Many of you reading (or listening to) this immediately equate The Cranberries to lead singer Dolores O’Riordan’s distinctive accent as she belts out lyrics from the track Zombie, (Zaaa-haaa-aaam-bi!)

And that is precisely why I chose to review this album. I’ve picked up on the many decades of poking or ribbing by friends when it comes to Dolores’ voice. What many don’t realize, The Cranberries second studio album, No Need to Argue, is a masterpiece. Not only did it sell 17 million copies and reach #6 on the US Billboard Top 200 in 1994 and 1995, but it has also stood the test of time.

I’m not certain whether awards or accolades can really define an album as being great. But I think for many who did and many who did not grow up during the 1980s and 90s, it’s an album that was overlooked.

The band originally started in 1989. Prior to O’Riordan joining, lead singer Niall Quinn joined brothers Mike and Noel Hogan to form, The Cranberry Saw Us (or “The Cranberry Sauce” if you say it fast) along with drummer Fergal Lawler. It was during their early days, before obtaining a record contract, they submitted a demo tape to several record companies. When one of the tapes was returned addressed to “The Cranberries” the band reconsidered the name and decided to change it.

The Cranberries entered The Manor Studio, a recording studio tucked away in the countryside of Oxfordshire, England to record their sophomore record, No Need to Argue. Released on October 3rd, 1994, the album bolstered the band’s importance in Irish Music, particularly the traditional Irish Music mixed with modern day, mid 90s alternative.