Sinéad O'Connor’s best songs that aren't Nothing Compares 2 U

Virgin Radio

27 Jul 2023, 14:32

Sinéad O'Connor’s best-known song is undoubtedly Nothing Compares 2 U, but what were her other classic tunes?

Whilst Nothing Compares 2 U, written by Prince, was an iconic, global smash hit, O’Connor’s acclaimed discography features plenty of other gems. Here are just a few of the best of them.

Mandinka

The artist’s second single was lifted from her debut album, The Lion and the Cobra, and reached number 17 on the UK Singles Chart.

Her performance of it live on Late Night with David Letterman marked her US television debut, and she would go on to perform it at the 1989 Grammy awards. 

The Emperor’s New Clothes

Whilst Nothing Compares 2 U was the big single from the artist’s second album, I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got, the album featured some other great singles, including The Emperor’s New Clothes.

"I will live by my own policies, I will sleep with a clear conscience," she sings.

The song features The Smiths’ legendary bassist Andy Rourke, who sadly died earlier this year, and O’Connor’s first husband John Reynolds on drums.

All Apologies

Featuring as the seventh track on O'Conner’s 1994 album, Universal Mother, this was her haunting take on a classic Nirvana song. 

Written by vocalist and guitarist, Kurt Cobain, it first appeared on the grunge band's third and final studio album, In Utero.

I Want Your (Hands On Me)

Perhaps O’Connor at her funkiest, I Want Your (Hands on Me) was the third single to be lifted from The Lion and the Cobra. 

It was featured in the 1988 horror film, A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master and also TV show Miami Vice.

Success Has Made a Failure of Our Home

Originally penned simply as Success by Johnny Mullins, and recorded by American country artist Loretta Lynn, O’Connor put her own stamp on the song and released it as the lead single from her third album, Am I Not Your Girl?, in 1992.

The stunning accompanying video sees the artist using sign language.

Success Has Made a Failure of Our Home was a top 20 hit in the UK.

Thank You for Hearing Me

Taken from 1994’s Universal Mother, the song is based on the artist’s breakup with Peter Gabriel.

“Thank you for breaking my heart,” she sings.

It was a top 20 hit in the UK.

The tragic death of the Irish artist was announced last night (26th July) by her family. The statement said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sinéad. Her family and friends are devastated and have requested privacy at this very difficult time."

Following the sad news, famous names from the music and entertainment world have taken to social media to share their thoughts and stories.