RIP Dolores! Her voice is timeless.

"Glad we are doing a newer song.." This bad boy is nearly 30 years old! Such a classic

Dolores sings in an ancient, Irish style of yodeling. You nailed it Lex! Plus she never hid her accent or tried to Americanize it for commercial appeal. Amazing voice!

That Irish voice gets me every time. She was such a beautiful vocalist.

That vocal sound she does where it sounds like it kind of cracks is actually a real skill. In Ireland where Deloris if from it is called Keening. Keening is a traditional form of vocal lament for the dead, in the Irish and Celtic tradition. Ireland had war between Catholic and Protestant along with so much hate and anger. My family came from there. Ireland suffered for a very long time. You really should look up the history because it is tragic, heartbreaking and real. Ireland has such a history with war, sickness, poverty many years ago. But it is also an amazing place. It is beautiful there. My dad before covid went there every year to see relatives. Us Irish are good people! I was born and raised in Montreal but my family came here from Ireland

The vocalizations she's using are used to express grief during Irish funerals. She added those to the song, given the subject matter.

Brad I'm Irish and I literally love your attitude and respect for this song. The conflict was horrific and this song describes it ❤️

Ohhhh,she loved her Ireland. ...and she very much remembers her Ireland in a civil war. Funerals used to be bombed by both sides. I love this person

I remember when this came out and it was one of the bravest things an Irish artist could have done. People really underestimate how important this song was at the time, even those in the business didn't get it. The record label even tried to buy Dolores off with a $1 million cheque to work on something other than this song, and she refused. I tend to judge a song's impact on the musical landscape by whether someone could recognize it from the first few seconds, and in my opinion Zombie is up there with Bowie's Space Oddity and Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody in that regard. I don't think there's a single person out there who loves rock music who wouldn't be able to name this song within seconds of the opening notes.

Man the most brilliant thing you said was “I’m ignorant to it”. Not sure why people take so much offense to that word. I try to use it all the time and then I go educate myself. Absolutely love it, cheers brother!

One of the saddest and most beautiful songs ever written. And what a shame that a person with such an incredible voice died in such an absurd way ... RIP, Dolores

The Cranberries were arguably the best thing to come out of the 90s, in my opinion. Delores was a goddess.

If you're watching the actual video (or if you watch it later) the footage of kids playing in the rubble and the soldiers walking the streets are all real, not set up for the video. Also, that vocalizing she does at the end is the Irish practice of keening, often done at funerals

Delores had a very irish accent to speech and it carries into her singing. RIP Delores.

This song literally brings tears to my eyes. It seems to me an emotionally true and sufficient artistic response to the Troubles. I can't offer the explication this song deserves. It blows me away.

Respect Brad for focusing on the lyrics, and to you both for reacting to the song iso the video.

It's keening that Dolores is adopting here. Her melodies are based off keening, which was a form of singing expressed at funerals in Ireland (probably other regions but I only associate it with my country). So it's almost like a wail or a cry of grief.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Delores says "BOMBS" twice in the chorus to honor the memory of 3y/o Jonathan Ball and 12 y/o Tim Parry who were innocently playing in the streets on March 20, 1993 and were injured when two separate bombs exploded (hidden in trash cans by the IRA).... they both eventually died shortly after in the hospital.... 56 other innocent people were injured as well!! Delores wrote this song to express her disdain over the ongoing (50 year long) "TROUBLES" in Northern Ireland. Initially it was a war over territory between England and Ireland but quickly turned into a religious war as well..... CATHOLICS vs PROTESTANTS..... HORRIFYING and DISGUSTING all-the-way-around!! Anywhoo.... On 1-15-18, the day Delores was set to be in the studio with THE BAD WOLVES to reprise her ICONIC vocals on their version/reiteration of the sentiment in the original "Zombie"..... she was late to the studio and the guys from Bad Wolves called the Hotel to have them check on her.... She was found passed away in her Hotel bathtub (drowning by alcohol intoxication)..... The Bad Wolves released their version (minus Delores vocals) and donated the proceeds to her 3 children!!! PLEASE do the BAD WOLVES cover/TRIBUTE of "Zombie"...... it's phenomenal and it is a BEAUTIFUL tribute to Delores!! :)

Zombie is a reference towards the bombers. They are bombing like zombies without any heart, without seeing the pain they causing, no feelings towards victims, towards children dying because of the bombs they planted. This song is so pure. If you get what its about the pain can be felt. U2 did sunday bloody sunday, And this has become a Irish classic like that.

