3 Albums That Embody Sinéad O’Connor’s Uncompromising Spirit

Acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor died on July 26, 2023, at the age of 56. Known for her dynamic voice, arresting presence, and passionate activism, O’Connor’s impactful career included everything from chart-topping albums to a best-selling memoir published in 2021. 

Born in Dublin in 1966, O’Connor experienced a difficult upbringing and was sent away to a Magdalene asylum when she was 14 years old. The 18 months O’Connor spent there were incredibly traumatic, but her stay also led to her first big break. A teacher asked her to sing at a wedding and her performance caught the attention of the teacher’s brother who drummed for the band In Tua Nua. This chance encounter led to O’Connor contributing lyrics to their song “Take My Hand” and In Tua Nua soon found themselves climbing the Irish charts. 

After being sent away to a boarding school 150 miles south of Dublin, O’Connor plotted her escape, made her way back to the city, and began performing in local pubs. Label executives were not impressed with the band she was fronting, but they quickly recognized her talent as a singer and performer. After sharing some solo recordings, Ensign offered O’Connor a record deal and sent her a plane ticket so she could relocate to London. While processing the loss of her mother and the ups and downs of a tumultuous love affair, O’Connor collaborated with U2’s The Edge and prepared to record her debut album. 

The Lion And The Cobra was released in 1987 and received critical acclaim. In 1990, O’Connor released her second studio album, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, and became an international sensation. The album’s biggest single, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” was a worldwide hit. Originally written by Prince, O’Connor’s version was a completely new arrangement with a power and balladry all her own. 

After the monumental success of I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, O’Connor continued to release music, perform, and use her platform to speak out against injustice in the music industry and beyond. In 2021, O’Connor converted to Islam and changed her name to Shuhada’ Sadaqat, but continued to use the name Sinéad O’Connor for her professional endeavors. Whether you’re a first-time listener or a long-time fan, the albums below perfectly encapsulate the passion, intensity, and immense talent of Sinéad O’Connor.

Universal Mother (1994)