The Houston Chronicle June 18, 2000 KEVIN O'HARE Faith and Courage Sinead O'Connor Call her Sinead the repentant. The undeniably talented but unfailingly irritating Irish songwriter is starting to make peace, if not with all her detractors, then at least with herself. On her first full new album since 1994 (she released an EP in 1997), O'Connor sounds refreshed and renewed, and though she's still plenty self-obsessed, she also makes amends for past failings. "I know that I have done many things/To give you reason not to listen to me/Especially as I have been so angry," she sings in one of this album's best songs, The Lamb's Book of Life. Against a wild mix of Celtic and reggae textures she adds, "Words can't express how sorry I am/If I ever caused pain to anybody/I just hope that you can show compassion/and love me enough to just please listen." Those who do listen will likely find plenty to like about that song and others, such as the equally autobiographical Daddy I'm Fine, in which O'Connor matches a pulsating rhythm and Dave Stewart's potent production with some decidedly secular lyrics about her rocky ride to stardom. Past controversies - like ripping up the pope's picture on national TV - aside, O'Connor still possesses one of the most gorgeous voices on the planet. That and this disc's far less strident tone might be enough to rekindle a her career. Grade: B