The San Diego Union
June 15, 2000, Thursday

FAITH AND COURAGE 
SINEAD O'CONNOR

* * 1/2

The music world's official position of Intense Doe-Eyed Irish Madcap
has been emphatically filled since Sinead O'Connor keened her way onto
the scene in 1988 with "The Lion and the Cobra."

But she's more than a singer: Last year O'Connor was ordained the first
female priest in the Catholic splinter group known as the Latin Tridentine
Church. And "Faith and Courage" isn't the only thing that just came out: 
O'Connor recently declared herself to be a lesbian.

Musically, O'Connor's niche has always been the personal, confessional
song, and her fans won't be disappointed on this album. Autobiographical
songs abound, sculpted with fervent techno string and drum arrangements.

"The Lamb's Book of Life" is O'Connor's most honest musical narration
of her history and intentions: I know that I have done many things / To
give you reason not to listen to me / Especially as I have been so angry 
/ But if you knew me maybe you would understand me. The backup sound of 
automatic gunfire braided with Irish flute is an effective innovation.

The CD sleeve contains a few transcendently poetic lyrics. Although no
annoyance compares 2 the oft-used lowercase u.