When Sinéad O'Connor released her debut album, The Lion and the Cobra, in 1987 she introduced a voice both commanding and intimate.
The record combined bold songwriting with striking production, and several lesser-known stories behind its making have helped cement its legacy.
1. Recorded while expecting her first child
O'Connor was in the late stages of pregnancy during the album sessions. That personal moment lent a sense of urgency and emotional depth to the performances.
2. A title drawn from scripture
The album’s name is taken from Psalm 91:13 — “You will tread upon the lion and the cobra.” The biblical image reflects the record’s intense and defiant tone.
3. Enya’s subtle contribution
Before she became a household name as a solo artist, Enya appears on the opening track, “Never Get Old,” reciting Psalm 91 in Irish. It’s a quiet, atmospheric touch that connects tradition with contemporary pop.
4. An iconic cover shot by a pop-culture artist
Photographer and former Haysi Fantayzee member Kate Garner created the striking album artwork. Her theatrical approach helped make O'Connor’s image as memorable as the music ...