The Cranberries performing on stage during the 90s.

“The way she delivered it was more important than the actual subject matter. Her delivery of that chorus is so powerful”: How The Cranberries created the monster hit Zombie | AI News Digest

Published: August 30, 2025, 4:05 a.m. Music Positive

The Cranberries' iconic song 'Zombie' emerged from a powerful collaboration between Dolores O’Riordan and guitarist Noel Hogan. Initially conceived as an acoustic piece, the song transformed into a hard-hitting anthem reflecting the band's growing confidence and evolving sound. O’Riordan's passionate delivery and the song's poignant lyrics about the Troubles in Northern Ireland resonated deeply with audiences, leading to its global success. 'Zombie' topped charts in multiple countries and became a defining track of the '90s alternative rock era. Hogan reflects on the song's lasting impact, especially after O’Riordan's untimely passing in 2018, highlighting its significance in their legacy.

The CranberriesZombieDolores O'Riordan90s MusicAlternative Rock