SINÉAD O'CONNOR / The Lion and the Cobra (1987)

Years before a media shit-storm (involving a torn photograph) thrust Sinéad into people's homes, her début album, released when she was just twenty-years-old, established her as a formidable force in the minds of people who were there for the music. Right from the get-go it attempts something greater than simple Pop/Rock songs, and, although oft-times hidden in the lyrical composition, a heartfelt honesty is nestled in each and every track. But it's her remarkable voice that gives them real power. Whether being soft and airy or tragic and yearning, it's the element that binds the shifting moods together and prevents them from fighting each other. Some of the music may sound dated today, but the conviction that drives them is something that won't ever be diminished by time.

Songs of Note: Jackie; Troy

5 ghostly tears out of 5

SINÉAD O'CONNOR / Throw Down Your Arms (2005)

It may seem odd that a pasty-white Irish girl recorded an album of Reggae covers, but when you consider it's Sinéad O'Connor it begins to make a sliver of sense, because songs of freedom from oppression aren't new for her.
Featuring tracks originally recorded by Burning Spear, The Abyssinians, Peter Tosh, and Bob Marley and The Wailers, among others, it's a slickly produced album that's genuine Reggae at heart, not watered-down Pop versions of Reggae.
Overall, it's a mostly successful endeavour that recognises that Jah or God, Kingston or Dublin, here or there or anywhere, is all the same in a relative way.

Songs of Note: Vampire; Y Mas Gan

4 dreadless wonderlands out of 5

SINÉAD O'CONNOR / How About I Be Me (and You Be You) (2012)

There's always been a duality of strength and vulnerability in Sinéad's work. It's still apparent here, but there's a lot of beauty, too, even when she's being her bat-shit crazy, angry, bipolar self. If you ignore the awful lyrics and religious ranting and instead let the music wash over you, then it's an oddly uplifting experience; it sounds almost hopeful. The melodies are back on equal footing with her voice, and when the quiet, reflective moments transition into powerful, emotion-filled Pop songs, it's clear that she's perhaps delivered her best original album in years.

Songs of Note: Take Off Your Shoes; The Wolf is Getting Married

4 sips of piss and coffee out of 5