Sinéad O’Connor, an influential Irish singer-songwriter, was born on December 8, 1966, in Dublin, Ireland, and sadly passed away on July 26, 2023. She began her music career in the mid-1980s and quickly gained recognition with her debut album, The Lion and the Cobra, released in 1987. O’Connor was known for her powerful voice and intense emotive delivery, blending elements of pop, rock, and folk while frequently addressing social, political, and religious themes.
Her global fame was cemented with the 1990 release of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” a cover of a Prince song that topped charts worldwide, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. This song was part of her critically acclaimed album, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, which also achieved significant commercial success and went platinum in several regions. Throughout her career, O’Connor released ten studio albums, one live album, and four compilation albums.
O’Connor’s music and actions often sparked controversy, particularly her outspoken views on the Catholic Church and other social issues. Despite this, she received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Performance. O’Connor’s artistic legacy is marked by her willingness to express her beliefs and challenge societal norms, making her a significant figure in the music industry until her death in 2023.
STUDIO ALBUMS
The Lion and the Cobra
Released: 1987
Sinéad O’Connor’s debut studio album, The Lion and the Cobra, was first released in 1987, making a strong impact with its intense emotional energy and distinctive blend of rock, pop, and Celtic influences. The album showcases O’Connor’s powerful vocals and her unique approach to songwriting and production.
The album was produced by Sinéad O’Connor and Kevin Mooney and recorded at Oasis Studios in London between April and August 1987. It features musicians such as Marco Pirroni on guitars and John Reynolds on drums. The Lion and the Cobra peaked at number 36 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a successful beginning to O’Connor’s career.
CD Track Listings:
“Jackie” – 2:28
“Mandinka” – 3:46
“Jerusalem” – 4:17
“Just Like U Said It Would B” – 4:28
“Never Get Old” – 4:37
“Troy” – 6:34
“I Want Your (Hands on Me)” – 4:37
“Drink Before the War” – 5:24
“Just Call Me Joe” – 5:51
I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got
Released: 1990
Sinéad O’Connor’s second studio album, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, is widely regarded as her most successful release, both critically and commercially. This album features a mix of powerful ballads and emotive tracks, showcasing O’Connor’s dynamic vocal range. The album’s most famous single, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” propelled her to international stardom. It was produced by Sinéad O’Connor and Nellee Hooper and recorded at several locations including SARM West Studios in London. The album reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart and earned several awards, including a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Performance. It features contributions from Marco Pirroni on guitar and John Reynolds on drums.
CD Track Listings:
“Feel So Different” – 6:47
“I Am Stretched on Your Grave” – 5:33
“Three Babies” – 4:47
“The Emperor’s New Clothes” – 5:16
“Black Boys on Mopeds” – 3:53
“Nothing Compares 2 U” – 5:10
“Jump in the River” – 4:11
“You Cause as Much Sorrow” – 5:05
“The Last Day of Our Acquaintance” – 4:40
“I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got” – 5:47
Am I Not Your Girl?
Released: 1992
Am I Not Your Girl? is Sinéad O’Connor’s third studio album, where she explores classic standards and jazz hits, showcasing her versatility as a vocalist. This album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement O’Connor’s expressive singing style. It was produced by Phil Ramone and recorded at Capitol Studios in Hollywood. The album includes classic songs from composers like George Gershwin and Cole Porter. O’Connor’s interpretation of these timeless tracks brings a new dimension to her discography.
CD Track Listings:
“Why Don’t You Do Right?” – 2:31
“Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” – 6:15
“Secret Love” – 2:56
“Black Coffee” – 3:18
“Success Has Made a Failure of Our Home” – 4:29
“Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” – 5:38
“I Want to Be Loved by You” – 2:47
“Gloomy Sunday” – 3:55
“Love Letters” – 3:09
“How Insensitive” – 3:28
“I’m Not a Berliner” – 1:29
“Scarlet Ribbons” – 4:11
Universal Mother
Released: 1994
Universal Mother, Sinéad O’Connor’s fourth studio album, delves into personal and political themes, showcasing her emotional depth and vocal prowess. This album includes the poignant track “Fire on Babylon,” which reflects her intense personal struggles and advocacy for social issues. It was produced by Sinéad O’Connor and John Reynolds, and recorded at Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin. The album, featuring a mix of rock, folk, and avant-garde elements, highlights her continued evolution as an artist.
CD Track Listings:
“Germaine” – 0:38
“Fire on Babylon” – 5:10
“John I Love You” – 5:50
“My Darling Child” – 3:09
“Am I a Human?” – 0:22
“Red Football” – 2:48
“All Apologies” – 2:37
“A Perfect Indian” – 4:21
“Scorn Not His Simplicity” – 4:26
“All Babies” – 4:28
“In This Heart” – 3:11
“Tiny Grief Song” – 1:55
“Famine” – 4:56
“Thank You for Hearing Me” – 6:24
Faith and Courage
Released: 2000
Faith and Courage is the fifth studio album by Sinéad O’Connor, marking her return to music after a brief hiatus. The album explores themes of spirituality and personal growth, featuring a blend of pop, rock, and world music influences. Produced by several high-profile producers, including Wyclef Jean and David A. Stewart, this album was recorded in several studios across London and Dublin. It includes collaborations with notable artists like Dave Stewart on guitar.
