Vocal Analysis featuring Dolores O'Riordan - ZOMBIE by The Cranberries

[@happymethehappyone8300]

"Keening" is an irish vocal technique generally used at funerals to honor/mourn the deceased.

[@TheChromescorpion]

It's also a Scottish ritual, sadly it's all but forgotten now during funerals, now found (if at all) while Waking the Dead.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

@@TheChromescorpion True,, But in Scotland know as "Coronach".

[@TheChromescorpion]

@@happymethehappyone8300 yep you're right, and in Irish Gaelic it's Caointeoireacht.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

@@TheChromescorpion True as well 👍

[@920WASHBURN]

Actually I invented it. I went to Ireland one summer during the troubles. I was appalled and started singing. But I'm not good and my voice kept cracking, but they thought it was a new American style and just ran with it. And here we are

[@albertphilippi4371]

Zombie is considered a protest song against the Northern Ireland conflict. Dolores O'Riordan RIP ( leadsinger) wrote the lyrics to the song during the band's 1993 tour of England in memory of two children (Jonathan Ball and Tim Parry) who were killed in an IRA bombing in Warrington on March 20, 1993. 🥺

[@DrSkeff]

Well said and thank you for honouring these two lads with the use of their names. RIP.

[@caseyphudson]

Not that England never shot children in their heads. The English killed more than anyone. More than anyone.

[@Jude_196]

Agree with DrSkeff! Thank You, albertphilippi4371! Just heartbreaking. I cannot make it through this song, after all these years, without crying. Such a touching and raw song. Oh: the violence...just so very sad.

[@CatSlinky]

Thank you for this. I knew it then and it's good to be reminded of it now. History are humanity's version of life lessons and we'd do well to remember them.

[@suekuarell4685]

fits the system of a down content, since the whole band history is related to war and loss and a lot of songs reflect this (also certain sounds they use)

[@rome8180]

This is one of the most powerful anti-war songs ever written, in my opinion. The instruments sound like tanks and the vocals sound like pure distress.

[@DonnachaDeLong]

It's not just an anti-war song, it's about people idolising the Provisional IRA. It was common in the Republic for young people in 1994 (when the song came out) to "support" the Provos despite being nowhere near the conflict. I can't remember if it came out before or during the IRA ceasefire in '94. It's now become part of the culture war in Ireland - set against the Wolfe Tones' increased popularity.

[@Arjun005]

This song packs a punch . It hits hard and gives a powerful message . Dolores captured the emotions perfectly here .

[@petrichor649]

I agree, Miss Sarajevo U2 is a contender though

[@owenfitzgerald5928]

​@@DonnachaDeLong I dont know when the song was released but the ceasfire was 6th April and the bombing of warrington that inspired the writing of it was in febuary of 1993

[@tommccafferty5591]

I don't think people give Fergal Lawler enough credit for how dramatic the song is. His drumming sets the tone for the deepness of the song's meaning. IMO.

[@kellismith4329]

Indeed, my favorite drummer of all time

[@pcpc0991]

I Agree !

[@JoeMaMa-mq7xe]

Agree. The angst at the end is heart wrenching.

[@RhonaSime]

Why done t you feel the the horrible

[@net-twin-de]

R.I.P. Dolores O'Riordan - its always sad when such great artists leave us.

[@Arjun005]

I know this song is a 10/10, but knowing how good this song is , I wish it was 20/10 and that more people heard it , while Dolores was still with us . This song is that damn good .

[@TylerLL2112]

One of many things I love about this song is that she sings with an Irish accent. Usually ones accent is largely lost when singing. I adore that aspect.

[@The_Man_In_Red]

One of the greatest songs of all time, hands down. When a song is so powerful it can move and motivate people it truly personifies the potential of music as a whole. RIP Dolores 🙏

[@corbelius6]

We Miss your voice Delores. Rest in Power

[@Arjun005]

The relevance of this song will be forever with us . Wars will always happen , humans will always be fighting . Probably 100 years from now , we will still be talking about this song . Dolores is one of a kind legend.

[@IcarusDrowning-gz8se]

It’s called “keening” and is used mostly at funerals and in songs remembering the dead. It sounds like an emotional break as you’d hear when someone is crying. It’s a mournful singing style, beautiful and tragic.

[@anoriolkoyt]

Her voice is my adolescence. Her passing broke me, I dont know how to express it.

[@artsilva]

I was never a huge Cranberries fan but I do like their music, however, this song and Delores's voice and keening with the content of what this song is about always hits me hard. The power in Delores' vocals and not having her here anymore makes it even more emotional. She was a special and unique talent that is missed.

