Count Five: Sinead O'Connor's Top Heartbreaking Songs

Sinead O'Connor's heart-wrenching version of Prince's 'Nothing Compares 2 U' deservedly made the list of Spinner's 25 saddest songs ever. But it doesn't even rate a mention in O'Connor's own melancholy hit parade. The Irish singer-songwriter, who returned to the States in mid-September for another round of touring behind her double disc, 'Theology,' tells Spinner there are a diverse group of songs that can move her to tears, including one by her opening act on this tour, fellow Emerald Isle troubadour Damien Dempsey.

1. 'Fool for You,' Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions: My favorite track, really, if I had to pick one. I just think [it] is outrageously brilliant. Everything about it, the drummer in particular, the drums are louder than the vocal, which I like when that happens. But the lyrics and everything about the track is completely perfect.

2. 'The Streets of London,' Ralph McTell: There are a couple of songs that I can't sing ever, 'cause if I did I'd just crack up. One of them is the 'Streets of London.' It's a really beautiful song, kind of about homelessness, and the melody and everything is gorgeous.

3. 'House of the Rising Sun,' The Animals: Another song that f***ing kills me. I think that's an incredible song.

4. 'Spanish Harlem,' Ben E. King: Sometimes I can't even say the title of that song without bursting into tears if I tell someone about it, 'cause it's just such a beautiful song.

5. 'Factories, Trains and Houses,' Damien Dempsey: He's the best singer I've ever heard in my life and also one of the best songwriters. And [it's] one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. He can't even sing it live. It's beautiful but very sad; he won't even sing it live 'cause he starts crying.