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The J Files: Sinéad O'Connor

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A black and white portrait illustration of Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor
Sinéad O'Connor(Katherine Brickman)

These days, we know Sinéad O'Connor as one of Ireland's most successful and outspoken musicians. But, 33 years ago, her debut album The Lion and The Cobra hit us like a slap in the face.

From the opening line of 'Jackie', the album's opener, she asserted herself as a voice worth listening to. Across its nine tracks we learned that she had a lot to say, and a hell of a way of saying it.

It was the ultimate introduction to an artist who would continue to defy pop music convention in thrilling and shocking ways, and who continues to do so.

Why Sineád O'Connor's debut album was a powerful missive for Irish women

As we spend the month dissecting some ground-breaking debut albums, it makes sense to start with the Irish singer's formidable 1987 effort, and the amazing music that came later in her career.

Join Caz Tran for the Sinéad O'Connor J Files, Thursday 3 September from 8pm on Double J

Tracklist

  • Mandinka

    Sinéad O'Connor

    The Lion And The Cobra

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  • Jackie

    Sinéad O'Connor

    The Lion And The Cobra

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  • Heroine

    The Edge & Sinead O'Connor

    Captive

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  • Jerusalem

    Sinéad O'Connor

    The Lion And The Cobra

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  • Troy

    Sinead O'Connor

    The Lion And The Cobra

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  • Drink Before The War

    Sinéad O'Connor

    The Lion And The Cobra

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  • Never Get Old

    Sinéad O'Connor

    The Lion And The Cobra

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  • I Want Your (Hands On Me)

    Sinead O'Connor

    The Lion And The Cobra

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  • Just Call Me Joe

    Sinéad O'Connor

    The Lion And The Cobra

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  • Success Has Made A Failure Of Our Home

    Sinéad O'Connor

    Am I Not Your Girl?

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  • The Emperor's New Clothes

    Sinead O'Connor

    I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got

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  • Nothing Compares 2 U

    Sinead O'Connor

    I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got

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  • Fire On Babylon

    Sinéad O'Connor

    Universal Mother

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  • Three Babies

    Sinéad O'Connor

    I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got

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  • The Last Day Of Our Acquaintance

    Sinéad O'Connor

    I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got

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  • No Man's Woman

    Sinead O'Connor

    Faith & Courage

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  • Daddy I'm Fine

    Sinead O'Connor

    Faith And Courage

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  • 4th & Vine

    Sinéad O'Connor

    How About I Be Me (And You Be You)¿

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  • Take Me To Church

    Sinead O'Connor

    I'm Not Bossy, I'm The Boss

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  • Just Like U Said It Would B

    Sinéad O'Connor

    The Lion And The Cobra

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  • The Min Min Lights

    Custard

    Respect All Lifeforms

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Credits

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