St. Louis
2 July 2000

"Faith and Courage" ; Atlantic Records

Arguably the original angry grrrl singer, the
enigmatic Irish songstress Sinead O'Connor could teach
Alanis and Courtney a thing or two about stirring up
the pot. And she has a singing voice that beats out
most of the diva wannabes.

On "Faith and Courage," her debut on Atlantic and
first full-length album since 1994's "Universal
Mother," O'Connor sounds both penitent for past
missteps and defiantly self-aware and focused. A rich
smorgasbord of modern music is brought into play,
utilizing a varied list of producers.

Defiantly independent, O'Connor is "No Man's Woman,"
yet she desires mutual respect and understanding in
"Daddy, I'm Fine" and "The Lamb's Book of Life."
Although she is profoundly spiritual, little of
O'Connor's appreciation of the religious, regular
mentions of the goddess and dedication to
Rastafarianism conforms to traditional forms or
creeds. She is a spirited person who's found peace in
"The Healing Room" and is eager to share the learnings
of her spiritual "Dancing Lessons."

Few modern pop offerings are as rich with ideas and
emotions as O'Connor's "Faith and Courage," which
delivers as advertised. A pleasing number of ballads,
pop-rock hooks, and the occasional hard rocking rant
are held together in creative tension, focused and
fueled by O'Connor's sweetly voiced songs of
conviction. It's eclectic, post-modern soul music from
a self-described "strong independent pagan woman."