Another Irish band, U2 with Bono as lead singer are grand. Check out their song: " Sunday, Bloody Sunday" and "With or Without You". It's not yodeling that Dolores is doing, rather, "keening" a form of Celtic singing performed in Ireland, sometimes at funerals. Dolores was brave to have done this song. RIP Dolores Mary O'Riordan.

One of the best songs of all time. She has a very unique voice.

I'm American and she gives me chills when she sings, especially in this song. I can't imagine how this resonates to the Irish. What a legend.

Theres such a huge message in this song for humanity. Delores left us with a real gem 💎 She was inspired to write this song after two children were killed by an IRA bomb left in litter bin in Warrington England. I guess she wanted people to see the terrible legacy we pass on to the next generations and those who suffer are the children who are innocent on both sides.

From Limerick; Dalores O'Riordan, had a rough start in life. Her Dad suffered severe cognitive impairment in a motorcycle accident and she was kidnapped and raped when she was a young girl. She struggled with PTSD from the kidnapping most of her life. She wrote Zombie after a sectarian bombing in London, which recalled other attacks in Belfast including a trash bin bombing that killed two children and wounded several others. Dalores targeted those who were profiting from the violence, labeling them, "Zombies." The song became an Irish anthem for peace, then a world anthem for peace and helped pressure both sides into negotiations. Paramilitary leaders, both credited her with having great influence in the process and criticized her for it as well. Some even threatened her. She died in her London hotel bathtub prior to recording the reboot of Zombie with Bad Wolves. No autopsy was performed, but the likelihood of suicide or homicide was strong. Either way, Ireland's little hero and peace martyr finally had her rest. During the late 80's I was working with a group that had partnered with people exhausted from the violence In Northern Ireland. Our plan was to integrate protestant and catholic children's schools in Belfast suburbs and to push the US government to send a peace delegation to Northern Ireland. Though there was much resistance to integration, neighborhoods that achieved integration saw violence diminish. Clinton eventually sent Mitchell and the IRA had amassed an arsenal that leveled the killing fields. All along the way Dalores O'Riordan's song kept the pressure on. The accords were signed and the bombing stopped. In the song, Dreams you hear more of her keening than in Zombie. This is an ancient style of Irish singing. Dreams was used at the end of the first Mission Impossible movie. It's Dreams that causes me to grieve her passing more than any other song.

Also worth listening to their song Dreams, and Linger. If you liked her voice, you'll be mind blown by what she can do in Dreams.

« I don’t love a lot of things, but I love her voice… it’s one of the few things that I love in life. » ❤️ I can relate !

Brad you NAILD IT.. IT IS A DEEP SONG.. Her Voice will be missed.. She was one of a kind..

I know a bunch of other people have probably said so, but the unique type of singing thing she does with her voice, which is more accented (heavily) on Dreams, is a traditional Celtic sound, with roots that date back thousands of years. Some believed that that vocal sound resonated to the Other World, the spirit world, speaking to our ancestors, loved ones passed, etc.

I was a teenager when this song came out, and still cant hear it without tearing up

Bad wolves did a remake of this a few years ago Dolores from the cranberries was going to be in the song but she died bad wolves gives money they make from this song to her kids! It’s really good song

She was offered a million pounds to not release that song but she tore the check up, thank you Dolores Rest Easy

Wow I've never seen Brad so into a song before. Very dope. This song is phenomenal. I know this song is beyond the borders of the 90s but this song is one of the reasons I love the 90s.

Pre-recording this song Dolores said to the drummer "Please, can you hit the drums real hard?" Amazing, she knew this hard drums would give the song so much more dramatic feeling.

Simply one of the best songs ever written and performed.

This song is about the war in Ireland. But it fits all wars. Delores was a beautiful person. I also loved her voice.

