456 – The Cranberries – Linger (1993)
Written by Dolores O’Riordan and Noel Hogan
Produced by Stephen Street
Label – Island

This slow burning mix of dream pop, folk and country took a long time to worm into our heads, but O’Riordon’s ode to lost love and Stephen Street’s swirling string arrangement made for one of the most beautifully delicate singles of the decade. Intoxicating backing vocals that weave into the melody and the simple, but effective strumming only add to the gentle mix, and with an astute promo video that hails Jean Luc Goddard’s “Alphaville” adding intrigue and a sense of darkness to the lonely musical backdrop.

“Linger”