticking Out

The Cranberries · 2002

14 min · 3 tracks · alternative rock

A contemplative blend of alternative rock and dream pop, laced with haunting melodies and reflective lyrics.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Time Is Ticking Out (album version) — This track encapsulates the album's central theme of urgency and reflection, combining poignant lyrics with the band's signature melodic style.
  • →
    Time Is Ticking Out (Marius De Vries remix) — The remix offers a fresh take on the original, enhancing its electronic elements while maintaining the essence of the song's message about time and awareness.
  • →
    Shattered (live) — The live rendition of 'Shattered' showcases the band's dynamic performance energy, highlighting their capability to connect deeply with an audience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single blends alternative rock with electronic influences but lacks strong cohesion due to its varied formats.

What we noticed

  • The title track features a steady mid-tempo rhythm with layered guitar textures that create a lush soundscape.
  • The remix introduces electronic elements, altering the original's dynamics and pacing significantly.
  • The live track 'Shattered' showcases a rawer, more energetic performance compared to the polished studio versions.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Showcased the band's continued relevance and addressed significant themes.
Themes
time awareness· post-1990s reflection· urgent contemplation
Career context
Released in 2002, 'Time Is Ticking Out' marked The Cranberries' return after a brief hiatus following their 1999 album 'Bury the Hatchet'. At this point in their career, they were navigating a shift towards more mature themes while still holding onto their signature sound that gained them worldwide acclaim in the 1990s.
Stylistic neighbors
Lush· The Sundays· Alvvays

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Time Is Ticking Out (album version) 3:00
  • 2 Time Is Ticking Out (Marius De Vries remix) 5:14
  • 3 Shattered (live) 6:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata