Sinéad O’Connor has had a career full of highs and lows, but one thing remains indisputable: her talent as a songwriter and singer is world-class. She has enriched pop music with a wide range of emotions and themes. So, what are her most memorable songs? Let’s take a look!
10. The Emperor’s New Clothes
From the album “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got,” “The Emperor’s New Clothes” is a track where O’Connor critiques society and her own fame. The song features a groovy melody that contrasts with its serious message, perfectly capturing the complexity of O’Connor as an artist.
9. This Is a Rebel Song
This song showcases O’Connor in a political mood, this time focusing on the Irish conflict. “This Is a Rebel Song” is a heart-wrenching melody that masterfully combines emotion and politics in a way that only Sinéad can.
8. Black Boys on Mopeds
This is one of O’Connor’s most outspoken political songs. She takes a clear stance against the injustice faced by Black boys in the United Kingdom and beyond. The song is both sensitive and powerful, revealing a side of O’Connor that isn’t recognized often enough.
7. You Made Me the Thief of Your Heart
The influences of traditional Irish music are evident in “You Made Me the Thief of Your Heart.” The blend of modern electronic sounds and old-world melodies makes this a must-listen for any O’Connor fan and adds a new dimension to her versatility as an artist.
6. Last Day of Our Acquaintance
This ballad about the end of a relationship is one of the most poignant tracks in O’Connor’s catalog. It leaves the listener with a feeling of nostalgia and melancholy while simultaneously evoking a sense of empowerment.
5. Troy
“Troy” is perhaps one of O’Connor’s most intense songs. With her powerful voice and emotional performance, this song renders you speechless and elicits strong emotions.
4. Drink Before the War
Featured on her debut album “The Lion and the Cobra,” this song is a testament to the early Sinéad. It epitomizes her ability to encapsulate social criticism and personal vulnerability in a single track.
3. Mandinka
With its almost playful melody, this song showcases O’Connor at her most confident. “Mandinka” became a hit and displayed her versatility as an artist, from a fighter to a lover and everything in between.
2. All Apologies
Sinéad O’Connor’s rendition of this Nirvana original offers a completely new perspective on Kurt Cobain’s words. She makes the song her own with her unique vocal style and emotional depth.
1. Nothing Compares 2 U
This is the song that made O’Connor a global sensation. Written by Prince but unmistakably made iconic by Sinéad, “Nothing Compares 2 U” is one of the most iconic songs of the ’90s. Its emotional weight, coupled with the stunning video featuring a close-up of O’Connor’s face, renders this song timeless.
