Moby named the album after the number of tracks that he put on it , and his fondness towards the idea of the title being easily translated and known as something different in other countries . He pointed out that there are some " really esoteric reasons " for the title , but did not mention them . On his website , Moby hinted that those who had visited Israel and are familiar with conspiracy theories regarding extra-terrestrials may spot its significance . He said that '' Play '' and '' 18 '' were structured around the same motivation : " The desire to make compassionate records that meet a need in someone else 's life . " By the time of the September 11 attacks in New York City , the album was almost recorded and finished . Following the incident , Moby made alterations to " Sleep Alone " as he found some of its lyrics " too prescient " ; the line " Pieces of fire touch your hair " became " Pieces of light " . Moby had written " Harbour " in 1984 , at nineteen years of age ; Sinead O'Connor was surprised upon learning this , as she initially thought the song related to pre - and post-September 11 events . O'Connor was too afraid to fly to New York City to record her vocals at the time , so she used a studio in London
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
18 (Moby album)