The Buffalo News   
July 7

Sinead O'Connor Faith and Courage (Atlantic) 

Maybe the freak show is over for Sinead O'Connor.
Sure, she's still in the headlines for her views on
sexuality, religion and her sometimes goofy
rebellious attitude. But when it comes to music,
O'Connor, on her first full-length album in nearly six
years, is serious once more. 

"Faith and Courage" is a pure delight, a CD filled
with spirit and heart, not to mention O'Connor's
shimmering vocals. Throughout this album, she displays
a soft vulnerability to go with some deep soul
searching. "I know I have done many things/To give you
reason not to listen to me," she sings in an almost
prayer-like reverence on "The Lamb's Book of Life."
Seldom has a contemporary singer brought forth such an
intense confessional. "Hold Back the
Night" is a soothing, hypnotic track about loneliness.
"Emma's Song" is a heart-felt lullaby and tribute that
is one of the most moving songs of O'Connor's
career. It builds into a symphony of mournful emotions
that sweeps a listener away. "No Man's Woman" is a
Beatlesque pop number that captivates.
More than anything else, though, the CD is about
spiritual awakening. "Kyrie Eleison" is a wondrous
track filled with a gentle grace and beauty, and also
a touch of reggae. 
  
Among those appearing with O'Connor are Wyclef Jean,
Dave Stewart and Kevin Briggs. John Reynolds'
production complements O'Connor's voice
and enhances her sound. O'Connor, however, is the
center of this masterwork and with it she has
reclaimed all that potential that seemed lost. 
- Anthony Violanti