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

The Lion and the Cobra received critical acclaim upon its release, particularly for its unique blend of genres and O'Connor's evocative lyrics. It peaked at number 24 on the Billboard 200, establishing O'Connor as an influential figure in alternative rock and paving the way for future artists exploring similar themes. Released in 1987, The Lion and the Cobra was Sinéad O'Connor's debut album, introducing her powerful voice and distinct style to the music scene. Following a period of struggling with her identity and artistic vision, this album marked her emergence as a formidable artist in a male-dominated 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.

Released 39 years ago this November

The Lion and the Cobra

Sinéad O'Connor · 1987

41 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock

A fusion of raw emotion and haunting melodies that intertwines Celtic influences with alternative rock sensibilities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mandinka — This track showcases O'Connor's incredible vocal range and blends traditional Irish sounds with contemporary rock elements, making it an anthem of empowerment.
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Troy — An emotionally charged centerpiece of the album, this song features powerful imagery and a dramatic vocal performance that highlights O'Connor's artistry.
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Jerusalem — This track's bold assertion of identity and faith reflects O'Connor's personal struggles while delivering an unforgettable melody that resonates deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album combines strong songwriting with powerful vocal performances, creating a distinct sound that resonates well.

What we noticed

The opening track 'Jackie' features a slow build with layered vocals and strings, setting an emotional tone that persists throughout.
Several songs, such as 'Troy' and 'Drink Before the War', utilize sparse instrumentation that allows the lyrics to take center stage, enhancing their impact.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing with climactic moments
raw emotional expression throughout
engaging storytelling through lyrics
suitable for focused listening sessions

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer standalone hit tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This debut album established O'Connor's reputation and introduced her unique sound.
Moods: Aggressive· Introspective
Career context: Released in 1987, The Lion and the Cobra was Sinéad O'Connor's debut album, introducing her powerful voice and distinct style to the music scene. Following a period of struggling with her identity and artistic vision, this album marked her emergence as a formidable artist in a male-dominated industry.
Stylistic neighbors: Tori Amos· PJ Harvey· Kate Bush