Chicago Sun
June 11, 2000

Sinead O'Connor
"Faith and Courage"

Like Prince, an artist she famously covered, Irish singer-songwriter
Sinead O'Connor has taken many confusing turns throughout her career, 
and her personal and professional lives have become increasingly hard 
to separate. Show tunes, lost custody battles, suicide attempts, hair, 
no hair, a return to her rock roots, an attempt to be ordained as a 
priest -- the most dedicated fan has had a hard time holding on during 
this wild ride. But through it all, O'Connor has continued to produce 
music of startling beauty. Her seventh album is no exception.

Newly signed to Atlantic Records in an $ 8 million deal (evidence that
someone still believes in her considerable talents), O'Connor teams up
with a procession of challenging producers, including Eurhythmics' Dave 
Stewart, former dub meister Adrian Sherwood, and U2 svengali Brian Eno. 
Stylistically, "Faith and Courage" is all over the map, from Celtic folk 
songs to reggae-tinged rock to a unique reading of the traditional "Kyrie 
Eleison." The constants: O'Connor's still-crystal-clear voice and a 
heart-wrenching honesty.

Like Kurt Cobain, another artist she admired, O'Connor is deeply divided
about many things in her life -- romance, religion, motherhood. But she
is willing to explore these topics in cathartic musical settings, and we 
all benefit from her stumbling journey. "I know that I have done many 
things/To give you reason not to listen to me," she sings in "The Lamb's 
Book of Life." "Especially as I have been so angry/But if you knew me, 
maybe you would understand me." "Faith and Courage" is a welcome 
opportunity to try.