Not yodeling... That's "keening" - a kind of traditional wailing-singing done at wakes/funerals in Ireland... expresses deep sorrow and anguish.

Brad actually love something I'm about to pass out... The lead singer is Dolores o'riordan what a talent she was and may she rest in peace. Do you want to hear even more of her incredible voice listen to their other huge hit Linger. Brad's head might explode

This song invariably gives me chills... every time.

I grew up with this song. My best friend of the time was so into this song he ruled the dance floor everyime this song was played. Your reaction brought back good memories. Love it!

She has a beautiful unique voice ..glad u seen it ..

Her voice still gives me chills when I hear it. RIP Dolores, another beautiful soul taken from us far too soon

One of the most powerrful songs of all time

When this 1st came out I was just becoming a teenager and the song had a very different meaning to me. I was struggling with being an introvert always feeling trapped in my head in the hallways of school or at lunch. Felt like I was the Zombie among the living always being trapped in my head. As I got older I found out what the song stood for, but for me it will always bring me back to coming of age.

I like your honesty, you do not pretend knowing things; That makes you a valuable person

I read that the record label was so afraid of the potential backlash from this song that they offered Delores a million dollars to NOT release it ! She of course told them to get bent, and the rest as they say, is history. RIP Delores your message lives on.

The video really helps to "feel" the emotion of what the song is about. You really need to watch the video, although it makes most people more emotional than just hearing the song alone...it certainly adds to the experience and achieves what was meant to be felt .

That little "roll" or "lilt" at the end of words / between words is part of a Celtic vocal tradition called "keening" typically used for mourning at funerals, goes back thousands of years.

A very powerful song highlighting the civil war that raged on the island of Ireland. the perfect contrast is Ode To My Family on the same album. A very old friend, a Co Kerry gal (Kerry is next to Cranberries Co Limerick) sings their songs exactly the same. When I enquired , she said "all the local gals sang Cranberries songs in the pubs" also "Delores was our singing heroine, as she sang like us"

RIP Dolores. I had a mad crush on her decades ago.

RIP Dolores, you will forever be remembered with love.

She left this world way too soon but her music lives on forever

Ireland 🇮🇪 ! My generation, the 90 s ! Iconic

I'm with Brad, her voice was incredibly haunting!

One of the best songs ever!! Delores had an amazing voice. Cranberries were my favourite as a teen. This is actually a sad song.

Watching ypu two experience these songs for the 1st time makes me experience them for the 1st time all over again. This song breaks my heart, thanks for covering it, love your chanel

RIP Dolores. Amazing!

As a child of the troubles in N.Ireland, this song always gets to me with extra meaning ... as a father with kids now never want my kids to see and hear what I did ....

Her voice is so amazing. You really can't go wrong with any of their music.

One of the greatest songs ever about the 'Troubles' . RIP Dolores.

Brad & Lex's reaction to this song is priceless!! I never saw such a green shade on Lex before!!!

Definitely the soundtrack to a lot of us in the 90’s Love this band and Dolores’ voice to this day. Such a impactful song and the video really drives it home. RIP Dolores., she’s impossible to replace. Great job guys.

This song taught me way back in the 90's that music didn't have to be metal to be heavy

They should always pull up the lyrics videos. Delores not only had a great voice but she knew how to use it.

Wish you guys watched the original music video... it is powerful!

Yeah she was that good and will be missed , the look on her face when she hears Dolores's voice for the first time ... Priceless lol ... glad you both enjoyed it :) .

I remember waking up for school to this song often in my youth. Love the Cranberries!

I met Dolores in 1992, a sweet endearing beautiful person. I was absolutely heartbroken over her passing, very sad upbringing during life she lived tragic for her to take Her own life.

I'm not Irish but this is the first song that ever brought me to tears.

There will never be another Dolores O'Riordan....she was amazing, RIP! The yodelling is pretty normal for Irish singers but she did it flawlessly! thx for sharing Brad & Lex :)

Her voice is amazing, and seeing her do it live every bit as good is just mind blowing, the style shes doing in this is Keening, its a Gaelic traditional about lamenting the dead

It's the cry in her voice. I LOVE IT.

