Universal Mother

by

Sinéad O'Connor

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By the time "Univeral Mother" came out, Sinead had become high on my list of favorite female artists - solely because of "Lion and the Cobra" and "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got". Being objective, this CD has some beautiful arrangements, but only about half of the songs really grabbed me, but when they grabbed me, they REALLY grabbed me. I enjoyed "Red Football" because of its message and I love how the song ends on a very angry, retaliatory way. I also was touched by "Scorn Not His Simplicity", which is a beautifully touching song about a mother whose child is 'not like all the others' and deals powerfully with a mother's feelings of 'what did I do wrong to deserve this' and 'why was my child born this way'. It is just an incredibly powerful song and very well written. I was surprised how much I loved "All Apologies" and I honestly think I like her version better than Kurt Cobain's, but I do like Kurt's as well.

But, my all-time favorite Sinead song is "Perfect Indian". This is one of those songs that if it was possible to wear out a CD from playing a song too much, it would be this one. Since I dabble a little on the piano, I was very much pulled in by the music. I have to say it is one of the most perfectly beautiful piano pieces I have ever heard in my life! And, Sinead's very moving vocals make this song a beautiful gem. I would have gladly paid $15 just for this one song, but I was glad I did like a few more. I have never known any artist to put so much intensity into her songs, whether it's angst or understated, she commands her songs and pulls the listener into her world of lyrics and you come away feeling like you just had a very deep conversation with a very close friend.

I admit I didn't get this until last year, but am glad I have it now. I won't say it's as excellent as "I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got" or "Faith And Courage", but it's up there. "Fire On Babylon" is very strong, and "John, I Love You" is very good also. Many of the songs are fairly soft and quiet, though she excells at those as well. "All Apologies" is even more gentle than the Nirvana original, and "Scorn Not His Simplicity" is mellow and moving too. As with all her albums, as wonderful as the music is, it's still her voice that takes center stage. She truly can belt it out better than most. Overall I may send a newcomer elsewhere, but any real fan should own "Universal Mother".