[@silverblack5475]

Beautiful woman, voice and soul ....RIP Delores

[@deviousraul]

Rest in peace Dolores O' Riordan, forever missed. 🙏✝️

[@matthewhead1465]

This is such an amazing song and it still hits as hard today as it did when it came out. This song has become the victory song for the Ireland Rugby team, made up of players from both the Republic and Northern Ireland. It’s such a beautiful and emotional experience to hear a stadium full of Ireland fans singing this song as it plays over the P.A.

[@tinagilbert8902]

Beautiful reaction.😊 Rest in sweet heavenly peace 12 y/o Timothy Parry and 3y/o Jonathan Ball. Delores made sure your lives mattered. God bless us all. ❤

[@Lspacehopper]

Lovely comment x

[@saltydroog854]

She has one of the most haunting voices ever. I was a wee lad when this came out, so I was likely not paying attention to such details, but Delores is such a complex and tortured woman, as many incredible artists with something to say are. Maybe that's just hindsight being 20/20 as it often is. Their song "Ode to My Family" is one where it stands out to me. She seems to long for being a simpler person that was more content. It's sad that we don't recognize these things until it's too late.

[@heatheral-hammadi3046]

Like Layne Staley.

[@jgameruk]

What I like about this song is its simplicity which adds to the grave atmosphere. The whole song is pretty much made of four chords and seems to be so on purpose so the music is just a background to the lyrics and isn't distracting. A listener can focus on words, not instruments. It is very clear what is of primary importance here. This is a very smartly written piece of music, a little masterpiece.

[@skimpreza]

Your reaction at 9:00 is so pure with enthusiasm, it's why I love watching these vids!

[@Carvetii]

Bad Wolves did an amazing tribute to Dolores on there own version they were suppose to do with her the day she died. it a very very fitting tribute to her.

[@tomjohnston1220]

Another Irish artist, Bambie Thug's version gets closest to the feeling of the original.

[@Jayc_e93]

Love to see a vocal coach willing to talk about more than just vocals! Been loving your videos! RIP Dolores

[@philbart7221]

The vocals you love is a style of Irish /Scottish "keening" associated with death of a loved one. Parts of her vocals are crying without tears. Knowing the history between the British and Irish fighting takes this song to a new level of meaning. It truly is a Master piece! Like so many songs it was water downed by radio overplay and if you sense pain in her voice, it is real. The video, unlike so many others actually paired with the meaning behind the song perfectly. Thank you.

[@eduardogarate5396]

I love your reactions, dear Vocalyst.!! The Cranberries was a powerful band... We, in Chile, live a social and political reality very similar to that of Ireland... and it is terrible. That's why we understand and respect The Cranberries and their staging. Dolores O'Riordan's voice is wonderful (not only on this song but in general...) Greetings from Chile.

[@dougbarton4668]

One of the most recognizable voices in rock in the 1990s, she was known for her lilting mezzo-soprano voice, signature yodel, emphasized use of keening, and strong Limerick accent. - wiki

[@nikkievans8301]

The live version of this is pure gold, the Tiny Desk set is also must watch if you love her voice and the band.

[@Gumbatron01]

My son named this "The sad song" when he was about 3. He had no real comprehension of the meaning of any of the lyrics, but the raw emotion of Dolores would transcend all boundaries. You cannot help but be moved by it.

[@LeeCarlson]

Ms. O'Riordan's "quiet head voice" is incredibly intimate and it draws you in as you are attempting to hear better what she is saying.

[@kennethalbert4653]

Some songs can create chills and tears no matter how many times you hear them. I believe it is the music perfectly representing the mood of the narrative. I'm not sure but this IS one of those songs !

[@rightlydividingwroblee8936]

The guitar lick mimicking an ambulance going by really hits. That sound is haunting

[@NateCole-lx4nv]

Clearly an iconic song., Still today and will always be in that contact song to me. She's the best. And you are the goat. You are truly a inspiration to people who want to learn and adapt to different cultures and societies. Musically speaking, that is. Thanks for all your help. You're a big influence to a lot of people.❤

[@Suho1004]

I've been listening to this song since it first came out, and somehow I've never seen the video until today. Wow. Thanks for the voice analysis, too, and for letting the song play out to the end! So powerful.

[@mnfowler1]

The visuals are so amazing. I saw this video several times before realizing that the first soldier you see appears to be walking backward, and I think he is not, but the editing runs the image backward. It is effective, suggesting a back-flow of time, somehow appropriate to a song inspired by a bombing. Survivors say that time can seem distorted when a bomb goes off.