CD Track Listings:
“The Healing Room” – 5:34
“No Man’s Woman” – 3:00
“Jealous” – 4:18
“Dancing Lessons” – 4:15
“Daddy I’m Fine” – 2:58
“Til I Whisper U Something” – 6:08
“Hold Back the Night” – 4:11
“What Doesn’t Belong to Me” – 5:24
“The State I’m In” – 4:10
“The Lamb’s Book of Life” – 4:56
“If U Ever” – 4:24
“Emma’s Song” – 3:23
“Kyrie Eleison” – 2:45
Sean-Nós Nua
Released: 2002
Sean-Nós Nua is a unique entry in Sinéad O’Connor’s discography, focusing on traditional Irish songs reinterpreted through her distinctive vocal style. This album was produced by Alan Branch, Sinéad O’Connor, and Donal Lunny, emphasizing traditional Irish instrumentation and arrangements. Recorded at Westland Studios and Totally Wired in Dublin, this album reflects her deep connection to her Irish roots.
CD Track Listings:
“Peggy Gordon” – 5:37
“Her Mantle So Green” – 5:36
“Lord Franklin” – 3:18
“The Singing Bird” – 4:29
“Óró, Sé Do Bheatha ‘Bhaile” – 3:15
“Molly Malone” – 3:27
“Paddy’s Lament” – 5:30
“The Moorlough Shore” – 5:44
“The Parting Glass” – 4:32
“Báidín Fheilimí” – 3:24
“My Lagan Love” – 4:01
“Lord Baker” – 12:41
“I’ll Tell Me Ma” – 2:36
Throw Down Your Arms
Released: 2005
Throw Down Your Arms is Sinéad O’Connor’s reggae-influenced album, featuring covers of classic roots reggae songs. This project reflects her deep appreciation for Rastafarian culture and reggae music. The album was produced by Sly & Robbie and recorded at the legendary Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, Jamaica. O’Connor’s interpretations bring a fresh perspective to these reggae classics.
CD Track Listings:
“Jah Nuh Dead” – 3:33
“Marcus Garvey” – 3:27
“Door Peep” – 3:10
“He Prayed” – 3:23
“Y Mas Gan” – 3:36
“Curly Locks” – 4:19
“Vampire” – 4:19
“Prophet Has Arise” – 3:10
“Downpressor Man” – 5:08
“Throw Down Your Arms” – 4:12
“Untold Stories” – 3:39
“War” – 4:04
Theology
Released: 2007
Theology is a double album by Sinéad O’Connor that explores spiritual and biblical themes. This deeply personal project was inspired by her spiritual journey and reflections on global conflicts. The album consists of two discs: one recorded in Dublin with a full band, the other a more intimate, acoustic session in London. Produced by Ron Tom and Sinéad O’Connor, Theology offers meditative interpretations of biblical texts and original compositions.
CD Track Listings:
Disc 1: Dublin Sessions
“Something Beautiful” – 5:29
“We People Who Are Darker Than Blue” – 3:58
“Out of the Depths” – 4:29
“33” – 3:33
“Dark I Am Yet Lovely” – 3:52
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” – 4:12
“Rivers of Babylon” – 2:22
“If You Had a Vineyard” – 6:30
“Watcher of Men” – 3:18
“Hosanna Filio David” – 2:20
Disc 2: London Sessions
“Something Beautiful” – 5:29
“We People Who Are Darker Than Blue” – 3:58
“Out of the Depths” – 4:29
“33” – 3:33
“Dark I Am Yet Lovely” – 3:52
“I Don’t Know How to Love Him” – 4:12
“Rivers of Babylon” – 2:22
“If You Had a Vineyard” – 6:30
“Watcher of Men” – 3:18
“Hosanna Filio David” – 2:20
How About I Be Me (and You Be You)?
Released: 2012
How About I Be Me (and You Be You)? showcases Sinéad O’Connor’s return to more conventional pop and rock structures, while still infused with her characteristic emotional intensity and vocal power. The album addresses themes of love, loss, and redemption. It was produced by John Reynolds and recorded at several studios, including Westland Studios in Dublin.
CD Track Listings:
“4th and Vine” – 3:58
“Reason with Me” – 4:01
“Old Lady” – 3:42
“Take Off Your Shoes” – 5:26
“Back Where You Belong” – 4:15
“The Wolf is Getting Married” – 4:22
“Queen of Denmark” – 4:36
“Very Far from Home” – 3:53
“I Had a Baby” – 4:10
“V.I.P.” – 6:34
I’m Not Bossy, I’m the Boss
Released: 2014
I’m Not Bossy, I’m the Boss features Sinéad O’Connor delving into themes of femininity, power, and relationships. This album includes a mix of rock, pop, and folk elements, with O’Connor’s lyrical depth and strong vocals taking center stage. The album was produced by John Reynolds and recorded in Dublin, demonstrating her continued relevance and innovation in music.
Emily Fagan grew up in the town of Burford in Oxfordshire, England. She was raised on Progressive Rock music. She is currently writing a book on the history of Charles The Great and the impact of the Carolingian Renaissance.