If, like me until yesterday, the only Sinéad O’Connor song you know is “Nothing Compares 2 U,” you need this starter pack as much as I did. (And, by the way, turns out “Nothing Compares 2 U” is Ms. O’Connor’s cover of a Prince song!) Start with one or the other but inhale them both: Apple Music’s Sinéad O’Connor Essentials Playlist and The New York Times’ August 3rd Popcast episode, “The Raw Art and Life of Sinéad O’Connor.” The former will have you floating in the gorgeous aquarium that is Sinéad O’Connor’s war-cry-of-a-voice and the at-times-orchestral/other-times-pop/rock/r&b productions that accompany her heart-piercing voice. The latter, under the tutelage of Honorary Professor Jon Caramanica with his expert guests Amanda Hess and Alfred Soto, will give you the 101 on the cultural significance of Ms. O’Connor’s wide-ranging work and her offbeat path to becoming a pop rock icon.
If you’re a Gen X-er, I know I’m preaching to the choir. If you’re a Millennial, you were just a kid or baby at the height of Ms. O’Connor’s fame, and it’s time to learn more about her beyond her shaved head and that time she tore up a picture of the pope on SNL. If you’re a Zennial or an Alpha, it’s been a treat to watch y’all revive the nineties threads—now it’s time to push farther and get to know the music that accompanied those plaid shirts over long-sleeved tees and wide leg jeans.
For many Sinéad O’Connor newbies like me, her death less than a month ago on July 26th, 2023 revived interest in her discography, and boy am I glad I got on that lane. You will be, too.
By Samara Gation
Culture This & That 
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