You two really make the songs you review interesting. Thanks!

the style is called keening, and it is irish traditional way of singing when mourning the loss of a loved one

This song actually means a lot culturally. It refers to the Troubles in Ireland.

The vocal technique is called keening (from the gaelic word coinneadh or crying) .. it was traditional for women to ‘keen’ or cry at funerals .. apt for the story of the song.

My granddad was sent to Ireland to squash the 1916 Easter Rebellion, his battalion was pulled out of the trenches in France. He met my grandma there which is a fascinating tale. They used to meet under McClearys clock on O'Connell Street in Dublin. My wife and I had our pic under the same clock 102 years later.

One of the things that always tripped me out about Dolores O’Riordan was that she has this really powerful booming voice when she does her choruses but she was this teeny tiny little lady. What an incredible talent she was. So sad that she passed away.

Dolores is a legend. RIP Dolores. This song's lyrics are too powerful. One of the most popular and powerful song from the early 90's.

Good reaction, her voice really is unique, and yes I agree she got that little yodel Thang lol

That comment about FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH was awesome!!!

Legit been listening to them since I was a bitty thing. My first concert ever was the cranberries in 97/98 at blossom. I hold strong to the fact that I was the youngest person there who knew every lyric to every song standing ony seat singing my heart out with Delores. I cried the day she died. I sing this song first in all karaoke opportunities.

She makes use of Keening, which is what the Irish have used to show anguish and grief at funerals. Also, she is really good at yodeling too! You should do some Collective Soul reactions. December, Shine, Where the River Flows, Gel etc. All awesome songs and a band that a lot of people have seemed to have forgotten about.

Love your channel, folks! Thanks for reviewing such a diverse selection of music. Cheers!

The song that describes the total insanity of war. The zombie like feeling of living life in a war torn area of the world where nothing is making sense, and we lose the "why" of it all.

This is such a powerful song. One of my favorites

I wore this album out in school 😂 Linger is another must hear!!

Zombie referred to the "mindless" killings with bombs and guns etc. "mothers broken heart is taken over" refers to the hearts of those left behind after people where being killed. This song was a protest against the ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland and in reaction to the killing of children in a bombing.

the emotion in her voice starting at 1:48 is unreal!! touches your soul!

Her voice break, to me, is her way of continuing singing despite her basically breaking down. It's part singing part absolutely breaking down. She muscles through it. Courage! Have you ever heard a song more riddled with lament?

This song won a poll during a livestream. Up until about 5 min. before the reaction they were calling it The Cranberries by Zombie( I think that's how it appeared on the poll). I think this is why everyone loves them so much because of the authenticity and genuineness they have. Keep it real guys.

OK. I’m in! You’re terrific listeners and your insight is impressive! (And you look and sound great together, too😍)

more than 10 years since i was listening this song on a daily basis, still instant chills.. such a legend

"LINGER"...is another great song by the cranberries in which her voice carries the song

I would interpret Zombies to mean, unthinking unfeeling maniacal killers, that do what they do, without reason or purpose.

RIP Dolores 😭 her voice is timeless and carries so much power when she sung she’ll be forever missed

every time I hear this song I tear up just can't help it powerful voice she had

You two should have watched the official video to this , it has studio audio but with images that aid in the storytelling. Even if just in your own time, please check it out, it is very well done & hauntingly beautiful & sad at the same time. 👍✌❤

I don‘t know why but this song makes me cry. All the pain in the song is transfered somehow. But I love this masterpiece. It touches me deeply.

1993 the Ira put bombs in bins in a town called Warrington not far from here, it killed 2 children and was a really shocking time . "Zombie" speaks about "the Irish fight for independence that seems to last forever." The lyrics even say, "It's the same old theme since 1916." The video has clips of real soldiers at war and helps for you to understand why they’re referred to as zombies

Brad is easily one of the most intelligent people to react to a song. I like that he points out the fact that he's ignorant to the conflict. Which is fine. Another great reaction! I'm Irish by the way. I'd love to see you react to "miss you when you're gone" by The Cranberries.