Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on January 6, 2026
Irish-born, New Jersey–based roots artist Helen O’Shea will release her new single “Lost” on January 9, 2026, a deeply felt tribute to Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries, arriving ahead of the eighth anniversary of O’Riordan’s passing on January 15.
“Lost” is the latest release from O’Shea’s forthcoming album Songs In The Key Of O, due May 1, 2026, a 12-track collection honoring two of Ireland’s most influential voices: Sinéad O’Connor and Dolores O’Riordan. The project has already earned international praise, with Hot Press calling O’Shea’s work “a stunning tribute.”
The release follows O’Shea’s recent single “Caged Birds,” honoring Sinéad O’Connor and featuring Liam O’Maonlaí of Hothouse Flowers, which received extensive airplay and critical support, including two consecutive weeks on the RTÉ Radio 1 Recommends List.
Originally recorded by The Cranberries, “Lost” comes from O’Riordan’s final body of work and stands among O’Shea’s most personal selections. A fellow Limerick native, O’Shea traces her connection to O’Riordan back to her medical school days, when her brother introduced her to The Cranberries’ music. “Dolores was living the singing dream I longed for,” O’Shea reflects. “With a voice unlike any other, she showed what was possible.”
Produced by seven-time GRAMMY® winner Marc Swersky (Joe Cocker, Natalie Cole), O’Shea’s interpretation reframes “Lost” as an intimate internal dialogue rather than a traditional melodic performance. “I heard it as a troubled conversation,” Swersky explains. “In the studio, it felt like the spirit of Leonard Cohen entered the room.”
Songs In The Key Of O features an expansive roster of collaborators, including Nathan Bishop, Nicole Scorsone, Brielle Brown, Michelle Moore (E Street Choir), Fiona Tyndall, Lauren O’Shea, Liam O’Maonlaí, James Maddock, and The Carlile Family Band, with engineering by Jack Daley, mixing by Seth Von Paulus, and mastering by Leon Zervos.
A former obstetrician-gynecologist and medical educator, O’Shea’s journey into music came later in life, shaped by loss, transformation, and a lifelong calling to heal through song. Blending Americana and Celtic influences into what she calls “AmeriCeltiCana,” her work speaks to resilience, reinvention, and the power of music as restoration.
“Lost” will be available on all streaming platforms January 9, 2026, with Songs In The Key Of O arriving May 1, 2026.
