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Written by Jim Campbell Saturday, 26 November 2005 09:56

SINEAD O’CONNOR: THROW DOWN YOUR ARMS (Rocket Science) 

The first time I heard of Sinéad O’Connor was all the way back in 1988 when my friend Amy and I decided to participate in a music crossfire. We both had designs on expanding one another’s musical palate. She was the alterna-queen of the school and I was the angry hair-metal maven. I gave her White Lion’s Pride and she gave me O’Connor’s The Lion and the Cobra. Little did I know that I was going to be the one whose eyes—and ears—would be opened.

Seventeen years and a plethora of scandals later, I am still a proud soldier in O’Connor’s army of fans. On her latest disc, Throw Down Your Arms, O’Connor manages to take the listener on yet another spiritual journey. This time she harnesses all of her rage, love, and pain into a remarkable homage to some notable reggae legends.

On first listen, I was intrigued by the newfound peace in O’Connor’s voice. Gone were the jagged vocal attacks, replaced by extremely vulnerable tones and thoughtful melodies. O’Connor still manages to get across some strong opinions, but using a softer, more refined vocal will undoubtedly reel in skeptical listeners rather than alienate them.

Recording the tracks for this album at Tuff Gong and Anchor Studios in Kingston, Jamaica had a notable influence. Her ability to morph her strong voice into the breathy, sexy vocals on “Curly Locks” and “Prophet Has Arise” is remarkable. Both of these tracks are indicative that O’Connor has found a new religious path in her personal life. In her liner notes she even goes so far as to say that, “God and religion are two very different things”—Sinéad waxes philosophical.

Still, don’t think O’Connor has forgotten her roots. On the track “Downpressor Man,” she reminds us that her voice is as strong as ever by delivering one of the most stirring tracks on the album.

Seventeen years ago I was profoundly affected by Sinéad O’Connor’s stark vocals and intriguing stories—the same can be said today. Once again, I am entranced with her beautiful voice and choice of expression. Is O’Connor ending her self-imposed retirement? Only time will tell. One thing is for certain: With so much outrage and chaos in the world, we need artists like O’Connor to remind us that there is good in the world—damn, now she has me waxing philosophical.