The Lion and the Cobra cover

The Lion and the Cobra

Sinéad O'Connor · 1987

41 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock · folk rock · indie pop

A bold fusion of Celtic influences and alternative rock, driven by raw emotion and O'Connor's powerful vocals.

Why listen to this

Best for
steady pacing with climactic moments raw emotional expression throughout engaging storytelling through lyrics
Context
Released on November 4, 1987, 'The Lion and the Cobra' marked Sinéad O'Connor's debut album, introducing her distinctive voice and provocative themes to a global audience. At this point in her career, O'Connor was transitioning from the Dublin music scene to international recognition, setting the stage for her impactful yet controversial presence in the music industry.
If you like
alternative rock, folk rock, indie pop
What next
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got — Continues the emotional intensity with a more polished sound and deeper themes.

The Lion and the Cobra is an album by Sinéad O'Connor, released in 1987. A bold fusion of Celtic influences and alternative rock, driven by raw emotion and O'Connor's powerful vocals. 'The Lion and the Cobra' received critical acclaim, reaching No. 1 on the Irish Albums Chart and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. The album's bold exploration of personal and political themes resonated widely, influencing many artists in the alternative rock and feminist movements that followed. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Lion and the Cobra sound like?

A bold fusion of Celtic influences and alternative rock, driven by raw emotion and O'Connor's powerful vocals. Rooted in alternative rock and folk rock.

What makes The Lion and the Cobra by Sinéad O'Connor notable?

'The Lion and the Cobra' received critical acclaim, reaching No. 1 on the Irish Albums Chart and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. The album's bold exploration of personal and political themes resonated widely, influencing many artists in the alternative rock and feminist movements that followed. Released on November 4, 1987, 'The Lion and the Cobra' marked Sinéad O'Connor's debut album, introducing her distinctive voice and provocative themes to a global audience. At this point in her career, O'Connor was transitioning from the Dublin music scene to international recognition, setting the stage for her impactful yet controversial presence in the music industry.

Who is The Lion and the Cobra for?

The Lion and the Cobra works well if you're into steady pacing with climactic moments, raw emotional expression throughout and engaging storytelling through lyrics.

How many songs are on The Lion and the Cobra?

The Lion and the Cobra has 9 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Tracklist

9 tracks·41:57

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Jackie Standout 2:28
  • 2 Mandinka Standout 3:46
  • 3 Jerusalem 4:17
  • 4 Just Like U Said It Would B 4:28
  • 5 Never Get Old 4:35
  • 6 Troy Standout 6:30
  • 7 I Want Your (Hands on Me) 4:38
  • 8 Drink Before the War 5:21
  • 9 Just Call Me Joe 5:51

Release Date

November 4, 1987

Artist Origin

Ireland

Runtime

41 min 57 sec