Bad Wolves and The Cranberries

Today's song is very interesting one. It isn't often that I talk about heavy metal groups or heavy rock groups in general. While it is common to hear rock bands cover each other, it isn't necessarily common to hear covers done the way that Bad Wolves has covered this iconic song. Bad Wolves created a cover of The Cranberries' most iconic and classic song. And the way they did it is not only an incredible performance but a moving tribute to Dolores O'Riordan who sadly passed away this year.

I hadn't heard of Bad Wolves until I heard this cover get released. And I have to admit, I was so humbled and moved by this version of the song. There are quite a few things that are going on in this song, which makes me love it even more. One of the things which makes this song so powerful is that the vocals are incredibly ferocious while displaying and a graceful and emotive sound. Tommy Vext delivers a growling performance about a topic that is sensitive and political and very important. But at the same time, there is a controlled elegance and gentleness in the way he sings. There are quieter and softer moments in the song which then grow as the story moves along and as the lyrics depict different scenes and ideas. And at the end of the day, so much pain and love and heartbreak and hope are thrown into the mix. Bad Wolves expertly and evokes those emotions and thoughts within all of us listeners.

Another noteworthy thought about the song is that the classic lyrics have been changed up to reflect modern times. I found this to be a hauntingly beautiful and necessary component. The original intent of the song was to reflect the struggles and obstacles and dangers that people faced in the wake of the 1993 IRA bombings. Moreover, this song was originally meant to be a bit of a tribute for those who were taken. The lyrics of the original song are moving in their own right, but I am not sure how relatable they are to those of us who don't really understand the motivations of the IRA. Now Bad Wolves comes in and reworked the lyrics. The band makes references to "2018" and "drones" among other things. The incredible strength and power this song has come from the idea that more and more people can relate to the track. Bad Wolves not only modernized some of the lyrics, but they also made this legendary song a universally understood story.

This cover was a bold move on the part of Bad Wolves considering that Dolores O'Riordan was listening and following the progress of the band. And she was slated to sing with the group. Not only providing a verse but actually singing and recording the track again. And her voice would have matched up to well to Tommy Vext's. She has a higher pitched but soaring and projecting voice. Her singing is unmistakable for a reason, and she was about to bring that reason to the radio. Beautifully and graciously done, Bad Wolves has donated all their proceeds to charities. This song reflects everything we loved and appreciated about the original version. This is a wonderful evolution of the track and I am so o=impressed by the magnificent performance we got from the rock bad. How often do we saw that? It is so humbling and moving to be able to see this all happen and somehow tell themselves that they will be okay. This song is for you and this is all  thoughts for the universe.

For today's instrumental track,  I wanted to post the original sound by The Cranberries. I mean this song is so well known, an apparent classic, and a phenomenal legend of a song. There is so much pain and love thrown into this version as well as Bad Wolves' version. This version is a little less heavy than the first song, but equally as well done. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment!



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