[@LupusSanguis]

My favourite Cranberries song, with Dreams and Ode being my favourite Dolores songs. By Gods she's missed. R.I.P. beautiful Irish angel Dolores ❤ another great reaction to an iconic production.

[@LupusSanguis]

Sure Bethany. What would you like to discuss?

[@Arjun005]

Dolores flips her voice gives the sense of pleading and crying , very difficult to do , Moreover, she curves the last part of her notes towards the higher end for a brief period and does this perfectly every single time , giving a sense of aura and mystique to the song. Really impressive .

[@rk41gator]

Such a powerful riff to start this amazing song. The simplicity of the opening chord progression reminds me of Phil Collins 'In The Air Tonight'. It has that same entrancing embrace with the repetition giving us the power. Her voice is so plaintive and combined with that Irish twang turns the in-your-face power into an anguished cry. So perfectly done. Combined with the band and the images, her voice creates an anger that is palpable and so tragic.

[@thyssenkrupp733]

I remember when this video first came out.A truly talented artist and amazing voice,thank you for another good video!

[@michel_g]

For all the reasons mentioned below, this was an important song. Today it is also a beautiful tribute. As always, thanks for doing this reaction .

[@lostonwallace1396]

Dolores' voice was a slice of heaven. As gentle as a breeze sometimes, but also it could be as powerful as a tsunami. Could listen to the Cranberries all day.

[@frankquinn6872]

This song was adopted by the supporters of the Munster rugby team (based in Delores’ home city of Limerick) in recent years and by the Irish national rugby team at this year’s World Cup. The KZbin footage of 60,000 Irish fans belting it out after their victory over South Africa is something else.

[@jameswiglesworth5004]

Do you not think given the content of the song, that the lyrics are inappropriate for a sporting event ?

[@frankquinn6872]

Interesting question - and one that seems to be asked a lot in relation to rugby ( "Delilah" is no longer been played at Wales matches due to references to domestic violence, the appropriateness of "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" being sung at Twickenham has been questioned due to it's links to slavery. The French, on the other hand, have no problems with "The Marseillaise" and it's references to "let's water the fields with impure blood".) What is considered appropriate changes all the time - the real question is who get's to decide what is inside the Overton Window and what isn't? @@jameswiglesworth5004

[@Arjun005]

Her expressions complements her frustrations and anger , and it is expressed beautifully in her voice leading to delivering a powerful message that will stay relevant for years to come - as long as there is war and fighting .

[@dawnteskey3259]

RIP Dolores. Message received. 😢

[@ned1621]

I'm from Limerick myself where the Cranberries came from. I remember many years ago there was a summer gig on in the Peoples Park in Limerick at the time. Many bands played that day I remember an unknown band were playing early called the Cranberries or couldv've been the Cranberry saw.... It would have been around 1990 I think, early 90s. It was a beautiful Summers day the park was packed. Nobody took much notice of them, how that changed so much soon after... Great analysis... RIP Dolores....

[@JeremyMiller-sn6nh]

My grandparents immigrated to the US from Ireland and I grew up hearing stories about the conflicts and Everytime I hear this song I remember the stories my grandfather told me. 😢 Rest in Peace Dolores ❤

[@kevingouldrup9265]

There are many centuries of pain and oppression in her voice...she is sick of innocent suffering!!! Sick of people not getting the bigger picture! That is what I get from this great lament!

[@benurban230]

All time classic song. Its been a few years since I have heard it. Thanks for reviewing it, Bethany.

[@beckandkev6906]

One of the greatest songs by one of my all time favorite singers. Well done recognizing all of her vocal talents. Dolores will be missed.

[@kristipasch1805]

Such an amazing and unique voice! Gone way too soon 😢

[@insanitysektor]

Such a phenomenal song. Thanks for making a video covering it, even if it isn't a first time reaction for you.

[@danniellesloane]

This was a really nice and respectful explaination of a cultural technique that I've seen so many struggle to articulate. Really great analysis of vocals, music, and song overall ❤️ Much love from Australia

[@galuhpastrana8455]

Hi, I think you need to listen to Portishead for their live performance at Roseland NYC 1997. In my personal opinion, her vocal was outstanding and always had a goosebumps evrytime I saw their live version. Anyway, most of your reaction videos was great and feels so genuine. Cheers from ID

[@marikal.5792]

Absolutely! One of greatest albums ever!

[@Tarkus_]

I don't know why, but those little yodel flips get to me emotionally every single time. Every. Single. Time. They're like little cries for help, which just add to the emotion of the very powerful and emotional message being delivered. What an insane talent she was.

