Dolores is most well known as the fabulous lead singer/songwriter of the internationally famous Cranberries. In 2009, they reunited after an hiatus that started in 2003. They had performed and recorded together for 13 years selling forty million albums!
But back in 2007, Ms. O’Riordan took a turn away from her band days and released her first solo effort titled: “Are You Listening?” Originally from Limerick, Ireland, she is married to Duran Duran’s former tour manager and is listed as one of the top ten wealthiest women in Ireland.
The CD starts with a light whimsical song called “Ordinary Day.” As dull as this may sound it’s actually quite a pleasant little song. The video for the song on youtube leaves something to be desired. Cut #5 titled: “Loser” is an interesting tune where Dolores rips into some unknown character with lyrics that really get her girl power on! With crunchy guitars and sharp lyrics and singing she says: “Die loser die!” (I wouldn’t want to be on her bad side). The spirit of this song reminds me a little bit of The Cranberries “Zombie” but maybe not quite as commercial. Cut #7: Is a nice little love song titled: “Apple Of My Eye.” This song is probably about one or more of her children? On cut #10: “Accept Things”, she lectures: “You should open your eyes/Make it easy to accept things.” Dolores has a very breathy approach to her singing on this album without losing any of her very appealing accent. On “Angel Fire”, she sais: “Teach me things I need to know/ Take me higher Angel Fire.” There are a total of 12 songs on the CD/Album and if your a fan of The cranberries this may be for you? I think it’s an admirable effort.
Dolores has probably changed her hair style and color more than any other recording artist I can think of…(but it seems to work for her). On the cover of this CD “Are You Listening”, she takes a more conservative approach with clothing and hair taking a back seat to the music…refreshing. Speaking of refreshing, cut #2 “When We Were Young” is a very cool song in which Dolores harkens back to Cranberrie days when she was young. We must all remember that she was only 18 years old when the band started on MTV back in the early 90’s.
Dolores has lived in a few different countries including: Canada, Ireland and probably in the USA at some point. Her solo career only stretched for two albums. The second was released in 2009 and is titled: “No Baggage.” After that The Cranberries reunited for another world tour. And onward they march back together again. Too bad they don’t have MTV anymore for some support like the good ol’ days.
I admire Ms. O’Riordan and her songwriting ability not to mention a very hooky voice. Rock on Dolores…you’re FAB!
