"Three Babies" is a song by Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor, released as the third single from her second studio album, I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got (1990), in October 1990. Written and produced by O'Connor, the single was issued by Ensign and Chrysalis Records. A moderate success in Europe, it peaked at number 13 in Italy, number 19 in Ireland, and number 22 in Switzerland. In the UK, it reached number 42. A music video was also produced to promote the single.
"Three Babies" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ||||
Single by Sinéad O'Connor | ||||
from the album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got | ||||
B-side |
| |||
Released | 8 October 1990 (1990-10-08)[1] | |||
Length | 4:46 | |||
Label |
| |||
Songwriter(s) | Sinéad O'Connor | |||
Producer(s) | Sinéad O'Connor | |||
Sinéad O'Connor singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"Three Babies" on YouTube | ||||
The Daily Vault's Michael R. Smith described the song as a "somewhat dull, slow and creaky number".[2] Scottish newspaper Dundee Courier picked it as one of the "highlights" from the album.[3] Duncan Holland from Music Week commented, "No national anthems, no Prince and no chance? A ballad, with strings attached, gives no doubt about the sincerity involved, but fails to make that vital step from being a good LP track to a valid single."[4] A reviewer from Music & Media called it a "compelling" and "haunting" tune.[5]
Another editor viewed it as a "soft and quiet, fragile song from this great singer."[6] Pop Rescue wrote that it gives O'Connor "another place to show off her wonderfully soft vocals and harmonies." They added, "At times her vocals remind me a bit of Enya, and this aided by the wash of strings that swell throughout".[7] Irish newspaper Sunday Independent noted that "emotions tumble" from songs such as "Three Babies".[8] Sunday Tribune's reviewer said it is "compelling",[9] remarking its "softness".[10]
Chart (1990) | Peak position |
---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[11] | 108 |
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[12] | 35 |
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[13] | 93 |
Ireland (IRMA)[14] | 19 |
Italy (Musica e dischi)[15] | 13 |
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)[16] | 2 |
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[17] | 29 |
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[18] | 22 |
UK Singles (OCC)[19] | 42 |