[@jasonmitchell6773]

Interestingly, it's called Keening. It's a specific technique used to mourn the dead, which fits perfectly to this particular song. So your reaction is spot on.

[@bamachine]

It always sounded to me like a wounded child's cry for help. That fits the theme, IMO.

[@irishcoffeetruecrime]

​@jasonmitchell6773 It's called Sean-Nós and not keening. Look it up. 😉

[@dylang3133]

In all sincerity, your channel is truly amazing.

[@vatoloco1911]

Dolores RIP i love her so much and i was blessed to watch her live. Thank you for this video

[@ericmeredith3446]

Bethany you are beautiful,,I love how you break these songs down and explain what's happening,,,great job,

[@erichoar5596]

She is using a yodeling technique called Sean-nós singing; Irish for "old style". Sinéad O'Connor used this technique as well.

[@doloreserin]

One of the greatest voices ever! I love Dolores's singing style and yodeling technique in Zombie especially. Her technique is unmatched, RIP, Dolores, you are truly missed. Thank you for reacting to this song. You did a great job.

[@SLYKaraoke]

"Who are we mistaken?" Is emphasized in a way that I perceive as a raging scream that's being conveyed through a soft somber voice.

[@dimensionalineage]

Iconic song, iconic singer. Bethany, you characterized Dolores as "distinct" and her extraordinary voice as "breathtaking". I wholly concur, the Irish breathiness in concert with her entirely trademarked abrupt "switches" between her vocal qualities, the breaths, an angelic air in her cadences and pronunciations. I have heard this wonderful song and observed its provocative video so many times over the years, but they still "get me". Such emotion and power in the instrumentation as well. A top song of the 90's for me. Love it.

[@AgenteusaRR]

She was a Queen live as well, I'm a fortunate one that got to hear them live once, insane energy even when back then it wasn't my cup of tea

[@stevebarber8501]

Great reaction. Thanks for the knowledge. You are a joy to watch. So much knowledge to give.

[@ViVaLaRan]

I hope you do more Cranberries! Pls do "Dreams" next

[@sebamurano8337]

Haunting and beautiful voice she had. Kind of reminds me of Sinead O'Connor in songs like Just like U said U whould be, i think is the same irish vocal technique

[@alikose7834]

Hello girl in the gray room. Congratulations, you gave a nice presentation again. I love its nuances. The song of my youth. Zombie took me away.

[@JEM133]

Stop of tone,is also a writer's tool, getting that writen in syllabalistic count,built in on the beat.As a writer it gives new meaning to hanging on every word.Thanks Bethany!

[@keithferris9574]

Just a phenomenal song. Never gets old.

[@Retroalicemichael]

This was one of the first songs I did for a voice lesson. It was so much fun. I love flipping my voice like that. It works the vocal cords and definitely makes your voice stronger.

[@LedDashi]

Wow, you are amazing, with your reactions

[@cloud101787]

One of the songs that will forever make me tear up any time I hear it.

[@renanmartinsalves1698]

Hiiiii, a hug from Brazil! Love your videos! ♥

[@DavidGragg82]

I bought this album when it came out. Pretty sure my freshman year. Still gives goosebumps when I hear this song. Funny how some songs can do that.

[@VoltaDoMar]

What can be said about this, except that it is one of the best songs and best performances ever. Dolores was such an important artist

[@barrymccolman3824]

you should do a review on her singing Promises, Live in Paris 1999...she is so so awesome! RIP Delores O'Riordan

[@kellismith4329]

I have that DVD and havewatched it numerous times sucha great performance. Awesome remake of go your own way

[@paulaboyd9743]

Thank god we've (mostly) moved away from those times in N. Ireland. RIP Dolores I love your channel! Especially your Pantera reaction. Try Domination from the show in Moscow. Immense.

[@WalterRiley-e6e]

She is so good and will always be my favorite Irish female artist

[@RobertCuillo]

I don't know how I found you but I'm glad the algorithm did. You have an ear and a way to explain the feelings associated w listening to music and metal. I appreciate how you make me think about music I love in a deeper level.. Iron Maiden should be on your agenda if u already haven't

[@daysofnoah]

It's THAT memory. This song. The reason you drink.

[@павелфедоров-ж9г]

I was twice at Cranberries' concert when they were in Moscow!

[@Machobunni]

I humbly request, a reaction to LP's "Lost on You" Live performance. It is one to keep in the books. (PS. she wrote songs for Celine Dion, Cher, Rihanna, Christina Agulera and more) You will 100000% enjoy the journey she takes you on.

[@Lspacehopper]

Tears every time when I hear this song and see the video.

[@pcpc0991]

The drums is amazing, the whole song is amazing. RIP Dolores.

[@timothymcneely7869]

To Keen. Very expressive. Very Gael.

[@lianagevorkyan1658]

Why do her emotions always give me goosebumps....

[@spralis]

Thank you for reaction.😊🥰

[@vagabundorkchaosmagick-use2898]

"It's the same old theme/Since nineteen-sixteen." I wish you were alive, Dolores.😢

[@susy_kayo]

Oi, Bethany! Sempre bom te ver e te ouvir, especialmente quando algumas músicas e suas impressões e expressões emocionais se conectam comigo e me fazem refletir! Sou muito grata pelos seus videos!

[@masielo]

She is amaizing I almost cried on this song,

[@davidsleith7222]

keening. as a guitarist i love how many choices i have, considering how few chords there are, like from the g to em rundown , sometimes i throw in a bmin, and the suspended chords is almost a cry for prayer. masterpiece.

[@Cadinho93]

First female rock singer to have 1B views on KZbin. That's the power of this song and to the great artist she was. RIP Dolores O'Riordan Also, if it helps, this song helped end the war. She was a popular pop/folk/traditional singer and when she came out with this Alternative rock song, sounding so bitter, people were shocked and it became an anti-war anthem.

[@AinsleyGovan]

I don’t know were you heard that this song helped end the war, but that may be the biggest load of crap I’ve heard in my entire life … source: I’m Northern Irish

[@PavlozKapeliz]

RIP Dolores O'Riordan 😥

[@Dani-X01]

It's because the meaning of the song itself and the video as well the most important thing I mean yeah first female singer reach out that view is great but the message behind it it's everything to me and back in the day it was too.

[@snakebyte187]

I miss Dolores so much. Thanks for the analysis.

[@GreggArnold_aka_Cedi]

You can feel the pain in this young womans voice.................RIP young lady.

[@iMissingnoI]

I’m gonna say this is one of the most powerful pieces of music ever created. Everything about dolores’ singing and expression makes her one of the best singers PERIOD. But what makes it stand out even more than this (which is already a big deal), is the powerful message it conveys and how relevant it always is , as long as wars happen . This combination makes it hands down one of the best ever made.

[@paulhester2588]

I was wondering what that sound was, that sounded like an echo to me. Then when you called it a yodel, that was the word I was looking for. You don’t miss much, Vocalyst. 😁 I liked this group the first time listening to them. Zombie is classic song; I enjoy Linger as well. She seemed kind, compassionate and a voice, the like of which I’ve never heard before. Thank you Vocalyst!

[@irishcoffeetruecrime]

It's not yodelling it's called Sean-Nós 🙄

[@eljefe414]

Great reaction as always keep up the awesome work 👍

[@PatrickKCompton]

I miss Dolores so much. Such a unique voice and beautiful soul. Burned so many late night study sessions to the Cranberries albums.

[@George-lz6ue]

Thank you for this review of a very haunting and iconic song Bethany 🙏

[@etooMee]

Such a powerful song, after so many years it is still so sobering. Yes, boys like guns and tanks and it's cool and gives you the feeling of power, and in the end the results are agony and rage and so much wasted lives and dreams. We, as humans, have so much potential, we carry such light that the most cruel thing would be to not allow a person to fulfil their potential and create and shine, and instead turn that person into a beast, chasing revenge, and reduce the divine into a mass of meat.

[@tr33hous3]

the haunting quality in her voice combined with her beautiful timbre is almost unbearably good RIP Dolores

[@tr33hous3]

@thevocalyst when I hear Dolores I immediately think of Skunk Anansie as well, Skin is a unique artist too, Political, Twisted or milk is my sugar are gems

[@nickskaruppa5506]

In absolute awe of your channel.. ❤

[@bridgetmccracken1381]

She used Irish keening, which is used at funerals and is a mournful wailing sound and she used to beautifully, RIP Dolores

[@irishcoffeetruecrime]

It's called Sean-Nós technique and not keening

[@user-ev2qo1hj1g]

She was sooooo goooo and sooo unique! Look up her Fleetwood Mac cover. Really good!

[@willwillis6184]

This song never fails to make me cry

[@srellison561]

My favorite Cranberries song is actually Dreams, with Zombies a close 2nd. In fact, I'm not really one for having a single favorite anything, but Dreams is my favorite song. For me, it's the closest thing to a perfect song I've ever heard. Dolores had such an amazing voice. It's sad that she left us at such a young age. RIP Dolores.